Five of cups is part of the minor arcana group. The card depicts a man wearing a long black garment. The man is facing away and seems to be looking down as three cups lay in collapse before him. The content of the cups is scattered and visible in the ground. The man appears to mourn over them.
As the man faces the stumbled cups, he turns away from the two standing, upright cups behind him. He does not notice the cups standing with their content still intact and in its place. This imagery can tell a lot about the image’s message.
In the background, we can see a river flowing. There is a bridge that connects the sides of the rivers. A bridge is symbolic of overcoming challenges and a representation of new beginnings.
Table of Contents
Five of Cups Upright Keywords
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Loss
- Regret
- Pessimism
- Despair
- Mourning
- Discontent
- Torment
- Abandonment
- Emotional instability
- Focusing on the losses
- Heartbreak
- Separation
- Disappointment
- Isolation
Five of Cups Reversed Keywords
- Finding peace
- Moving on
- Acceptance
- Healing
- Personal setbacks
- Forgiving yourself
- Forgiveness
- Contentment
- Opening your eyes to the positive things
- Letting go of grief, regret, guilt, and sorrow
- Overcoming despair
- Releasing and acceptance
Five of Cups General Meaning
As you may have already guessed, five of cups is not one of the positive cards. This card depicts quite some negative emotions. When you see the image, you will assume that it’s not a very positive card. In the image, the man’s back is turned from the cups that are standing upright. This symbolizes failing to focus on the good things. The man is dwelling too much over the stumbled and spilled cups.
The man’s black clothes are reminiscent of grief and lack of life and light. The man’s black clothes tell so much about the emotions he might be feeling. His head is slightly turned down, telling us that he is disappointed. His figure, just standing, represents stillness and maybe lack of willingness. The man seems to be too distressed even to move a step. He is stuck at the moment with nothing else to see but the stumbled cups.
In his background is a mighty river flowing lively. However, he fails to appreciate it positively. It’s like everything around him is blurred out. The man seems to have no plans of even crossing the river. The bridge that symbolizes new beginnings and winning over struggles is still a few steps from where he is. Yet, he does not move towards it. This can be telling of his refusal to move on and grow from the experience.
Five of Cups (Upright) Meaning
Similar to Ace of Swords, Five of cups depicts disappointment and the feeling of disarray when things don’t go on as you expected. It's the feeling of sadness when you see your plans carried away by the waves, and they bring back a different result. You might be dwelling too much on your despair and disappointments. This mindset can affect your present situation as well as the results you long for. This card can be telling you of your tendencies to block out positivity.
Five of cups might also tell you that you are clinging to your past. You are choosing to be stuck rather than focusing on the moment. You might be recalling moments from the past. Therefore, bringing back the feelings of regrets and self-pity. The spilled contents from the cups indicate the missed opportunities and the regret that comes with it. This can also tell you that you are struggling more in your emotional aspect. You have a lot of learning experiences, but you seem to ignore them.
This card warns you of your pessimism. At the same time, this card encourages you to see more than what meets the eyes. It might take more time than ever, you may miss more opportunities, but acting is still better than nothing. When you lift your head and look around, you may find many things that exude positivity.
Five of Cups (Upright) in In Love and Relationship
You may be in the process of grieving and mourning right now. Something important might have happened in your life recently. As the card speaks of loneliness, this can signal a message of emotional loss. Losing too much by losing somebody is indeed emotionally taxing. It takes a toll on you. However, with all that’s lost, there is always something found. Look around and find a silver lining. Try to assess and avoid overlooking things that can still be fixed.
You might be going through a breakup, an argument, or some struggle in your relationship. If you are undergoing breakup mourning, this card can tell you that you may be abruptly closing your heart. You may close your heart to potential partners because of guilt. Maybe, you have past mistakes that you cannot forgive yourself yet. It would be best if you took your time. It is entirely okay not to date.
If you are in a relationship, this card is not much a piece of good news either. Five of Cups can indicate breakups and divorces. You might be doubting and are not entirely committed to your partner. This can be because of a past lover. Perhaps you still have feelings for someone else.
Five of Cups (Upright) in Career and Finance
In your career, five of cups still signifies loss. You may experience losing your job or getting your business failed. If you are engaged in a partnered business, it may be because someone relevant will abandon you. This can give out the possibility of you leaving your business. Out of losing your job or your business, you must be focusing on the negative rather than striving harder. Losing something essential and something you invested time in is not easy. You might feel lost and disappointed.
