Aces symbolize beginnings, the start of something new and the seed of new growth, feeling something new, maybe something you haven't felt before.  It might be a new emotion, a new relationship or a new awareness about an existing relationship.  The seed of love, anger, jealousy or another emotion has been planted.  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.   They represent the growth and awareness of the unconscious, emotional interactions and relationships with others.  Cups can also connect us with psychic activity and the Universe on an unconscious level.  The Ace of Cups traditionally refers to a new emotional connection, new insight about a relationship or new growth in an area that brings pleasure to your life. 

The Universal Fantasy Ace of Cups shows a somewhat whimsical image of a large golden chalice standing atop a pedestal.  It seems to be set top a high peak with a distant view of the landscape below.  waters pours from the chalice filling a trough carved into the pedestal.  A pink flamingo is perched on one leg in the center of the chalice.

The Ma'at Ace of Cups shows an ornately designed chalice pouring water out beneath a brilliant full moon.  The sky behind it is black with no other hint of light.  Three pink roses rest on the base of the chalice adding a slight touch of color and light to the card. 

Both cards offer a sense of emotional sustenance.  The waters of joy and emotions and love our forth and bless the lands or surroundings below.  Despite the darkness of the sky or the bleakness of the landscape below, the chalice promises hope and rebirth.  The presence of the pink flamingo adds a sense of whimsy and yet blessing to the card.  Although I'm sure it has meant different things over time, in modern America it often represented a happy and content home, perched on the front lawn for all to see.  The pink roses also suggest hope and happiness, friendship and love.

These cards made me happy just looking at them.  They made me smile.  I got a sense of blessing pouring down from a divine source; a blessing from the gods.  They want to share the joy, happiness and love they contain with those who need it most.  Like the many Grail legends the persist throughout history, these chalices represent hope, healing and happiness.  They promise to bless humans with their energy and wash us clean of whatever pains us. 

In terms of my life, I think the Ace of Cups is a reminder that love is all you need.  My sister and her kids came up for a visit today.  We definitely had some drinks (generous gifts of a chalice) but the more important things was the emotional connection.  My sister and her children are in a very hurt and confused state right now because of the problems in her marriage.  It does look like she and her husband will be divorcing and the kids are very upset.  They don't know what to do.  Visiting us gave them a chance to get away from it all and just relax and have fun.  They played some games, watched some movies and just enjoyed ourselves.  There were times when I got aggravated by things they did, but I didn't let it spoil the day.  Maybe that's the best thing I can do for them right now - offer them a place of healing and love where they can feel cleansed and whole again.