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Four of cups are part of the minor arcana cards. This card depicts a man sitting under a tree, leaning his back on the tree’s trunk. His arms are crossed, and he seems to be deep in thought. A slight distance in front of him stands three cups, and an arm brought by a cloud offers him a cup.
Although the cups are at a close distance, the man seems not to notice them. Another possibility is that he is deliberately ignoring them. In the background, we can see that he seems to be in a high place as mountain tops are visible. These mountains seem to be on the same level as the mountain the man is on. He sits on a grassy area, and the place seems to be very abundant.
Four of Cups Upright Keywords
- Depression
- Sadness
- Missed opportunities
- Feeling stuck
- Contemplation
- Meditation
- Deep thinking
- Lost in thoughts
- Apathy
- Reevaluation
- Feeling disconnected
- Melancholy
- Discontent
- Yearning
- Frustration
- Remorse
- Yearning
- Nostalgia
Four of Cups Reversed Keywords
- Passion
- Retreat
- Withdrawal
- Taking action
- Moving forward
- Enthusiasm
- Awareness
- Acceptance
- Negativity
- Letting go
- Motivation
- Being proactive
- Interest
- Focus
- Gratitude
- Clarity
Four of Cups General Meaning
The man sitting under a tree seems to be resting and making use of the shade. He seems to be keeping a distance from people and is focusing on himself. This card can tell of the process of isolating for rest and meditation. The place where he sits is symbolic of growth as the grass is growing finely. The peace that surrounds him is conducive to deep thinking. As portrayed in the image, he seems to be lost in thought. This represents that he might be overthinking things.
He is unbothered by the hand offering a cup as well as the three cups in front of him. He keeps on looking at nothingness. On the other hand, he could be looking at the three cups, but he does nothing about it. He seems to be so caught up with whatever he’s thinking, and he fails to see what’s in front of him. He fails to see what life offers, as represented by the hand reaching out with a cup.
Perhaps, he is focused on something non-existent. Because of these non-existent distractions, he cannot see the things around him—the view from where he seems to be high and beautiful.
Four of Cups (Upright) Meaning
Similar to The Hanged Man, Four of cups brings the good news of opportunities. However, you might be turning these opportunities away and saying no. You may be uninterested in these things, or perhaps, you have a lot on your plate already. This card represents lost opportunities. You may have been too focused on other things that you fail to move forward. This card can tell you that you have become stagnated and stuck. Perhaps you have developed a habit of looking at the negative side of things. If you have, try to work out on shifting these perspectives slowly.
This card tells you to assess your situation. Use your intellect and discernment to figure out what’s the best course of action for you to do. Do not be so focused on your fear of the consequences. Try to be in the moment as much as possible. This card can also send a message of waiting. Maybe you are supposed to wait until you are sure. Perhaps you might have to wait until the right opportunity comes to you. When it does, you will surely be aware of it.
Four of cups can also tell you that you are defensive. You seem to be protecting yourself from hurting or getting rejected. You may have past experiences that lead you to be quite protective and isolated. A step toward change would be finding someone to trust and slowly open up as you feel more comfortable about it. Allow yourself to explore the world and get hurt. When you do, feel these emotions and learn from them. Take them as experiences and win the battle. Take your time in healing and growing.
Four of Cups (Upright) in In Love and Relationship
The Four of Cups can be applied in a love reading. But this would often result in experiencing boredom or lack of commitment.
You’re probably hanging out with someone new right now. But you’re still confused if you only like the idea of the person or not.
You’re someone who continues to hesitate in being open and expressive. This is because you’re scared to enter a stage wherein you’ll have to commit again.
This may not be the right time to enter into a relationship. You probably need more time for healing and self-love.
If you are in a relationship, this card tells you that you may be missing the real essence of your relationship. Perhaps you are too caught up in the image you have about relationships.
Because of this, you fail to see the beauty of the relationship you have right now. Now that the butterflies are gone, you feel the excitement fade away. Without addressing these issues and helping each other, you might lose your relationship.