However, focusing on these negative emotions is exhausting. Despite the seemingly lost and unfixable situation, there is still something you can do. You can still make the most out of the debris laid out in front of you. You just need to stop focusing on the negative and look around, and you might find something worth recovering.
In the aspect of finance, this card can also indicate a financial loss. Avoid spending money on foolish things. Consider making a budget plan to manage your money better. It might not be the time to make investments too. This might be a very challenging and stressful situation for you. More than anything else, your mindset is essential. Do not think about negative things and stagnate yourself. Try to focus on the revivable and the positive things.
Five of Cups (Upright) in Health
In the talks of your health, five of cups tells you that you are going through an emotional struggle. This emotional struggle is causing more significant health problems for you. Small steps are okay as long as you take them. It’s essential to reach out. You can do so with a professional or with your trusted friend. Slowly but surely, allow yourself into the world.
Five of Cups (Upright) in Spirituality
Similar to Seven of Wands, Five of cups in the aspect of your spirituality tell you of your feelings of anger or resentment. Anger and resentment affect you too, and they can consume you and lead you to darker paths. Learn to forgive the people who wronged you. Otherwise, you will stay stuck where you are. To move on and continue in your spiritual path. Again, it’s completely okay to ask for help. You can talk to a trusted mentor or a brother or sister in spirit.
Five of Cups (Reversed) Meaning
Five of cups in reverse is symbolic of triumph and overcoming the struggles that befall you. This card tells the start of your healing. You now have enough strength to move on. The lost times are already in the past, and you finally realize that. The mourning and grieving have slowly come to an end.
This card in reverse tells that you are now ready to look around and lift your head. Your eyes are now glad to look and see opportunities eye to eye. You will realize how these opportunities have been there all along. This card tells you you’re ready to open up to the world again. You are prepared to let go, move on, and release the negative energy. Opening up will have a room in your life, and you will again allow people in your life.
Five of cups tell you that you are also open to other people's help. It’s the help people around you have so long been offering. However, you tend to shrug them off in the past because of your deep loneliness. Now, you are ready to accept help and see the value of your experiences, the learnings, and the realizations that come with those deep emotions.
Five of Cups (Reversed) in Love and Relationship
Five of cups in reverse represents that you are ready to let go and move on. You are now prepared to let go of the grief that’s holding you back. With this, you are inviting new possibilities in terms of finding and making love stay. You no longer need to compare the past and present relationship because of entirely letting go of everything. Letting go does not equate to forgetting. You still have the lessons learned as well as the strength you gained through longsuffering.
This card tells you to take your time. You will indeed heal in time and find love again. Finally, and hopefully, a love that will stay and help you grow. You know better now, so you have a better ability to assess and judge your situation correctly.
If you are in a relationship, this card encourages you and your partner to discuss your issues. If you miss talking about them, it may expand and grow more significant than ever until it becomes irreparable. Communication is important. Heal together and have a refreshed and positive relationship.
Five of Cups (Reversed) in Career and Finance
Five of cups is a symbol of recovery. The past troubles you might have had with your career are now in the past. You are now ready to move forward. This card tells of your readiness to get back on your feet. This card tells you that you have enough resources and strength to move on through the difficult times. You may be able to make use of the things you retrieved from your loss.
In the aspect of finance, a reverse card represents the end of your financial struggle. You are now opening your eyes to the possibilities and opportunities around you. You are slowly working on winning over the loss and completely overcoming your past difficult situation. This card, in reverse, is telling you that you will be encountering more positive news about your finances after that difficulty you experienced.
Five of Cups (Reversed) in Health
This card in reverse concerning your health tells that you are allowing healing in your life. The healing opportunities and energy you ignored in the past, you are ready to receive them. You are ready to let go of the past pains that might be binding you. Now, you are willing to welcome positive healing in your life. Opening up and your willingness to accept these positive energies is a great help. This will aid you in sorting out the health issues you are experiencing.
Five of Cups (Reversed) in Spirituality
In the spiritual context, this card in reverse tells of your readiness to start anew. This means that you are now ready to journey, and you are prepared for a new spiritual path. You have learned a lot of lessons and are ready to apply them to growing spiritually. In locking up yourself in pain or sorrow, it would be hard for you to let go. Surrender all these things and ask the higher being to help you heal. It can be slow, but it’s alright. Slow or fast, the important thing is you heal and grow.
