Pages = Exploration, Study - Messenger of their Suit.
First of all we need to remember that the Cups energy comes from the Water element and is expressed through emotion, feelings, imagination and inspiration. So is our Page a dreamer? Let's find out.
My key words for this Page are: Imagination ~new relationship ~ sensitive~
Negative: selfish~ insecure~not grounded~
The Rider Waite Page of Cups image is full of symbolism, so before we talk just about the page, let's see what this symbolism could be all about. The colours chosen for this image do seem to tell us a lot about this character. His tunic appears to be a light blue, this can symbolise both water and sky for us. As a symbol of water, (and notice behind him he has water flowing also,) this can represent reflection, emotions, intuition, ideas coming up from the depth of the unconscious. Note here that the fish is coming out of his cup another connection to water. Do we then ask ourselves if this Page is dreaming or is he allowing his imagination to be set free?
The blue related to the sky, also represents for him, spiritual aspirations. Remember this Page is sensitive, empathic even. Are those tulips that decorate his tunic? Flowers are thought to depict spiritual thoughts (higher self coming through) and happiness - after all who doesn't like receiving a bunch of flowers!
Under this tunic he wears a garment that is red/brown in colour. Red is a symbolism for passion, energy and self confidence, while the brown element is earthy, grounding, stability. The two mixed together could tell us that he has to work hard at keeping his feet on the ground, not allow his passions to get out of control or balance.
His boots are an orange colour. This is a colour that is toned down from the red and could well represent determination along with creativity. The cup he holds is yellow and symbolises for us mental activity.
Now,having looked at all of that symbolism it has told us a great deal about the young page. He has imagination, even if he is not sure what to do with it just yet. There is a creative element to him, and he will take the time to reflect on those ideas and inspirations that he allows a life to. He brings us the message of being able to look beyond the obvious and allowing your creativity to come through, but he also cautions us not to be stuck in a dream world. What good are those ideas if you don't set them free?
Think of this Page as bringing you the message of new beginnings. Now because he is young, he could also indicate news of a birth or new friendship, but not all births are babies, it could also be the birth of a creative project or a sense of new feelings. With regard to the sense of feelings, that could relate to a very new friendship/relationship that must be tended carefully for it to blossom.
This Page as encouraging you to go with your heart when a new idea emerges and to allow yourself the joy of experiencing it.
One more thing to think about with this Page, in the tarot sequence he is number 11 and that breaks down to 1+1 =2. Twos often represent for us union, duality, choice, co-operation and importantly balance. So our Page is young, not always sure what to do with his 'great ideas' but his number reminds us to keep our feet on the ground and our emotions balanced if we want to succeed.
I hope a this fresh introduction to the Page of Cup has helped you know him just a little bit more.
Happy Taroting!
Credit:
Original Rider Waite -By A E Waite & Pamela Colman-Smith
Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.