Five of Cups
Repentance, Loss
Essential Meanings
Keywords
Shortages, Difficulties, Regret, Guilt, Pessimism, Self-Sacrifice, Disappointment, Disillusionment, Vain Regret, Sorrow, Sadness, Addiction, Despair, Fear, Refusal
Element
Water
Yes/No/Maybe
No
"Do not let what you don't have divide you."
The Five of Cups reflects loss an dthe need to start over. Walking away from the situation, leaving old memories and regrets in the past. This provides the ability to begin afresh and channel emotional energy to a positive end.
The colour of the man's cloak suggests sadness, distrust and gloomy thoughts. The three overturned cups beside hm are vanished opportunities, lost friendships and former affections. The cups spill what is lost. This image leads to repentance amd reflection on the past to understand one's mistakes, regret or remorse that stem from not having acted differently.
The two standing cups are the choices available to the individual The man has not seen these opportunities.
Perhaps, he fails to understand. Several worlds full of possibilities remain, but because they are behind the man, he does not feel or sense their presence. The acute sense of loss and his deseperate ned leads to pessisimisim or resignation. The real opportunity to overcome the situation is recognising there is choice and being aware of it. The bridge is a symbol of passage and possibility. It will allow the traveller the opportunity to move forwards and leave the memories behind.
Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself or put to your Querent when the Five of Cups appears in a Tarot reading.
Do you feel deprived of love?
What lost pportunities do you regret most?
What is your coping mechanism when you sense an emotional imbalance?
Do you wish you cold change something about your past?
Things have turned bad and I cannot deal with the emotions I am feeling. I need to release all of this before I can focus on what I still have.
Here are some of the card's associations for advanced Readers.
Number: 5
Sephirot: Geburah (Strength)
Element: Water
Planet: Mars
Sign: Scorpio
Esoteric Name: Lord of Loss in Pleasure
Evolution, changing feelings
It takes time to heal wounds of the spirit.
Disappointment, nostalgia, sadness
Something or someone that you love will test your resilience. Keep your feelings to yourself and come to terms with the situation to see it more clearly.
We are being separated from our world. We have turned over a new leaf, but a reminder in our soul makes us turn back.
Symbols
Bowed Head
By not looking athe bridge or the standing cups, the man is ignoring opportunities.
Cloak
The man holds his black cloak tightly around him.
Castle
Across the bridge lies a castle, representing the promise of a rewards.
Bridge
The cup is held in the palm of a disembodied hand, as an offering or gift.
Fallen Cups
The liquid spilling on the ground from the three toppled cups signifies what has been lost.
Standing Cups
The two upright cups indicate the two hoices the figure can make.
What The Card Shows Us...
The Five of Cups speaks of addiction and sadness. Do you have the strength to walk away? The figure cloaked in black looks upon three cups in dejection and depression. Fluid from the cups spills across the ground. Two cups stand behind him. Will he reach back and take more of the same or will he have the courage to cross the bridge over the river without looking back. The prize waits inside the castle. Will he claim it? Decide for him with personal action.
Look around you with care or you might miss an important opportunity. Take what you have and move forwards. Always remember that you do have options. Release the ego to find freedom. If something is not working for you, now is the time to let it go. All is not lost. Look fo bridges as they will lead you to new places.
Loss, delusion, bitterness
Meanings differ depending on whether the Five of Cups is right way up or upside-down.
Upright
Navigating Loss and Moving Forward
The Five of Cups signifies feelings of loss, disappointment, and remorse, often pointing to grief that remains unprocessed. It may reflect an inability to move on from the past, urging you to let go of former sufferings. This card warns that a negative outlook about the future is hindering your progress. Now is the time to release regrets and embrace new possibilities. In love Tarot, the Five of Cups can indicate a separation or the need to let go of a relationship that is no longer serving you.
Reversed
Embracing Recovery and Self-Acceptance
You've emerged from an emotionally painful period and are now on the road to recovery and healing. This is a time for self-acceptance, where you must come to terms with the end of a relationship. However, be cautious of over-attachment to the past. Moving forward requires letting go of old hurts and wounds. Avoid projecting past experiences onto your present situation, as it may hinder your progress.
Allowing a message to be received, do not fear what is coming, all is not lost.
The red rose signifies love is waiting nearby. This might mean reviving a former relationship or a return to a happier state of mind with your current love.
Thematic Meanings
The Five of Cups card can reveal particularly relevant meanings if it is read with a focus on the subject being explored in a Tarot reading, as listed here:
Personal Life
Love: Do notdwell on lost love but look at the good that emains. You have options, happiness and love in store. Don't be haunted by your past.
Work: Take this moment to pause and reflect. Your goal is achievable but a new route must be plotted.
Money: There is a temporary impasses on the way to achieving your goals. Discover the two opportunities you haven't noticed yet.
Divination
Answer: Do what you can to break out of negative romantic habits. Refrain from any addictive behavior that could further compound the issue.
Tip: Shrug off setbacks, open yourself up and search for a new path leading to the satisfaction you richly deserve.
Timing: You will be healed within five weeks.
Psyche and Soul
Self-Esteem: Don't despair that it was not meant to be. It isn't a reflection on you but a lesson learned.
Meditation: "I learn from each situation in life, filling me with wisdom so I may choose again."
Spirituality: Enjoy a bird's eye view of your life. Float high above yourself to see the grand scheme. Peering from these heights, determine what is important.
Updated
9 February 2025 at 01:23:41