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Five of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
Five of Cups: The Grief of Loss
Upright keywords
Regret, failure, disappointment, pessimism
Reversed keywords
Moving on, forgiveness, acceptance, finding peace
Symbolism
A cloaked figure looks down at three spilled cups, representing loss and disappointment. He is so focused on what is lost that he fails to see the two full cups still standing behind him. A bridge in the distance leads to a secure castle, symbolizing a path forward that he is currently ignoring.
Five of Cups upright meaning
The Five of Cups is a card of regret, loss, and disappointment. You are grieving something that has ended or has not met your expectations. While it is important to acknowledge this sorrow, the card also reminds you not to dwell on it. You must eventually turn around and recognize what you still have and the path that remains open to you.
Focus on what remains, not on what is lost. The Five of Cups points to disappointment and regret. Acknowledge your feelings, but don't let them blind you to the possibilities still available.
Five of Cups reversed meaning
Reversed, this card signifies a powerful moment of healing and acceptance. You are finally moving on from past regrets, forgiving yourself or others, and are ready to see the two cups that remain. It is the end of grieving and the beginning of recovery.
Moving on from regret, forgiveness, or finally seeing the positive in a situation. You are ready to pick up the remaining cups and move forward.
Five of Cups in a reading
How the card reads in each position of a past, present and future spread.
Past position
Upright: A past loss or disappointment is still causing you regret and sorrow. You have been focusing on what was lost rather than what remains.
Reversed: You have begun the process of healing from a past loss and are finally starting to forgive yourself or others.
Present position
Upright: You are currently dealing with a sense of loss and disappointment. It is important to grieve, but do not forget to turn around and see the opportunities you still have.
Reversed: You are at a turning point, ready to let go of regret and focus on what you still have. It is a moment of acceptance and moving on.
Future position
Upright: A disappointment may be coming. While it will be tempting to focus on the loss, remember that there will be something positive that remains. Be prepared to shift your perspective.
Reversed: The future holds healing from a current or past sorrow. You will find forgiveness and be able to see the positive side of a difficult situation.