Decan Ruler (Moon): The Moon is the ruler of the third face of Cancer. Those born under this influence often have the  means to fulfill their strong desires for comfort, security, and abundance. They tend to be generous but typically their generosity is usually directed toward a select few—primarily family and close friends.

Sign (Cancer): The decans of Cancer reflect a process of maturation—something nurtured and safeguard as it develops. By the third decan, not only are all needs fulfilled, but there is also an overflow of abundance. Since, in a world of finite material resources, attainment of luxury for some entails scarcity for others, it becomes vital to share—to redirect any surplus into service, becoming a conduit through which luxury serves the collective good. This decan, which underscores how the attainment of wealth becomes a test that reveals the true character of those who possess it, raises a vital question about the responsibilities that accompany privilege—what should one do with the excess they accumulate? 

4: Fours represent structure in the world of the element.

Tree of Life (Chesed in Briah): The Four of Cups corresponds to Chesed in Briah. In the Mental World, Chesed is the structure of emotions.

Sephira (Chesed): All fours deal with the framework of manifestation, and correspond to the fourth sephira, Chesed, which is commonly referred to by Qabalists as “Mercy.” Chesed is associated with generous, expansive Jupiter. Jupiter represents the renewed manifestation of the four primordial elements of Kether, establishing the archetypal pattern for matter fully realized in the divided elements of Malkuth. The Jupiter archetype expands possibilities, broadening our perspective to embrace new opportunities, and encouraging us to grow by venturing beyond our comfort zones with faith and optimism. 

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: July 12/13 – July 21/22

Zodiacal Longitude: 20°00’–29°59’ Cancer

Color (Hex Code): #006AD5