This new feature presents an electronic version of my new Terra Tarot Deck, one card at a time. The twenty-eighth card available for download is The Nine of Cups.



The symbology used in my rendition of the Nine of Cups shows a classicly fashioned woman blissfully basking in the beauty and energy of the water, light breeze, and morning light, feeling serene, whole, and happy. Behind her sits her trusting feline friend, joining her in her moment of leisure and innocent pleasure.

Before the two figures sit nine glistening beautiful chalices, engraved with bunches of plump ripe grapes, symbolizing fertility and abundance. The nine chalices are full of pure blue water. Cups represent emotions, psychic and intuitive arts, fantasy and illusion, fertility, emotions, spirituality, sacred sexuality, grace and serenity. They are the dreamy aspect of the Minor Arcana, usually a delightful addition to any spread. The Nine of Cups is known as the Messenger of Material Happiness and is a card that speaks of contentment, security, a relaxed and joyful appreciation for life, and a generous spirit.

The nine of cups also represents the attainment of one's goals, the realization of one's dreams, of achieving our heart's desire. It signals a time to enjoy the good things in life, to really savor and find them precious, to truly be thankful and conscious as we partake of the fruits of life.

Since the theme of this deck is Terra, our Mother Earth, I elected to begin this illustration using a beautiful water and mountain landscape that showcases a young but soft looking mountain that nestles along the bank of calm deep waters. The entire landscape is quite blue in hue since the Cups are associated with the color blue.

Above the woman and wild cat rests a decorative Merkaba which represents the metaphysical spirit "vehicle" that becomes activated as we balance our chakras, meridians, and lifeforce. To the left of the Merkaba, flies a white dove, symbolizing peace and love. To either side of the Merkaba hang the elemental Water symbol to the left, and the female gender symbol to the right, since the Cups suit are considered to be feminine in nature.

I am presenting an online version of the Terra Deck for our Bella readers. Just click on the banner below to download your copy of the Eight of Cups. Right click on the image that comes up and save to your selected folder.