Aces symbolize beginnings, the start of something new and the seed of new growth.  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. 

"You're feeing something new, maybe something you haven't felt before.  It might be a new emotion, a new relations, or a new awareness about an existing relationship.  The seed of love, anger, jealousy or another emotion has been planted." - Gail Fairfield

"Allow yourself to experience the joy of letting go into unconditional love and acceptance.  By remaining open to opportunity and embracing what comes your way, you embark on a journey into higher consciousness.  In conflicts between heart and mind, you follow your heart." - Power Tarot

There is such a sense of light-heartedness and joy in the White Cats Ace of Cups that I couldn't help but smile.  The white cat on the card reaches out of the chalice towards the dove as though it is a game.  She seems playful and adorable (although I'm sure if I were the dove I probably would have a different perspective).  There is a sense of youthful exuberance to this card.  The Mansions of the Moon (MotM) Ace of Cups is a bit more somber but no less beautiful.  It impacts a sense of blessings and grace.  The dove seems to be dropping something into the chalice and the roses strewn around its base add to the sense of peace and beauty the card offers.

Both cards give me a sense of calm, peace and joy.  It is as though there is a wealth of love and emotional nourishment available to me; all I have to do is accept the cup.  My cup actually does "runneth over".  Of course the catch with someone like me is that we are always looking for the flip side, the ulterior motive.  My faith in human generosity is stretched rather thin most of the time.  If someone offers me something from the goodness of their heart, my cynic radar goes into overdrive.  Or at least this is usually the case.

This time I am at a slightly different place in my life and in my self.  I can accept the gift being offered without looking for ulterior motives.  I cam embrace the love and support that the Universe is offering me (very often through caring friends and family), without suspicion.  I think this card is both an affirmation and a reminder that I have the ability to grow on a deep, emotional level.  For a long time I hid this side of myself in the shadows, hoping to protect myself from being hurt.  Of course that didn't really work, all I succeeded at doing was making myself seem heartless and cold.  That particular defense mechanism was well established and very effective.  It also left me feeling isolated and cold.  I pretended to have no emotions for so long that I began to believe it too.  Luckily one of the benefits of being unemployed is that I've had some time to really get back in touch with who I really am and I have learned that I do have a heart.  I am never going to be one of those people who puts my heart out there for the world but I am much more comfortable at crying at something that moves me (even if it is commercials).  I also know that only a select group of people will be exposed to that side of me, and I'm comfortable with that too.   I am slowly learning to embrace my Cup-ish nature.  It will be a slow process but at least I've started down that road.