Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change and being open to the energy flow of give and take in our lives.  Sixes can also represent a feeling of success after overcoming obstacles or difficulties  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.   This card is often seen as representing viewing things through rose-colored glasses or with a sense of nostalgia.  It can represent being in harmony with friends or family and enjoying everyday pleasures.  Or it may refer to pleasant memories or learning from past experiences.  It can also suggest being connected with your inner self and being able to balance past disillusionment.  

"Your relationship is reaching a level of understanding that is more reliable and predictable.  You are feeling more secure about your feelings, knowing that they won't be drastically changing.  You know what to expect from yourself and others on an emotional level." - Gail Fairfield

The pelican on the Animal 6 of Cups is just adorable.  He look so carefree and happy, dancing among the rubber ducks.  There is an exuberance and joy to the image.  Something that brings to mind the simple pleasures of childhood.  It reminds us that in order to be open to joy and happiness, we have to be able to offer joy and happiness to others.  Sometimes it is so easy to get stuck focusing on the negatives in life that we lose sight of the joy.

This card is sometimes considered to reflect nostalgia for childhood.  As I grow older I realize that what I miss is not so much my childhood (which had some very horrific moments), I miss the ability to live every day to the fullest.  I miss the opportunities to just hang out with friends and have fun.  We had some responsibilities but were not yet burdened by bills and family obligations.  Granted I do miss the 70s too but that's a topic for another post.

So what can the 6 of Cups offer me today?  I think it's reminding me to cherish the memories I have and not to lose sight of the ability to makes more memories.  I may not still keep in touch with many of the friends from my childhood but that is because our friendships were often based on geography - we became friends because we were in the same class or lived in the same neighborhood.  As I've grown older and changed some of my viewpoints and attitudes, I've made a whole new world of friends.  I still cherish my childhood friends but I also value and appreciate my newer friends.  In fact one of the biggest reasons I enjoy attending various Tarot conferences and doll conventions is because I love re-connecting with my friends who share those interests.  That is what the silly pelican dancing atop the water with the rubber ducks on the 6 of Cups is telling me.  

So I'm going to focus my energies on finding way to enjoy and celebrate the little things in life - a beautiful, sunny day and having friends I can reach out to for support and encouragement.  I'm going to dance in the water like the silly pelican and allow myself to re-connect with that child-like, youthful and simpler me.  If nothing else, at least it will make life more pleasant.