Four of Cups in a Love Reading
The Four of Cups can be applied in a love reading. But this would often result in experiencing boredom or lack of commitment.
You’re probably hanging out with someone new right now. But you’re still confused if you only like the idea of the person or not.
You’re someone who continues to hesitate in being open and expressive. This is because you’re scared to enter a stage wherein you’ll have to commit again.
This may not be the right time to enter into a relationship. You probably need more time for healing and self-love.
So make sure to choose yourself.
Four of Cups (Upright) in Career and Finance
In the aspect of your career, this card can signify a loss of interest. The fire and passion you had about your job might be slowly fading. You might feel unsatisfied, bored of your career, and stagnated. When you get projects, you barely get excited anymore, and you feel more distant each day. These emotions can be considerably affecting your mood. Perhaps it’s affecting the quality of your work too. You might feel like it’s harder to be productive.
Similar to Temperance Card, this card tells you that you might be missing plenty of opportunities because you are not looking. It would be helpful if you would take some time to reflect and reconnect with your passion. It’s essential to do a job that you love. Find the time and ask yourself what would make you happy.
For your financial aspect, this card might be telling you to stop looking at others. You have to start moving for yourself. Focusing And acquiring jealousy for other people’s lives will not help you reach your goals at all. If anything, this might just cause unnecessary negative feelings like self-pity. Lacking appreciation for what you have further pushed you away from the opportunities just around the corner. This card tells you to look around and explore the unlimited possibilities around you. Make sound decisions and grow financially.
Four of Cups (Upright) in Health
In the aspect of health, you might be having mental issues emerging from existing health issues. You may feel a bit disappointed and outright sad because of some restricted things due to your health issues. In these cases, it’s best to focus on what you have and what you’re allowed to do. Do not stress yourself out for things you are restricted from. If you feel like you can’t carry the burden alone, seek help from a trusted professional, friends, or family members.
Four of Cups (Upright) in Spirituality
This card represents regrets. You are still stuck on the past and the guilt that is with it in your spiritual life. Try to practice gratitude and appreciate life more every day. Be in the moment and help yourself grow.
Four of Cups (Reversed) Meaning
This card in reverse signifies rising from the quicksand you’ve been in. Your sedentary life will meet its end soon, and you will be open to more opportunities. Finally, you have come to realize how detached you’ve become from the world. This card represents that you are now ready to get back to reality. You are done with the daydreams and visions. You are now ready and determined to make them happen. Finally, you gathered the strength to look at the things around you rather than shutting your eyes.
After a particular storm in your life, a rainbow shows up, and you begin to have hope. This will remind you that although life is not perfect and may hurt you, there is beauty in life. Four of cups in reverse tell you to welcome new ideas, people, and places.
Four of Cups (Reversed) in Love and Relationship
The Four of Cups in reverse may show that you’re ready for change. This may be a time wherein you know what you want in love.
So prepare yourself, because you’ll get the love that you deserve. You’ll receive the love you never knew you actually needed.
You used to lose hope in finding the right person. But now that you’re here, you’ll open yourself to a higher level of commitment.
You are slowly getting the courage and ability to let go of the past emotions and suffering. Facing forward, you are ready for a brighter world, and you are looking forward until this storm is over.
This time, you’ll never lose yourself from love again.
Four of Cups (Reversed) in Career and Finance
You may have been experiencing a stagnant phase in your work lately. This card in reverse tells you that this situation will come to an end soon. The change may be sudden, and it could manifest in many forms. Your will reconnected with your lost creativity and motivation. With this, you will work on your current projects more peacefully and full of passion. If you are prompted or feel the urge to change something about your career, this may be the time to do so.
Be courageous and take calculated leaps. Do not be overwhelmed by the sudden changes that are happening. Allow yourself to see as clearly as before and make more informed decisions. This card in reverse signifies your journey towards a better and more secured financial life. You are finally out of the slump and are taking reasonable steps towards economic improvement.
You are full of positive energy, and you exude it. You are ready to get this energy and intellect to good use. You will have more time to give thanks for the blessings you receive throughout your life.
