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Five of Cups Tarot Card
Belonging to the Suit of Cups of the Minor Arcana, the Five of Cups tarot card represents loss, disappointment, and grief.
In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, the Five of Cups depicts a figure standing before three overturned cups, with spilled liquid symbolizing lost opportunities or emotional turmoil. The figure is wearing a black cloak, symbolizing mourning or grief, and appears to be focused on the spilled cups rather than the two remaining upright cups in the background, which represent the potential for new opportunities and experiences. However, the figure is too consumed by their grief to see them.
Esoterically, the Five of Cups reveals that in a painful experience of loss or separation, there is also the chance for growth and renewal. It invites us to acknowledge our feelings of sadness and disappointment, while also reminding us to be mindful of the blessings that still remain in our lives. The two upright cups are symbols of hope and potential, showing us that there is still good to be found even in difficult situations.
Along that same vein, this card is also often associated with the concept of emotional healing and forgiveness, suggesting that while it is natural to feel sadness and grief after a loss, it is important to eventually move on and find ways to heal. This can involve forgiving oneself or others for past mistakes and focusing on the positive opportunities that are still available.
Ultimately, the Five of Cups serves as a reminder to practice self-compassion and forgiveness. It may be easy to focus on our mistakes or shortcomings, but this card encourages us to release self-blame and find a way to move forward.
Some questions the Five of Cups invites you to ponder…
- What recent loss or disappointment am I currently experiencing? How am I feeling about it?
- What are the blessings or opportunities that I may be overlooking or taking for granted in my life right now?
- How can I practice self-compassion and forgiveness towards myself in relation to this loss or disappointment?
- What can I do to process and heal from my feelings of grief or sadness in a healthy way?
- How can I use this experience as an opportunity for growth and renewal in my life? What steps can I take towards moving forward?
In this post, we’ll be going over the Five of Cups’ Upright and Reversed meanings, as well as the Five of Cups as a person (or significator), the Five of Cups as feelings, and the Five of Cups as a yes or no. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or just beginning to explore the world of divination, the Five of Cups offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating life’s challenges with wisdom, discernment, and inner peace.
Five of Cups Keywords
| Upright: | Grief, loss, disappointment, regret, sadness, sorrow, emotional pain, missed opportunity, nostalgia, heartbreak, mourning, detachment |
| Reversed: | Joy, gratitude, acceptance, forgiveness, optimism, hope, moving on, new beginnings, healing, contentment, inner peace, harmony |
| Elemental: | Water |
| Zodiac: | Scorpio |
| Number: | 5 (change, instability, freedom) |
| Yes or No | No |
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Five of Cups Tarot card!
Five of Cups (Upright)
When the Five of Cups appears upright in a tarot reading, it often signifies a recent experience of loss, grief, or disappointment. This could be related to a relationship, a job, or any other area of life where expectations have not been met. This card reminds you that it is important to acknowledge and process your feelings of sadness, but also to be mindful of the blessings and opportunities that still remain. You may need to take some time to heal and recover, but the Five of Cups encourages you to focus on the positive and not get stuck in your negative emotions.
In some cases, you may need to let go of past mistakes or regrets in order to move forward. It can be easy to get caught up in what could have been, but this card reminds you that dwelling on the past will only hold you back. By releasing your attachment to what is lost, you can open yourself up to new opportunities and growth. The Five of Cups is ultimately a card of hope, reminding you that even in the midst of difficulty and sorrow, there is always the potential for renewal and new beginnings.
FIVE OF CUPS ADVICE
If the Five of Cups appears upright in your tarot reading, it may be a sign that you’re currently experiencing a difficult time or a sense of loss. This card’s advice is to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to process them fully. Don’t try to push them aside or suppress them – it’s important to give yourself the space to grieve or feel disappointed!
However, it also reminds you that there are still blessings and opportunities in your life. Don’t lose sight of the good that remains, and look for ways to move forward and grow from this experience. Overall, the Five of Cups upright advises you to embrace both the pain and the potential for healing in your current situation.
Five of Cups (Reversed)
When the Five of Cups appears reversed in a reading, it can reveal a turning point in our emotional state. This reversal asks you to shift your focus away from dwelling on past disappointments and towards a more hopeful, positive outlook. This may be a time for forgiveness, both towards yourself and others, and a chance to let go of any lingering feelings of regret or guilt.
In a reversed position, the Five of Cups might also suggest that you have already begun the process of healing and moving forward from a difficult experience. You may be gaining clarity and perspective on the situation, and finding new opportunities for growth and renewal. This card encourages you to mbrace this positive momentum and continue to cultivate a sense of hope and optimism for the future.
FIVE OF CUPS REVERSED ADVICE
The Five of Cups reversed advises you that it is time to let go of negative emotions and move on from the past. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and appreciate what you have, rather than dwelling on what you have lost. This card reminds you that it is possible to find joy and hope even in difficult times, and to use your experiences to grow and learn. So, if you are seeing the Five of Cups reversed in your reading, take it as a sign to embrace forgiveness, self-love, and a new perspective on life.
