Decan Ruler (Mars): This decan emphasizes the persistent tenacity required to pursue one’s desires, reminding one that hunger—whether physical or a deeper yearning for knowledge, power, or pleasure—is an ever-returning force that can never be permanently satisfied. This decan is symbolic of hunger—wanting something and doing what is necessary to get it. Those born with Mars in this decan are formidable in their quest to fulfill their desires. Their determination can verge on relentless, with an unwavering focus on their goals. They have the capacity to secure nearly any ambition, but their victories can come at a high cost. The challenge lies in accurately evaluating the cost of realizing each desire prior to making a commitment. Desire cannot be conquered—only directed and managed. This decan reflects the pain of disappointment, either from unfulfilled desires or from realizing that what was gained does not bring the satisfaction one expected.

Sign (Scorpio): This decan compels us to recognize the recurring cycle of desire—the inherent cost and pleasure of embodied existence. Many people feel a profound longing, and realizing that complete satisfaction is unattainable creates an opportunity for deeper reflection of one’s relationship to that desire. Whether temporarily fulfilled or unfulfilled, everyone inevitably returns to the object of their longing. It is by acknowledging the pattern, that one gains perspective and agency within it.  This decan represents the fulfillment of desire, a moment when deep hunger is satiated. Hunger can manifest in many forms—physical, emotional, or spiritual. The true strength lies in acquiring what you crave. But it raises important questions: What hardships are you willing to endure? What pain can you tolerate, and what are you willing to impose on others to achieve your goal? How ruthless will you be toward obstacles in your path?

5: Five represent challenge in the world of the element.

Tree of Life (Geburah in Briah): The Five of Cups corresponds to Geburah in Briah. In the Mental World, Geburah is a challenge with emotions.

Sephira (Geburah): All fives deal with destruction and clarification through discipline, and correspond to the fifth sephira, Geburah, which is commonly referred to by Qabalists as “Severity.” Geburah is associated with fierce Mars. Mars represents a strict discipline that offers a necessary corrective by tearing away all that is useless, undesirable, or outdated. The Mars archetype asserts desires, through taking action we reinforce our motivations, pursuing what we want and actively avoid what we don’t want. 

World (Briah): All Cups correspond to the second of four worlds, the World of Briah (“The World of Creation”), which is also called the creative world. The element associated with the World of Briah is Water.

The Story of Water: The element of water, traditionally symbolized by the suit of cups in the Tarot system, exhibits an inherent connection with the domains of relationships and desires. The essence of this element is inextricably linked to the exploration and expression of emotions encompassing comfort, safety, danger, desire, delusion, contentment, love, and a myriad of other permutations that constitute the nuanced spectrum of human affective experience. The narratives and stories aligned with the water element revolve around the thematic explorations of desire, fulfillment, betrayal, disappointment, enchantment, thereby encapsulating the perpetual ebb and flow that characterizes the depths of the emotional experience in all its complexities.

Time of the Year: October 22/23 – October 31/November 1

Zodiacal Longitude: 0°00’–9°59’ Scorpio

Color (Hex Code): #FA0000