Four of Cups (Reversed) in Health
Reversed four of cups card tells you that you are feeling a lot more energized and vigorous. You are now focusing on a more positive outlook in life and keeping your mental health healthy. Health issues seem to be significant barriers to living your life. This card tells you to shift your stance and be more positive slowly. This enthusiasm will help your health get better.
Four of Cups (Reversed) in Spirituality
This card in reverse in the context of your spirituality means that you are now ready to reconnect. Finally, you are prepared to let go of your regrets and disappointments. You have realized that the past is past, and dwelling on these things will not change anything about them.
You are now encouraged to look at the possibilities and positivity around you. This card in reverse brings good news as you continue your path and live a life full of gratitude. There is still a lot to discover in terms of the spiritual side of life, and you will enjoy your journey as you go.
Four of Cups: YES or NO?
In the case of a yes or no question or reading, the four of cups symbolize holding back. Negative emotions such as disappointment, frustration, and defeat can be holding you back. You may feel like you are stuck and quite confused too. You are struggling to see the right path for you to be happy again.
The answer to your yes or no question would be a question or assessment for you. If you think that you are ready to leap, then go for it. However, it’s best to partner your decision with evaluation. Before deciding whether it’s a yes or a no, make sure that you eye the right cup or path.
You might be interested in Three of Swords Tarot Card. Or you might also want to check out this Three of Pentacles Tarot Card article that I wrote.
Four of Cups Advice
The Four of Cups wants you to know that you can conquer anything. You may have been dealing with a lot of things right now that make you suffocate.
Your negative thoughts are always not your fault. Remember that it’s valid if you often feel that way due to the challenges in life.
You’re currently losing hope in everything you do. But remember that the sun will shine tomorrow, so you can always try again.
You’re carrying heavy responsibilities, but you’re not a burden. It’s allowed to let go of things that make you overwhelmed.
You’ll find proper rest soon.
Four of Cups Reversed Advice
The Four of Cups in reverse is a positive sign that you’re finally moving. After several months, you’re now entering a new stage in your life.
You want to open yourself to hundreds of possibilities that life has to offer. You’re now ready to inflict yourself to change instead of avoiding it.
You’ve been keeping yourself private or selective for a long time. But now, you’re willing to adapt to the implementation of expressing your thoughts.
Being able to open your true intentions to others is scary. But there’s no harm in trying to let love in your life again.
Four of Cups as a Person
The Four of Cups as a person is someone who is high-maintenance. If this is you, then every minor inconvenience would always end up in chaos.
In every effort and project you make, you would often feel dissatisfaction. You don't learn how to be content with the current lifestyle you have.
You're someone who doesn't know what you want and what you need. You often fail to arrive at a final decision because your current situation perplexes you.
There are opportunities that you take for granted. There's a lack of fun and excitement in your life because of negative thinking.
Four of Cups Reversed as a Person
The Four of Cups, in reverse, is someone who can't work well under pressure. If this is you, then you often start to panic when things go the wrong way.
You always want to receive validation from other people. Which is why you're afraid to fail or mess up; that's why you continue working.
There are times when you would instead choose others than yourself. You're willing to do what others say according to their convenience.
Because of reaching the expectations of people, you don't know what you want. You're indecisive in terms of making choices for your future goals.
Four of Cups Present
In the present, you’re currently working towards improving yourself. The past left you with a scar in your heart that you don’t want to happen again.
You might also find this article interesting: The Secret to Attracting Wealth: Traits the rare billionaires share!
You’re probably working on implementing self-love and fulfillment. You’re now choosing to provide time and care for yourself instead of weeping in despair.
You’re aware that the healing phase is a long process. But you’re willing to stay persistent to notice some progress.
You’re currently reevaluating your individual choices. You now realize that your decisions will always matter the most.
As you walk on this journey, try looking at things from a different perspective.
Four of Cups Past
In the past, you encountered situations that changed your perspectives about life. These situations left a massive scar on your heart.
