The Page of Cups is a tarot card that, at first glance, appears simple, yet it holds a profound enigma. In the Rider-Waite deck, it depicts a youthful figure holding a cup, from which a small fish unexpectedly emerges. This fish has been interpreted in various ways: as a symbol of intuition, an inner voice, a message from the subconscious, or the realm of emotions. But what if this little fish also connects us to something much older—a living thread from an ancient myth?
In Hindu tradition, there is the story of the first man, King Manu. He lived at the end of the Satya Yuga, during a time when the world faced a great flood—a purifying deluge that would cleanse everything before a new era began. Manu was a devoted servant of Lord Vishnu, and his sole desire was to see God with his own eyes. In this spirit, he practiced severe austerity for thousands of years, awaiting a connection that would change everything.
One morning, as on many others, Manu went to the riverbank to perform his prayers. He scooped water into his hands and was about to pour it back into the river when he heard a gentle voice: "O mighty king, do not release me back into the water." Surprised, Manu saw a small fish in his hands. The fish looked into his eyes and appealed to his compassion—the water was full of larger fish that could swallow it instantly. Faithful to his duty, Manu decided to protect this creature and took the fish home in his drinking vessel.
But the next morning, the fish had grown. It no longer fit in its container. Manu moved it to a larger one. And then to an even larger one. Eventually, the fish filled a river, then another, and finally the ocean. At that point, Manu realized the truth. This was no ordinary fish—it was Vishnu himself, appearing to him in the Matsya avatar, the form of a fish.
Vishnu informed Manu that the end of the world was near. He instructed Manu to build a boat, into which he should bring the seeds of all species, seven sages with their families, and even the serpent god Vasuki. In seven days, the flood would come. And so it happened. The world was washed away. But Manu, his cargo, and Vishnu's guidance saved the seed of life for a new age. Vishnu taught them the Vedic knowledge and guided their boat safely to the top of a mountain, from where a new era could begin.
This story is part of a global tradition of flood myths and reflects in a surprising way in the symbolism of the Page of Cups.
The Page of Cups may not be a king, but he encounters the same archetypal moment: a small fish, which shouldn't even be in a cup, speaks to him. The Page is young and inexperienced, but he listens. He doesn't dismiss the vision, doesn't rationalize it away. He dares to face something that cannot be understood by reason—just as Manu acted on his instinct to protect something he didn't yet know. Here, wisdom lies in the readiness to receive something that doesn't fit into the structures of reason.
Manu's story is about how great wisdom and salvation can hide in the smallest form. The Page of Cups, in turn, reminds us that in the midst of everyday life, in a simple moment, we can encounter something world-changing—if we are sensitive enough to hear. Both figures stand by the water, holding something meaningful in their hands, and both choose to listen to what many would reject.
Perhaps that is why the little fish is so important. It is an invitation. An invitation to step into a space where one can open up to something greater. For Manu, it was the salvation of the world. For the Page of Cups, it can be spiritual growth, the awakening of creativity, an insight.
Though from different cultures, Manu and the Page of Cups show us the same truth: when the little fish speaks—the wise listen.