Five of Cups: YES or NO?
The five of cups depict sadness, loneliness, extreme grief, and disappointment. We often feel these emotions when we go through something painful. The card, in general, tells you that the answer to your yes or no is NO.
You might be interested in Two of Cups Tarot Card. Or you might also want to check out this Seven of Pentacles Tarot Card article that I wrote.
Five of Cups Advice
Everyone is facing their battles. But it’s time for you to realize that you can do this on your own.
You have the ability to face whatever bothers or scares you. This will only bring you peace of mind and a calm heart.
Everyone has to pick their battles wisely, and everyone should handle them. Because at the end of the day, you only have yourself.
Don’t be afraid of change; learn from it, and embrace it. You have the ability to stand still despite the countless instances of falling.
Don’t worry, love; you’re doing what you can to survive.
Five of Cups Reversed Advice
The Five of Cups, in reverse, tells you to sit or step back. This is not the right time for you to take the risk in terms of opportunities.
If you feel like something isn’t for you, it’s okay to step back. There is plenty of fish in the sea; you’ll soon find the right one.
It’s okay if you suddenly feel exhausted or burned out. Perhaps you’re not having the motivation that you need to continue thriving.
Don’t continue to force yourself to join social groups. Sometimes, you have a choice to walk away and be on your own.
Five of Cups as a Person
The Five of Cups as a person is someone who takes risks. You’re willing to open yourself to countless possibilities available to you.
You’re someone who won’t give up without a fight. Nothing and no one can stop you from achieving your dreams in the long term.
You’re someone who loves competition to exceed your self-expectations. You’re willing to compete with different people in order to learn as well.
There are times when you anticipate that something may fail. However, you’ll continue to persist and work hard for success.
You’re someone who doesn’t like losing; your goal is always to win.
Five of Cups Reversed as a Person
The Five of Cups, in reverse, is someone who doesn’t want to try. If you notice that things start to fall apart, you won’t hesitate to retreat.
Walking away from your activities to rest isn’t a bad thing. But walking away without even consistently trying isn’t a healthy habit.
You’ll not achieve your goals if you continue to walk away. You’ll only end up in a cycle that will make you question your abilities.
You’re someone who doesn’t like to join competitions. You believe you’re not suited for this because of your low self-esteem.
You keep hiding in the dark.
Five of Cups Present
In the present, you’re going on a rough path in your life. You often experience failed attempts and delays.
This doesn’t mean that you should completely give up. Because the moment you do, you’ll only lose everything you worked hard for.
Perhaps you’re currently going through a significant adjustment. You keep on complaining that moving into a college dorm is difficult.
But as time passes by, you’ll soon adapt to the new environment. If you continue to engage yourself, you’ll find a sense of ease.
The present wants you to continue working hard. You got this; you can do it!
Five of Cups Past
In the past, you experienced countless fallouts that you still regret today. You regret that you didn’t do better in order to achieve a specific goal.
You used to walk away from opportunities and blessings. You felt like good things were only a facade that would lead you to disappointment.
You used to be someone who was afraid of competition. This is because you don’t want to compare yourself to others.
You used to believe that it’s always okay to run away from things. But this movement is also the reason why you have regrets today.
Be open to change.
Five of Cups Future
In the future, you’ll receive an abundance of opportunities. But be sure that you’ll be prepared to receive and evaluate them.
This is the perfect time for you to engage in competition. Show the world that you’re capable of inflicting change and inspiration.
You might also find this article interesting: The Secret to Attracting Wealth: Traits the rare billionaires share!
Perhaps you’re currently working on a business about sweets. You know you have millions of competitions, but you’ll still choose to compete.
Please don’t give up on your dreams because they’ll slowly come to you. Be sure to make wise decisions, so you can avoid having regrets.
Because another pile of regrets may give you disappointment.
Five of Cups as How Someone Feels About You
Someone feels like you have the ability to continue thriving. This person may want to help you in terms of lessening your daily burden.
They love how you never fail to accept competitions and challenges. They feel like you can be someone who would join sports championships.
This person believes that you have many talents. But they can sense that you sometimes hesitate to show it.
