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

The Five of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the fifth card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Four of Cups. It is the embodiment of disappointment and sorrow concerning past events. It also tends to indicate emotional dejection on some level, sometimes very profound.

The Symbolism of the Five of Cups Tarot Card

This card is represented by a cloaked and hooded figure, dressed all in black. His head is hung in sorrow. At his feet are three spilled cups, but two are still safely intact. In the background a river rushes, impossible to cross, were it not for the stone bridge granting passage. The sky is dull and unappealing, which matches the downtrodden mood of this card.

The General Interpretation of the Five of Cups Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a feeling of profound disappointment and sorrow. The figure in the Five of Cups is hunched over in dejection; he feels there is no way out of his predicament. The events of the past, represented by the three overturned cups, weigh heavily upon his shoulders.

This card reveals a tendency to dwell on past events. It is often a warning to let go, release the past and move forward. This is usually easier said than done, however.

The Inner Meaning of the Five of Cups in Tarot

The Five of Cups is the image of ultimate dejection, often without true cause. The cloaked figure does not, as yet, have any appreciation for the two cups which still stand. He does not necessarily see the good in the situation he finds himself in. Often, this card warns you against “crying over spilled milk.”

The hooded figure also fails to notice the bridge, beckoning in the distance. He does not see that there is a way out, a path to a better life. If he does see, he does not trust it. However, if he just chose to trust, for one moment, he could move beyond the negative, and once again embrace the positive. But he must take that step alone. It cannot be forced up on him.

The Five of Cups is a card that represents a time in life that everyone must face. A time when hope is lost, and it is easier to just give up. However, it is also a beacon of hope, embodying the phrase “the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Six of Cups follows this card.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Four of Cups Reversed

If you choose to read upside down (reversed) Tarot cards as having a different meaning than upright Tarot cards, then the Four of Cups in its reversed position might mean that you will begin to accept the limitations of your situation, and as a reults you relax and enjoy life more. New friends and new experiences are on the way, but you may have to wait just a little while longer.

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.