The Moon & 8 of Cups
The Moon & 8 of Cups
Analysis:
Both cards feature a similar dark sky.
A moon is present in each image, each containing a face where a crescent can also be seen within the larger circle. Lunar energy clearly has strong links to both cards.
There is rough, rocky, and windy terrain in each scene.
Journeying appears to be a theme in both cards. In the 8, our figure has their back turned and is moving forward with the aid of a walking stick. In The Moon, we see a path that extends through the center of the image, pointing to the idea of travel and reaching some far off destination.
Water is visible in both images. Water is also implied as Cups are associated with the water element and The Moon is ruled by Pisces, which is a water sign.
Speaking of Pisces, both cards are associated with this sign. The Moon is ruled by Pisces and the 8 of Cups occupies the first decan of Pisces. As well, Pisces rules the feet and each card depicts a path that could be walked.
The number 8 is connected to Mercury via the sphere of Hod on the Tree of Life; in astrology, the planet Mercury is said to be in detriment in the sign of Pisces.
Another sort of non-visual, but possibly implied connection is the Hebrew letter associated with The Moon, which is Qoph. Qabalists attribute this to the “back of the head” due to its shape. This could tie into the 8 of Cups as all we see there is the back of the character’s head.
What do YOU see???
Possible Interpretation:
When the first water creature came out to land, it had no idea what it was getting itself into. It could not have predicted why it made that move or what was to come, but it felt compelled none the less. Within all of us are evolutionary codes that compel us toward the unknown. We feel we must do something, even if we don’t know why. Greater forces are at play, both within us and without. When we find ourselves in this predicament, the path ahead could look arduous. Whether we’re venturing forward in our lives, or deeper into ourselves, we have to embark on this journey and we only have ourselves to rely on. There are never any guarantees for this kind of task, but the risk of staying and not developing further is too great a one to take. We are evolving, moving out of our comfort zones and heading into uncharted land. Even if it’s scary at times, adventure, growth and wonderful surprises may also await.