This person feels like it’s their responsibility to give you advice. This is in relation to the times when you would walk away.
They want to make sure you will achieve what you want.
Five of Wands Outcome
The outcome shows that you’ll soon do great things. This is a sign of continuing to have faith in yourself to achieve your dreams.
You’re currently experiencing countless hardships. You shoulder several responsibilities, and it’s getting harder to multitask.
But at the end of the day, you still focus on the goal. No matter what happens, you’ll do anything to be at the top.
Instead of walking away from these challenges, you see them as a strength. So you view this as an opportunity to work on your skills and confidence.
You’re optimistic that you’ll accomplish all the tasks needed.
Five of Cups Pregnancy and Fertility
The Five of Cups can be a sign that’s related to pregnancy. You’re someone who never expected that you’d undergo the stage of pregnancy.
So most likely, this pregnancy is not part of the plan; it never was. There may be a possibility that you will experience a miscarriage.
This can be the cause of a broken condom. So be sure to stay safe in sexual intercourse in order to avoid impulsiveness and regrets.
If you’re pregnant, you may feel like you’ll have trouble in relationships. You feel like dating someone new isn’t possible now that you have more responsibilities.
Five of Cups Energy
The energy of this card may relate to the past. Perhaps something inside of you still clings to the past.
This can be about the missed opportunities you had in the past. You continue to think about them every day as if they were your biggest regret.
You also often look back on the mistakes you made. Perhaps this is the reason why you continue to hold back in showing your abilities.
But this energy can also be a sign of consistency. You’re consistent in terms of engaging in competitions that would bolster your confidence.
You’ll continue to be optimistic.
Five of Cups as Actions
The Five of Cups may show that you continue to regret things. Instead of taking immediate action, you think about the missed opportunities.
You continue to form “what if” questions around your head. You felt like you should’ve done better instead of venting about it today.
But despite your grip on the past, you continue to improve yourself. You’re willing to take action in terms of grabbing opportunities to show your skills.
You believe that people need to see what you’re capable of. You think you’re made to inflict effective change on the world.
Continue to strive to be better.
Five of Cups as Intentions
The Five of Cups as intentions relate to your progress. You may want to start changing now, but you still think about your mistakes.
You believe that everybody deserves a second chance. But you refuse to give yourself an opportunity to improve for the better.
You want to place yourself out there in order to compete. You believe you can contribute helpful and life-changing insights.
But all of these thoughts continue to stay in your head. If you really want to inflict change, then start doing it now!
Don’t be a pussy, and work on keeping yourself to be productive.
Five of Cups as How Someone Sees You
Someone may view you as a person who is stuck in the past. They can’t think of other ways to help you because you won’t let them.
This person sees how you continue to improve yourself every day. But they can also notice that you still continue to walk away according to your convenience.
This person wants you to realize that you’re not alone. So stop convincing yourself that you’ll have to face all your battles alone.
This person views you as someone who continues to resist. This may be in relation to retaking the risk in love despite difficulties.
Five of Cups Time Frame
The Five of Cups card may have a specific time frame. But this can always depend on your situation and energy.
A specific period may start on October 23 and will end on November 1. This may be in relation to accepting an offer in terms of career.
The Five of Cups has an association with Mars in Scorpio. It also has the new element of water.
The Five of Cups solely represents the number five. So a specific event may happen in 5 days, weeks, or months.
This depends if you relinquish the past or you don’t.
Five of Cups as a Woman
The Five of Cups as a woman is someone who can’t forget the past. If this is you, then you can still experience sudden triggering flashbacks.
The situation that left you with a vast scar isn’t your fault. This could be about a relationship you used to put so much time and effort into.
You’re someone who continues to convince yourself that you can manage. But there are times when you want to give up when everything falls apart.
You’re also someone who wants to show your passion to others, which is why you can be eager to join competitions.
Five of Cups as a Man
The Five of Cups, as a man, is someone who remembers his mistakes. If this is you, then you’re afraid to let go of your regrets and mistakes.
You’re currently disappointed in yourself for the things you could’ve been. You continue to say that you should’ve had the guts to accept the opportunities.
You used to engage in several competitions constantly. But now, you’re afraid to get yourself back on track.
You’re someone who doesn’t want to let go of the past. You feel like the past is already a part of your every day life.
