I have a deep affection for frameworks, tools, and practices that foster personal growth and inner transformation. These help us shed reactive patterns and become more connected to our true selves, others, and a greater power. This is why counseling, the Tarot, the Enneagram, and spirituality bring me so much joy.

Today, I’m excited to explore the Page of Cups in the Tarot and its connection to Emotionally Focused Therapy. In the Tarot deck, court cards can represent approaches or attitudes towards their respective elements (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles). Pages embody a youthful, curious, and open-minded attitude, free from preconceived ideas or biases. They’re eager to learn and take in all aspects of the element.

Cups represent emotions, which are intrinsically linked to our attachment-based survival system and autonomic nervous system. They can cause us to go into fight or flight state or even cause us to freeze, numb out, and shut down. Because our emotions are rooted in our nervous system, they arise automatically, and extremely fast, often hijacking out thoughts and actions. Therefore, through a counselling lens, the Page of Cups can represent taking a non-judgmental, curious, open-minded attitude towards exploring your emotional experiences.

When emotions take over, we can get stuck in reactive patterns. However, by noticing, tuning in, and understanding our emotions, we can regulate our nervous system and break free from these patterns. Emotions are not just a feeling. Emotions consist of specific elements: a trigger, a nervous system response, body sensations, automatic thoughts, and an action tendency. The action tendency can take forms, such as to lash out, to avoid conflict, to push down the emotion and carry on, or to sooth with food, alcohol, or screen time. Life experiences imprint on our nervous system, creating automatic responses that shape our daily feelings, behaviours, and interactions.

The Page of Cups illustrates someone learning to “take the sacred pause” and tune in with care towards themselves. By slowing down and assembling their emotional experience through self-inquiry, they practice openness, curiosity, and kindness. This approach empowers them to respond rather than react, setting the stage for greater connectedness, trust, creativity, and safety in life.

As the Page of Cups masters this skill, they’ll grow and mature into a Queen and King, learning to tune in to themselves with compassion and nurturing, and to others with receptivity, balance, and empathy. By tuning in to emotions, rather than suppressing or being hijacked by them, we can unlock a doorway to growth and connection.

If you are looking for a counsellor in Qualicum Beach, feel free to book a free 15-minute Meet & Greet call with me HERE