You used to prioritize the needs of others rather than focusing on yourself. You gave too much time and effort to the wrong people.
You used to be indecisive when it came to knowing what you wanted. This is because you relied on your individual choices for others in the past.
You were someone who needed validation from others. Because deep down, you knew you would always exceed their expectations.
Your expectations of people led you to extreme disappointment.
Four of Cups Future
In the future, you’ll enter a situation wherein you need to step back for a while. This situation can lead you to make a major individual decision.
It’s not necessary that you’ll just give up on this situation. Instead, you’ll try to analyze and reevaluate the situation carefully.
It’s important that you won’t take any immediate action. Don’t act too impulsive, for it may lead you to have several regrets in the future.
You’ll enter a new path in your life where you have to choose wisely. So try to weigh if this situation is right or wrong for you.
Four of Cups as How Someone Feels About You
Someone feels worried about you and your current situation. This person may sense that you’re not going in the right direction.
This person wants to help in lessening or removing your burden. They feel overwhelmed by the idea of your resilient personality.
This person also feels like they can learn from you. They can learn practical experiences that will help them engage in the real world.
This person can sense if you’re already exhausted. They want to provide assistance or care whenever you’re overworking yourself.
This person continues to worry about you. They want you to eat proper meals daily.
Four of Cups Outcome
The outcome shows that you’re detaching yourself from life. You feel like you’re not in the right headspace to come up with a decision.
You continue to run away from opportunities that appear in front of you. This is because you never got to decide when you’ll be ready.
You want to handle your problems on your own. You refuse to receive help and comfort from other people.
In the end, you would often end up being disappointed. This is because you left expectations from people you thought were good for you.
Maybe you need the help of a counselor.
Four of Cups Pregnancy and Fertility
The Four of Cups may be a sign that deals with pregnancy. However, this card may show that you’re not ready for change.
You’re afraid of providing for a baby because you have too many tasks at hand. You believe you don’t have the suitable sources and necessities to be a parent.
You continue to doubt your capabilities in terms of raising a child. You believe you have too many responsibilities to prioritize first.
It can also be possible that you can’t arrive at a final decision. You don’t know if having a baby is what you want or not.
Four of Cups Energy
The Four of Cups may represent energy; that’s a bit confusing. This is because you don’t know what you want and what you don’t.
You continue to have negative thoughts as you go on with your work. You start to lose the confidence you have within yourself.
If there are opportunities that would approach you, you push them away. You continue to say “No” as if it will make the situation more peaceful.
You’re someone who continues to think that you won’t succeed easily. But you continue to work hard in your job to provide for your loved ones.
Four of Cups as Action
The Four of Cups as an action has something to do with delays. You feel like you’re not making progress because you reject your opportunities.
Instead of grabbing every chance you have, you push it away. You always convince yourself that you’re not ready to face life’s challenges.
If you feel like a project or offer doesn’t suit you, you reject it. You could’ve been more careful in choosing the things that are best for you.
If you feel like you’re not making progress, you’ll stop doing it. Instead of patiently waiting until improvement shows up, you would run away.
Four of Cups as Intentions
You want to practice having pure intentions. However, these intentions would always lead up to disappointment.
With the Four of Cups, you continue to resist changing. You believe that nothing will happen even if you decide to change.
But deep down, you want to improve yourself for the better. You want to go out there and receive the opportunities that are waiting.
However, you still reject the opportunities that appear in front of you. You implanted the mindset that the things you want will never work out.
As a result, you choose to attain in providing for other people.
Four of Cups as How Someone Sees You
Someone thinks you’re very hard to please. This person feels like they need to pass your standards if this is related to a relationship.
They see you as someone who doesn’t express your thoughts that much. But they continue to initiate offering a helping hand to lessen your burden.
They see you as someone who is often indecisive. They feel like you don’t really know what you want to achieve for yourself.
This person is aware that you’re preventing yourself from getting hurt again. Even if you often see the sincerity of this person, you continue to reject their help.
