Strange chalices of visions indeed: gems, a wreath of victory, a castle and the like on one side, a dragon and a snake on the other. This card is about choices and expectations. In this case most expectations are based on wishful thinking and imagination, which is indicated by the fact that the chalices are placed up in the clouds. While imagination is a positive trait, basing real-life expectations solely on imagination opens one up to disappointment and loss, which is clearly portrayed by the snake and the dragon. Temptation is also a theme of this card: some choices that seem seductive in the short term are debilitating for our life in general. This card, being in the Cups suit, obviously points to foolish sexual behaviour as a prototype of wrong choices.
On the card
A dark figure, seen from behind and almost only as a silhouette, stands before seven cups floating in a bank of clouds. Each cup holds a different vision. In one there is a human head; in another a figure covered by a glowing veil; in others a snake, a castle on a rock, a heap of jewels, a laurel wreath and a dragon. The figure seems to raise a hand in surprise or wonder at the sight.
Because we see the figure only from behind and in shadow, it could be anyone, and so it could be us. The cups rest on clouds, not on solid ground, and that tells us what they are: dreams, fantasies and possibilities that have not yet become real. Some of the visions promise riches, success, love or a safe stronghold; others are clearly dangerous, like the snake and the dragon. The veiled, shining figure in the centre is the most mysterious of all, a hidden prize whose nature cannot be seen. The card shows how many paths the imagination can open, and how easy it is to be dazzled by them. The question is which of these cups, if any, can be brought down from the clouds and into the world.
Upright
Imagination, freedom of choice, high aspirations.
Reversed
Delusion, overestimating one's ability, seduction, wrong choices.