Don’t choose to suffer.
Five of Cups Communication
The Five of Cups may symbolize poor communication. Perhaps you continue to refrain from telling yourself how you feel.
You’re someone who refuses to fully open yourself to others. You believe that no one will understand what you’re going through.
Or you just have trouble expressing your feelings because you’re not used to them. You’re not used to being transparent and open to others.
Remember that it’s okay to vent to someone. It’s okay to burst into fragments if everything already feels heavy.
Because you know what? Someone will always be there to listen.
This person will always understand you.
Five of Cups Reconciliation
The Five of Cups can be a sign that reconciliation can happen. A past person deeply regrets what they did to you in the past.
This person admits that they were the one in the wrong. This person realizes that they should be the one to take the blame.
They’re currently mourning for the mistakes they made. They’re presently thinking if there will be a suitable time for them to reach out.
You’re someone who is willing to hear their side. But you also don’t want to confront them because you’re afraid.
Things will make sense for you soon enough.
Five of Cups Physical Appearance
The Five of Cups can have a specific physical appearance. But this will still depend on what physical appearance you have.
You may have a body that looks tall, cold, or dry. This is the representation of your constant grief and grasp of your past mistakes.
You may have a broad forehead and thick lips and brows. The color of your hair may be black or blonde.
Whatever your physical appearance is, it doesn’t really matter. But what matters is how you’ll be able to overcome your fears from the past.
Don’t worry; you’ll soon move on and ultimately heal.
Five of Cups in a Love Reading
The Five of Cups may not be a positive sign in a love reading. This could mean that you’re currently experiencing loss from a separation.
This separation heavily affected your mental, emotional, and physical state. You refuse to function correctly and take care of yourself.
You held this relationship so tightly because you didn’t want to lose it. But if fate really exists, then this relationship isn’t the right one for you.
The healing process may take time before there’s progress. But always remember to get back on track and love yourself more.
You won’t lose anything in loving yourself.
Five of Cups Reversed Love Reading
The Five of Cups in reverse may show that you're making progress. After countless days of suffering, you're now ready to work with self-love.
It took you a long time before you arrived at the acceptance stage. You used to spend time mourning what you thought was a failed relationship.
You're now welcoming yourself to new changes and opportunities. This time, you'll focus more on prioritizing and providing for yourself.
The past doesn't matter to you anymore. But you're glad it happened because you're now better than yesterday.
Just remain patient; you'll soon find the love you deserve to have.
Five of Cups Reversed Outcome
The outcome shows that you’re hesitating to demonstrate your abilities. You refuse to engage in changing for the better version of yourself.
You’re currently experiencing hardships that you continue to accept. However, you’re not doing anything to improve more to solve these problems.
You continue to walk away from things that matter the most. This is because you’re afraid that you’ll not exceed or do well in everything.
At the end of the day, your ideas remain in your head. You’re not doing anything to take action towards it.
You see these challenges as your weakness, so your walk away.
Five of Cups Reversed Pregnancy
The Five of Cups, in reverse, shows signs of pregnancy. This could mean that your pregnancy is probably successful.
You’re someone who used to be anxious about getting pregnant. You were afraid of the possible outcomes that this pregnancy might give you.
You’re someone who used to resist change and welcome blessings. As a result, you also feel like you’re not worthy of having this child.
On the bright side, a heavy burden was lifted from your heart. It could mean that all the anxiety and stress finally came to an end.
Don’t worry; you and your child are safe.
Five of Cups Friendships
The Five of Cups may be a card that deals with friendships. In times of struggle, all you need is a group of people who can listen.
Perhaps you’re having a hard time expressing your thoughts to your friends. This could mean that you’re not used to opening up about what you feel.
But try to engage yourself slowly in open conversations. Because if they’re really your friends, they’re willing to listen.
This could also be a sign to listen to your friend's advice. Don’t ignore what they say because it may help you solve your problems.
Choose friends that stay.
Karen Hyman
Karen is a Psychic Medium, a Professional Astrologer, a Spiritual Advisor, and a Life Coach who has been in this career for 19+ years. She specializes in numerology, tarot and oracle cards, twin flames, love & relationships, zodiac, horoscope, dreams interpretation, and astrology. She aims to provide comfort and assurance using her abilities to offer answers to those who seek professional guidance. Read More About Karen Here.