Four of Cups Time Frame
The Four of Cups can have a specific time frame. However, it will always depend on your situation and energy.
The Four of Cups has a connection with the element of water. It is also connected with the Moon in Cancer.
This card has a specific period if an event occurs. The period will start on July 12 and will end on July 21.
This card has the representation of the number four. So an event may occur in 4 days, weeks, or months.
Whatever the outcome is, prepare yourself for commitment to change. You can possibly do anything.
Four of Cups as a Woman
The Four of Cups can have the representation of a woman. If you have this card, then it means you’re most likely to be indecisive.
The universe often sees how you pour your time and effort into your work. But the universe wants you to realize if this is really what you want.
You’re someone who continues to be a giver to the people you love. The downside of this is that you expect people to do the same for you.
You’re someone who doesn’t want to express what you truly feel. Instead, you create a strong facade of yourself.
Four of Cups as a Man
The Four of Cups as a man can be seen in the card. In the tarot, a man sits under a tree on a mountaintop apart from others.
If you have this card, then you’re someone who manages everything by yourself. You often refuse to receive the help you deserve.
You use your strong masculine energy in order to show your capabilities. But at the end of the day, you’ll end up getting exhausted.
You don’t always have a clear vision of what you really want. So you continue to work hard for a job that’s not your main priority.
Four of Cups Communication
The Four of Cups is an important card for communication. This could mean that you need to learn how to be open and express your thoughts.
You may be someone who continues to reject the help of others. This is because you don’t want to expect anything in order to avoid disappointment.
You used to expect a lot from people in the past. This is the impact of your constant efforts and time for them.
This is the time when you should practice speaking out about what bothers you. Eventually, someone’s always willing to listen to your problems because they care.
Four of Cups Reconciliation
The Four of Cups may not be a good sign for reconciliation. A past person may be running away to avoid confrontation from this relationship.
This person is aware of the hurtful things that they did in the past. But they can’t come to terms with what they want and don’t want.
This person is lost in the midst of chaos. As a result, they feel like they’re not going in the right direction that they need.
They often think about you and the time you shared. But they also believe that they don’t have the guts to approach you.
Four of Cups Physical Appearance
The Four of Cups doesn’t specifically have a physical appearance. But if you have this card, the characteristics of the card are evident in your presence.
Perhaps you often look dull or exhausted whenever people see you. They may think that you don’t have a stable sleeping schedule.
You look like you’re someone who works in a call center agency. Your eyes look tired, and your face can also be pale.
Because this card represents a lack of motivation, you probably wear baggy clothes. You’re too discouraged to work on having appropriate dressing attire.
On the inside, you’re already losing hope.
Four of Cups Reversed Outcome
The outcome shows that you’re ready to inflict change in your life. You’re someone who is willing to see the open possibilities of life.
Perhaps this is the sign that you should take risks in love again. It’s time to believe everything will work out with the right person.
You believe that someone is the right person because you do. You’ll never have to question your worth and your ability to love.
This is also when you’ll fall in love with yourself again. Then, it’s time to focus on your future goals and desires.
You have the power to change.
Four of Cups Reversed Pregnancy
The Four of Cups card may be a sign that pregnancy may occur. This card shows that you’re starting to believe you’re ready to enter parenthood.
You’re someone who is willing to take risks when it comes to love. Now is the time to give off your unconditional love to your baby.
Instead of doubting your abilities and if this will work, you’re now confident. You’re confident that everything will work out because you want them to be.
You believe that you’re finally getting the love you deserve. So you always make sure that you take care of yourself.
Four of Cups Friendship
The Four of Cups in friendships wants you to reevaluate your decisions. Ask some questions yourself about the importance of your current friend groups.
It’s important that you know if you’re with the right people because there may be instances when they can lead you to make bad habits.
Also, be sure to be expressive to your friends. Make sure you can always be transparent and gentle with them.
You don’t have to hide from them, so speak up. Tell them what bothers you, makes you nervous, or excites you.
Be thankful for friends that stay through the bad times.
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.
