In a garden behind some buildings, an older child is giving a Cup to a younger child (a young girl). There are flowers in the Cups. At face value, it seems to be a simple act of generosity by a child to another child.
I have encountered interpretations that are more sinister. One author pointed out that the young child is wearing a mitten, while the older child is not. Their idea was the the girl was insulating herself from possible toxicity or other problem coming from the older child. I can find no hint of anything to support this notion. I think it’s highly unlikely that Waite and Smith would have put any such meaning.
Another author opines that the larger figure is not an older child, but a dwarf. I’m not sure where this idea came from, but again I see nothing to suggest this. I mention this idea because it was offered by Rachel Pollack, one of the authorities on Tarot that I greatly respect. Notwithstanding my great respect for Pollack, I simply don’t see anything that says this person is a dwarf.
In AE Waite’s book this scene is described as containing children. Since Waite worked with Pamela Colman Smith to create this deck, I am inclined to follow his guidance in this.
At any rate, the Six of Cups shows a scene of nostalgia, fond memories of the past, childhood, better days, the “good old days.” It may be that the “good old days” weren’t so great, but that memories have faded and someone is feeling nostalgic.
In readings this card could serve to hint that someone is trying to relive the good old days instead of focusing on what’s going on now. It might remind the Querent that even if things are difficult now, they were once better – and possibly could be again.
According to Pollack, Sixes represent unequal relationship; also, giving and receiving.
Keywords: Nostalgia. Pleasant memories. Childhood.