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Five of Cups as a Person
If the Five of Cups appears in a tarot reading as a person, they may be going through a tough time and experiencing feelings of sadness or disappointment. They might be mourning the loss of something important in their life, such as a relationship, a job, or a cherished dream. This person may need some support and understanding from those around them as they process their emotions and begin to heal. However, it is important to note that the Five of Cups also represents resilience and the potential for growth, so they may be able to find new opportunities and positivity in the midst of their struggle, and can even be able to help others going through similar experiences in the future.
As a personality, someone embodying the Five of Cups may be very emotional and sensitive – they might have a tendency to dwell on negative experiences or past mistakes, and struggle to let go of feelings of guilt or regret. That being said, they often also have a deep capacity for empathy and understanding, and may be able to offer a lot of support and comfort to those in need.
In general, someone embodying the Five of Cups may be a complex and multifaceted person, with a lot of potential for personal growth and transformation. They may be a Water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or have heavy Water influence in their astrological natal chart.
Five of Cups (Reversed) as a Person
As a person, someone who embodies the energy of the reversed Five of Cups can be seen as someone who has learned to let go of past hurt and is moving towards a brighter future. They may have experienced a painful loss, trauma, or disappointment, but have found a way to heal and move forward with a renewed sense of hope. They tend to be optimistic and grateful for what they have, rather than focusing on what they have lost.
This person is likely to be forgiving, compassionate, and understanding towards others. They have a deep empathy for those who have also experienced loss or heartbreak and are able to offer a supportive ear or kind words of encouragement. They are usually also able to offer excellent guidance on how to move forward from difficult situations, drawing from their own experiences as a source of inspiration.
Five of Cups as Feelings
As feelings, the Five of Cups could be a sign that you or someone you know is struggling with heartache, dismay, and regret. Perhaps you’ve recently experienced a loss or missed out on an opportunity, and the pain of that experience is weighing heavily on you. Acknowledge and work through these feelings in a healthy way, whether that’s by seeking support from loved ones, talking to a therapist, or finding creative outlets to express yourself. Remember that while it’s important to process your emotions, it’s also important to find ways to move forward and find hope and positivity in the future.
When it comes to romantic feelings, the Five of Cups could be an indication that one or both partners are feeling heartbroken, disappointed, or rejected in the relationship. Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding or a hurtful incident that has caused these feelings to arise. Open communication and a willingness to work through any issues are needed in order to move toward a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. It’s important to acknowledge and validate each other’s feelings, while also being honest and respectful in your communication.
Five of Cups (Reversed) as Feelings
As feelings, the Five of Cups reversed suggests that you may be feeling a sense of release and relief after a period of grief or disappointment. You may be ready to move on from the past and embrace new opportunities and possibilities. This card can bring a sense of hope and optimism to your emotional state, indicating that better times are ahead.
As for how someone feels about you, the Five of Cups reversed suggests that they may be feeling more positive and open towards you than they previously did. If there was a sense of distance or disappointment in the past, this card is a sign that they are ready to move on and see things from a different perspective. They might be more willing to forgive and forget, and to focus on the positive aspects of your connection rather than dwelling on any past difficulties.
Five of Cups: Yes or No
In a yes or no reading, the Five of Cups is generally seen as a “no” card. This is because it often represents loss, disappointment, and sadness, which are not typically associated with positive outcomes.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot readings are not always black and white, and that the meaning of a card can be influenced by many different factors. If you do receive the Five of Cups as a “no” in your reading, it may be a sign that you need to take some time to process and heal from a difficult situation before moving forward. It could also be a reminder to focus on the positive aspects of your life and not to dwell too much on past disappointments.
Five of Cups (Reversed): Yes or No
When it comes to a yes or no reading, the Five of Cups reversed is usually seen as a positive indication that the answer is “yes“. The Five of Cups in reverse can mean that any past disappointments or setbacks are behind you and that you are ready to move forward. It can also indicate a sense of forgiveness and healing, which may be necessary for a positive outcome.
In general, the Five of Cups reversed suggests that there is a good chance that things will work out in your favor, and that you can expect a positive outcome to your question.
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, the Five of Cups is a powerful tarot card that speaks to the universal experience of loss, grief, and disappointment. It encourages us to acknowledge our pain and sadness, but also reminds us to focus on the blessings and opportunities that still exist in our lives. It is a card that speaks to the importance of forgiveness, self-compassion, and letting go of the past in order to embrace the future.
Whether you are going through a difficult time or simply seeking guidance and insight, the Five of Cups can offer valuable lessons and wisdom. By understanding its symbolism and reflecting on its message, we can find a way to heal and grow from our experiences.
Ultimately, the Five of Cups reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the potential for renewal and hope.
And that concludes our exploration of the Five of Cups tarot card! To learn more about the Tarot, check out our Tarot Guide for Beginners, or explore the meanings of the rest of the cards!
DISCLAIMER:
Sage & Moon is a participant in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Any product we choose is based on personal recommendations that we love and trust you will too. By using these links you are directly supporting us to keep writing + creating. Thank you!
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