Tarot Card Symbolism: The Four of Cups of the Minor Arcana

The Four of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the fourth card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Three of Cups. It is the embodiment of deliberation and contemplation. It is also a card of self-reflection, focus, meditation, and inaction.

The Symbolism of the Four of Cups Tarot Card

This card is represented by a quiet young man seated at the base of a tree in a field of green. The skies are clear and free of clouds. He seems to be meditating, or reflecting on something. He is staring intently at the three cups placed before him. However, he is ignoring the fourth cup, which is being offered to him. He is focusing on the three cups to the exclusion of all else.

The General Interpretation of the Four of Cups Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a period of self-reflection and inaction. At the same time, it reveals a need for deliberation and contemplation. The Four of Cups also indicates a possible need to withdraw from life for a short time, to reflect on what has been, and what could be.

This card is also associated with a prediction that you may undergo a period of difficulty. It may also warn that you might find yourself in a situation that forces self-reflection or even, in some cases, self-sacrifice.

The Inner Meaning of the Four of Cups in Tarot

The Four of Cups is the image of meditation in the Suit of Cups. It also represents inner reflection, peace, and focus. However, looking closely, it can be seen that the young man is very focused on the three cups before him, to the exclusion of all else. Perhaps he is too focused.

This situation warns of a distraction with current affairs. These affairs may not be pressing, but the distraction could have a negative impact. A simple turn of the head — a glance in a new direction — may be necessary if you are to discover a gift or offering.

The Four of Cups indicates a need to open to new possibilities, to new solutions. If this is not done, then an important gift may be overlooked.

The Five of Cups follows this card.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Three of Cups Reversed

Some Tarot reader read reversed (upside down) Tarot as having different meanings than upright cards. If you choose to follow this practice when interpreting a Tarot spread, the Three of Cups in its reversed position can be interpreted to mean that you may have a brief affair or something else that give you short-lived or half-hearted joy. You may decide against a marriage or partnership, or you may split from a current partner.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Three of Cups of the Minor Arcana

The Three of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the third card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Two of Cups. It is the embodiment of joyful social contact, harmony, and frivolity.

The Symbolism of the Three of Cups Tarot Card

This card is represented by three people raising their cups in celebration. Around them are scattered remnants of food, showing the aftermath of a festival, of some type. The background is void of anything at all, though it can be clearly seen that it is an outdoor scene. This could be symbolic of the card's rather superficial message.

The General Interpretation of the Three of Cups Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies joy and merriment, usually in a social group. Of all the Cups cards, it is the most superficial. This card is indicative of general agreement, harmony, merriment, and is occasionally associated with the idea of birth. This is especially true if it appears with other birth-related cards, such as the Empress.

The Three of Cups is definitely a card that relates to partying — this much is obvious. However, it can bring a warning, a sense that matters are not being taken as seriously as they should. This card can indicate a lack of seriousness, or even a severe lack of maturity.

The Inner Meaning of the Three of Cups in Tarot

The Three of Cups is the image of a group coming together to focus on a common goal, usually emotional in nature. This card reveals a sense of community, of people reaching out to each other. The Three of Cups can suggest a time for greater community involvement, perhaps through volunteering. Though these actions, caring and community may be developed, and a goal shared. The energy put towards this common goal will be positive and nurturing in nature.

In cases where the past has been particularly tragic or rough, this card may also indicate that the only way to get through this time is to seek out the assistance of others. Community resources, such as counseling and other social services, could be symbolized by the Three of Cups. If you have been considering utilizing such services, this card definitely indicates that this is the time to do so.

The Three of Cups is generally a happy and social card. It indicates times of merriment and frivolity, and much enjoyment.

The Four of Cups follows this card.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Two of Cups Reversed

For those who choose to read reversed (upside down) cards as different than upright cards, the Two of Cups, when it appears in a Tarot spread in its reversed position, could indicate that a parting or a separation may occur. This parting may be permanent or temporary, depending on the other cards in the spread. An affair may not get off the ground. Love should always be a two-way street, so guard against loving someone who doesn't return your love.