the number 1 means new beginning. the Ace of Cups, in a reading, implies new emotional beginnings. we apply the element (water) to the number (new beginnings, 1.) and can come up with the idea of new emotional beginnings. it does get more complicated than this, but i find it is easiest to *learn* the Tarot using this simple method. in the Rider-Waite deck, the Ace of Cups shows a hand coming out of the sky...the hand of Creator, handing "you" a gift...a large cup, or chalice. the cup contains a precious elixer, or water...which is emotion in symbolismese. we need the ability to Feel in our lives, and the Ace of Cups reminds us that we all have this gift...or have at least been offered.. this is our ability to feel.