The Five of Cups is the card of grief, loss, sadness, and disappointment. This card shows a man crying over three knocked down cups. He is so absorbed in his loss that he doesn’t see that he has two upright cups behind him. He is missing the opportunities that are still available to him.
The Five of Cups reminds us that grief is a natural part of life. It is normal to grieve over our disappointments and failures. Challenges and losses are part of the journey. However, it is important to not be so wrapped up in the negative that we do not see the positive in our situation. The Five of Cups reminds us to authentically grieve, but also to see how we can use this moment as a learning opportunity to move forward.
Upright Meaning:
If the Five of Cups appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is experiencing loss, regret, or sorrow, focusing on what they have lost. They often find themselves dwelling on past disappointments, unable to see the potential for recovery or positive change. The Five of Cups person is characterized by a deep sense of grief or a fixation on what has gone wrong.
For physical characteristics, the Five of Cups as a person represents someone who may appear downcast or sorrowful, often with a demeanor that suggests mourning or sadness. Their posture might be slumped, and their gaze lowered, reflecting a state of despondency or despair. This person’s appearance often mirrors their inner turmoil, with an overall impression of weariness or melancholy.
For emotional characteristics, the Five of Cups as a person represents someone who is caught up in grief, regret, or focusing on negative aspects of a situation. They may struggle to recognize the positives in their life, overshadowed by their focus on what they’ve lost. This individual’s emotional state is characterized by a lingering sadness and a difficulty in finding closure or moving on from past hurts.
Astrologically, the Five of Cups as a person represents someone who is likely influenced by Scorpio or a challenging Water sign placement, indicating deep emotional sensitivity and potential for dwelling on losses. These astrological influences can intensify their emotional experiences, leading to a profound sense of loss and a tendency to brood over past events. Their Scorpio or Water sign traits may contribute to their depth of feeling but also to their difficulty in letting go of negative emotions.
For careers, the Five of Cups can represent someone who works in a field where they are dealing with loss or disappointment, such as counseling or healthcare. Their professional life may involve supporting others through difficult times, or they themselves may be navigating personal dissatisfaction or unmet expectations in their work. The Five of Cups person’s career is often impacted by their emotional state, either through their role in helping others or their own experience of professional setbacks.
The Five of Cups as a person represents someone who makes you feel the need for emotional healing and reminds you of the importance of moving past regret and focusing on the positive. Their presence in your life can highlight the challenges of coping with loss and the necessity of finding ways to heal and look forward. This person’s influence serves as a reminder that while grief is a natural response to loss, there is also a need to eventually find acceptance and to focus on the potential for future growth and happiness.
Reversed Meaning:
If the Five of Cups reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is beginning to heal from past hurts, learning to accept and move on from loss. This reversal indicates a shift in perspective, where the focus moves from dwelling on the past to acknowledging and appreciating what remains. The Five of Cups reversed person is on a path to recovery, finding ways to overcome their sorrow and to embrace new possibilities.
For physical characteristics, the Five of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who is gradually regaining composure, showing signs of recovery from emotional distress. Their posture may become more upright, and their expression more hopeful, reflecting a growing sense of optimism or a renewed engagement with life. This person’s appearance begins to show signs of rejuvenation, suggesting a shift away from despair and towards healing.
For emotional characteristics, the Five of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who is shifting their focus from what they have lost to what remains and what can be gained. They may start to acknowledge the positive aspects of their life, developing a more balanced perspective on their experiences. This individual’s emotional state is marked by a newfound resilience and an increasing ability to find joy and meaning in the present, rather than being anchored in past regrets.
Astrologically, the Five of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who is overcoming the challenging aspects of Scorpio or Water sign placements, focusing on healing and emotional growth. These astrological influences may now be harnessed in a more constructive way, aiding in their emotional recovery and fostering a greater sense of inner peace. The challenge for this person lies in transforming their deep emotional sensitivity into a source of strength and a catalyst for positive change.
For careers, the Five of Cups reversed can represent someone who is finding ways to overcome professional setbacks or personal losses, possibly changing their approach or perspective. They might be exploring new opportunities or finding renewed satisfaction in their current role, using their experiences of adversity to fuel their growth and development. The Five of Cups reversed person’s professional journey often reflects their emotional healing process, marked by a renewed sense of purpose and a more optimistic outlook on their career path.
The Five of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel encouraged about the possibilities of healing and moving forward after a period of grief or regret. Their presence in your life can serve as an inspiration, showing the potential to recover from setbacks and to find hope and fulfillment even after difficult experiences. This person’s influence highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find new paths to happiness and contentment.