The number 3 symbolizes the generative force, creative power, multiplicity, and forward movement.  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.  It is about emotions flowing smoothly and moving forward, developing in a natural progression.  Emotions rise easily to the surface and into our awareness. 

For some reason the image on the Collective Spirit card brought mind The Simpsons episode in which Marge plays Blanche du Bois in a musical version of A Streetcar Named Desire.  She sings a song that includes the lyrics "I thought that life would be a Mardi Gras; a never ending party - Hah!  I'm just a faded Southern dame without a dime."  And even the 3 Princes depicted on the Fairy Tale 3 of Cups certainly did not expect their journey to turn out the way it did.

Upright the 3 of Cups might be about celebration, friendship, joy.  Reversed it might be a bit muted.  Those traits still might be present but perhaps what we need to focus on is celebrating what we like about ourselves rather that some external source of joy.  How often do we do that - celebrate ourselves?  In many cases I think our society is set up to discourage us from this practice.  We tend to "pshaw" compliments as though accepting them is a flaw.  We are often told not to be too prideful or draw attention to our accomplishments because it will draw the envy and enmity of others.  I'm not denying these things happen, but why would the Universe gift us with these blessings if not to allow us to enjoy them?  It doesn't make sense to me.

So rather than singing another chorus of Blanche's song of bittersweet sorrow, I'd rather focus my energies on joyous, fun, happy times.  The 3 of Cups has always held a special place in my heart because at the last International Tarot Society conference in Chicago I actually played one of the 3 of Cups along with Diane and Lori.  As part of the conference people would dress as a Tarot card and walk across a dais for all to enjoy.  There was a fabulous High Priestess, a Celtic Mingler, a mystical Moon, a few rambunctious Hermits (who perhaps should have been Moons) and a cheery 2 of Pentacles.  That was in 2002 and after all these years I still have very fond memories of that conference.  It is where I finally had the opportunity to meet people I had chatted with online for year.  We formed bonds that are still present to this day, even if we don't keep in touch as often anymore. 

I think the 3 of Cups is a reminder to celebrate those wonderful memories - not in a sad, mournful way but in a joyous, life affirming way.  Even if our lives have taken us in different directions since then, for that one moment we were special.  We were celebrating together and having a fabulous time with ourselves.  Instead of being sad or wishing we could still have that, we need to remember the laughter and the goods times.  Perhaps we all need to take a moment now and then to remember "The Way We Were."  I'm going to take some time to do just that.  After all, it can't hurt.