June 22-28, 2026: Two of Cups

Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.
Anne Shirley, alias Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery

What a beautiful visitor for this first week of Summer’s energy! This card is all about heart-to-heart connections, alliances, and true love. In fact, this gentle card echoes The Lovers card in many ways.

Like the angel that oversees the man and woman in the sixth triumph card, the two’s winged lion gazes down upon this couple as they exchange cups. While lions usually represent sexuality, this one’s wings indicate spirituality as well, and so their relationship is a balance of both. Below the lion is the caduceus of Hermes, symbol of wisdom and healing, indicating that this union is a divine gift to each.

It is interesting to note that this is another one of Pamela Colman Smith’s “stage” cards, in which the ground these figures stand upon shows two parallel horizontal lines, making it look more like a scene on a stage rather than a natural outdoor setting. What drama does it depict? Probably the oldest one of all—one heart meets another.

It is worth noting, as I have before, that until very recent times, the Tarot only depicted a binary system of gender reference, and that is mostly the case in the Waite-Smith deck (with a few beautifully surprising exceptions). In reality, of course, humanity has never been limited to such simplistic delineations.

So for the more enlightened practitioner, the use of “he” and “she” can be considered artistic and linguistic placeholders that represent facets of life’s contrasts. Thus, here we are shown the polarities of man/woman, active/passive, yin/yang, and self/other.

The woman stands quietly as the young man steps forward, reaching out to take her cup, exchange cups, or perhaps even to touch her. What might such a caress ignite?

The Cosmos’ Gifts This Week

There are some very aggressive influences shaping up in this week’s astrology, and also longer-term ones that you’ll want to be aware of. This week’d card indicates this would be a good time to prepare, especially after all the drama we’ve been going through. Its cooperative presence suggests it would be a very good idea to build alliances and cultivate your friendships.

Our wise friend Elisabeth Grace notes that Monday kicks off —

…with the Moon in partnership-minded Libra, with dreamy Neptune and serious Venus-Saturn to make the dream real.

She explains that:

Humming in the background this week–and exact at 6:38 PM ET on Thursday–is a square between the Sun and Neptune, blurring the line between inspiration and confusion, compassion and savior complexes, vision and fantasy. Watch for these themes in the news, particularly in matters involving leaders of business and state, healthcare, drugs, oceans, fraud, secrecy, surrender, and other intangibles.

This somewhat troubling message echoes my first impression when I pulled this card this morning. I couldn’t help but think about the treaty/deal/memorandum of understanding or whatever the heck it is that’s being negotiated, or, more likely, bought and sold.

This card made me pause and wonder: is this the world stage? And who are our real allies? Who is the United States truly friends with anymore? And what agreements are actually being made? (Looking at you, smarmy Jared).

The geopolitical coalitions that have long kept the conflicts in the region relatively contained have dramatically shifted and even collapsed since the O-O-O-O (Odious Oval Office Occupant) launched his illegal, deeply immoral war at Bibi Netanyahu’s side. And now, evidently, these two partners in crime are having their own clash with one another.

Who, then, might offer a cup of honest forgiveness and peace-making?

Because our card this week does not hint at any sort of scheming or duplicity. It is a card of kindness, presenting both of the humans on equal footing, blessed by the spirit lion.

However, UK astrologer Jessica Davidson also tells us that today (the 22^nd):

[A] Mars Uranus conjunction starts to fade in…increasing the possibility of extreme disruption that peaks at the start of July. This transit may increase your energy and feelings of restlessness and there could be unexpected events, surprising detours, and new possibilities and ideas that come out of nowhere. Find something constructive to channel this energy into or it could come out sideways as accidents or stupid arguments and fights.

Both Mars and Uranus are square the nodes so any events that happen could be karmic in nature. You have the potential to free yourself from the past and make a decisive move to create the life you want. Feelings of restlessness and difficulty concentrating may increase once Mars enters Gemini on 28th June.

And in another heads up for you this week, don’t forget that we are in the shadow period of a Mercury retrograde that begins next Monday. Back up all your data now, my friends!

Elisabeth will have more to say about all this soon, so be on the lookout for her updates!

A Meeting of Kindred Spirits

This card may represent the beginning of love, for it acknowledges the sexual drive that often first brings people together. Yet, the gentle energy of the exchanged Cups shows a tenderness and respect that is not simple sensuality. In addition, this card can represent how, often, there are wonderful friendships in our lives that may have an undercurrent of attraction, but they remain chaste for any number of reasons.

This week, honor the relationships in your life where you meet on common ground with others of opposite but complimentary natures. Enjoy your friendships and savor their sweetness. Cultivate friendship with your lover, as well. And consider being open to a new relationship, perhaps romantic, perhaps not.

This card is a blessing to your relationships with all genders—new, old, and yet to be—but primarily partnerships of the heart.

If there has been strife, now is the time for a peace offering; harmony in all your relationships needs to be a priority.

If you are married, how can you strengthen your commitment, friendship, and intimacy?  What loving gifts of joy do you long to exchange?

If you are seeking love, this Two is a reminder that need is not love. Like the couple depicted, in order to nurture a strong, committed love relationship, you must meet as equals.

Do you feel that your own life is already joyful, empowered, and beautiful? Only then are you ready to offer a worthy gift for your hoped-for beloved.

Only when your own cup is full can you share your very best with another and receive in kind.

What is in the Cup that you seek? What is in the Cup that you offer?

And may you discover how very many splendid kindred spirits you have in this world.