A flower that sparks joy with its colour and beauty is the lotus. Apart from being pretty, it also has a very spiritual meaning. Lotus plants sprout from the depths of muddy water, rising above the murkiness and reaching for the sunlight at the surface. This is symbolic of climbing above the troubles of everyday life and reaching towards more lofty goals with an attitude of grace.
Why is the lotus flower featured in the suit of Cups?
In the Ace of Cups there is a fountain of four streams flowing into the water below. Pink and white lotus flowers and lily pads decorate the top of the water. The Ace of Cups represents the beginning of a relationship, and the lotus symbolises the purity of the intentions of those involved. Because this symbol is so prominent, it shows that the beginning of this relationship is based on mutual respect and the desire for true love — it’s not about a one night stand!
The blue tunic of the Page of Cups is decorated with lotus flowers upon tall stems. The symbol of the flower in this card has a similar representation — the Page is searching for love — he has a genuine desire for romance and to find a fulfilling partnership.
These Tarot cards explain that despite the troubles you may face in the material world, it is possible (and important) to keep your emotions in a state of dignity and integrity when dealing with those you love and respect.
Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says,
“You cannot grow lotus flowers on marble.
You have to grow them on the mud.
Without mud you cannot have lotus flowers.
Without suffering, you have no way to learn
how to be understanding and compassionate.”
Just like the lotus flower, even though your body and mind is based in the murky realms of mundane activities, your spiritual self must remain open to the light.
Actress Goldie Hawn explained it this way, “The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud — the obstacles of life and its suffering. The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness, and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one.”
Keep the symbol of the lotus in mind when you next encounter the Ace and Page from the suit of Cups…these cards suggest that regardless of the challenges surrounding you, if you focus on the light within, you will grow stronger and more radiant.