The number 10 indicates that something is over but not finished and about to begin again - completion and perfection.  Cups are associated with love, happiness, relationships, dreams and the emotional pleasures of life.  Traditionally the 10 of Cups symbolizes tranquility, happy family life and achievement of dreams, emotional fulfillment, contentment. 

"A given emotion or relationship has reached the point where it feels very stable, satisfying and safe - but it isn't growing or deepening.  You know that you will need to make a decision about whether to continue with this feeling or relationship but you're reluctant, at this point, to make the choice." - Gail Fairfield

"Family contentment, a happy marriage. The satisfaction of being surrounded by happy, healthy family members. A banquet. All needs are fulfilled. A gathering of many generations to celebrate a member's completion or culmination of an important phase in life - a marriage, a birth, birthday, graduation, or anniversary. Successful spell work, the aim of the spell is fulfilled. A beautiful home, a haven for friends and visitors." - Whispering Tarot companion book

"Friendship grows by practicing generosity and the spirit of sacrifice"

On the Whispering Tarot there are fairy-filled bubbles floating out of golden chalices resting on the shore of a stream.  They are floating towards a settlement of houses on the other side.  Perhaps the fairies are bringing over blessings of joy and happiness to the settlement.  Something about them reminds me of the good fairies in Sleeping Beauty. 

On the Spirit World card we see two men of different cultures shaking hands under the watchful eye of a watchful spirit.  Although the spirit is dressed in the clothing of a more primitive culture, it is apparent he offers the cup of peace and friendship to both these men. 

I get a sense that the message of these cards is that the universe will brings us gifts of joy, happiness and contentment if we are open to them.  At this time of year that is especially clear.  I am reminded of the Ghost of Christmas Present who explains to Scrooge that his seasonings flavor a poor man's meal most because a poor man's meal needs it most.  Maybe that is the message here - the universe can be more generous to those in more need as long as they are open to the gifts.  Sometimes the things we see as gifts truly are not (think of our current consumer society and how that impacted the environment) and the things we see as banes ultimately turn out to be gifts (such as losing a jot but ultimately finding a new job that suits us even more).  Even the idea of peace can have very different aspects depending upon the various stakeholders.  What some view as peace others might view as giving up or weakness. 

So we have to be open and want to accept this gift from the Universe.  As Bill Murray rants in Scrooged "you've got to want this miracle".  The Universe, God, the Gods - however you may choose to see the divine, will offer many blessings and challenges in our lives.  It is always out choice to accept them and how we choose to use them.  How many of us have a gift for something (music, art, organization) and never use it.  I often have this conflicted response to my gifts as a Tarot reader.  I know I am a good Tarot reader but I avoid doing readings for others because I am avoiding the responsibility that goes along with using the gift.  So I am rejecting one of the gifts given to me by the Universe.  This might be unwise or perhaps it explains why I sometimes do not feel happy and content.

Maybe that is the key to it - finding the way to combine my gifts in a way that allows me to support myself and bring joy into my life and into others lives.  That's not such a small order.  I know some people have managed to do it and I have faith that I can do it too.  However that means I'll have to be much more active and organized about the whole process than I've been up 'til now.  A new goal in life - JOY!