5
Cups
Five of Cups
Understand the Five of Cups tarot card: dealing with loss and finding hope.
Upright Meaning
The Five of Cups shows a person in a dark cloak looking down at three spilled cups. Behind them are two cups still standing, but they don't see them. A bridge leads to a castle in the distance, showing there's still hope ahead, even if we can't see it right now.
For yes/no questions, the Five of Cups suggests "not right now," as current feelings of loss might be clouding judgment.
Reversed Meaning
When upside down, the Five of Cups shows you're starting to feel better about a loss and ready to move forward. You're beginning to see the good things that remain in your life.
For yes/no questions when reversed, it suggests "yes, now that you're healing."
Emotional Associations
- Sad
- Disappointed
- Hopeful
- Learning
- Healing
- Accepting
- Growing
Elemental Associations
Astrological Associations
Historical Significance
This card has always shown how people deal with loss and disappointment. It teaches that while it's normal to feel sad, we shouldn't forget about the good things we still have.
Practical Use
The Five of Cups helps us by:
- Understanding it's okay to feel sad
- Remembering to look for what's still good
- Learning from tough experiences
- Finding ways to move forward
- Accepting change and loss as part of life
FAQs
- How long should I let myself feel sad?
- There's no set time limit for grief. Let yourself feel sad, but try to stay open to moments of hope and happiness when they come.
- How can I start feeling better when something bad happens?
- Take time to feel your feelings, but also try to notice the good things still in your life. Small steps forward can help heal big hurts.
- What can I learn from loss and disappointment?
- Tough times can teach us what's really important and help us grow stronger. They can also show us who our true friends are.