The Five of Cups brings us a positive message despite its evident dramatism.
The Five of Cups has two interpretations: the first, with the card upright, offers a negative outlook, and the second, with the card reversed, brings a hopeful message.
Graphic description of the card:
The figure in the card (it’s unclear if it’s a man or a woman) is wearing a black cloak that reflects the gloomy weight of the scene, covering them, and even partly hiding their face in apparent despair.
At their feet, there are five cups, three of which have fallen over, spilling onto the ground, while the other two stand behind them. They don’t seem to notice the two standing cups because their attention is entirely on the fallen ones.
Ahead of them, a mighty river flows between them and a castle or house in the distance, which is presumed to be their goal. To their right is a bridge that could easily take them to the safety of the house, avoiding the river, but they seem unaware of this help.
Despite the Five of Cups strongly indicating loss and grief, there’s a positive aspect to consider, which lies in how we view things and what we focus on… Is the glass half full or half empty?
The upright Five of Cups:
General meaning:
Upright, the Five of Cups shows its most negative face. It’s about feeling disappointed because things didn’t turn out the way you expected, goals weren’t met, or only partially achieved.
This card suggests that the situation has left you caught in self-pity, continuously mourning what you’ve lost or failed to achieve.
Usually, this loss relates more to emotional matters than material ones, since cups represent the world of emotions.
You’re now in a pessimistic state, deeply disappointed, and viewing the future through a dark lens.
This is the typical situation where you cling to the past, unable to let go and, therefore, unable to learn from mistakes. Opportunities may appear and be right there for you (like the two standing cups behind you), but you’re unable to see them.
The worst part of this situation is that you might be punishing yourself, being overly harsh about your past, blaming yourself, feeling responsible, and unable to recover and use forgiveness, both for yourself and others.
The Five of Cups can suggest not only disappointment with yourself but often represents deep disappointment in someone else or in others.
This often happens because we expect too much, set unrealistic expectations on others, and then feel frustrated. You need to work on forgiveness, understanding, and being kind to yourself because that’s the only way out.
As impossible as the situation may seem and even though you feel trapped, you need to know that there’s always a way out, and it might be as simple as you just not seeing it, like how the person in the Five of Cups doesn’t see the white bridge that would make things easier.
It’s about focusing on the positive, the idea that “every cloud has a silver lining” or “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” – it’s about seeing the glass half full.
Reality also unfolds based on where we put our attention, so if you keep crying over spilled milk instead of noticing what’s left, your attitude will condemn you.
Regarding love:
The Five of Cups is undoubtedly a negative card, as it may indicate a relationship that has ended or is heading toward its conclusion. However, the card also suggests that not everything is lost and that there may still be parts worth saving.
The important thing is to focus on these elements and not dwell on what’s been lost, the mistakes, or the past events that have led to this crisis.
If the relationship can’t be saved, the Five of Cups tells you that, as hard as it may be to see or understand now, this is probably for the best. Only with time and with the arrival of new relationships will you be able to see this.
In terms of work:
The Five of Cups suggests delays in all areas, and even some loss, whether it’s part of your salary, work hours, or a promotion that was on its way but got canceled.
In a very literal sense, it could mean that your job is costing you more than it’s bringing in. It might be a good idea to consider changing jobs or starting something new, something that’s not only more profitable but also more emotionally satisfying.
Regarding money and finances:
The card isn’t as negative here, since, as we’ve seen, it relates more to emotional issues than financial ones. However, you may be mourning a past when things were going better.
You should focus on the present, but without pushing too hard, as that can sometimes have the opposite effect. Let things flow, do what needs to be done, and maintain a healthy, optimistic outlook – that might be the right approach.
You’re not as financially unstable as you think, but you do need to be careful with your money, try to save, avoid unnecessary spending, and make sure “the milk doesn’t spill” because this is a time when you’re neither lacking nor overflowing.
On health matters:
The Five of Cups can suggest nervous or psychological illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, sadness, or an inability to forgive or to forgive yourself. These states are natural after any conflict, breakup, or loss of any kind.
You should seek support and help to slowly and steadily move out of these states until you find a much more positive balance. Focus on the present and the future, avoiding the useless grip of the past as much as possible.
Spirituality:
It’s important to think about forgiveness right now. This isn’t about forgiving others for their own sake or because they deserve it, but rather you need to do it for yourself. Holding onto anger and pain is toxic and harmful.
Think about how most of the time, while you’re filled with anger or pain, the other person is likely completely unaware and enjoying their life. So, the advice from the Five of Cups is to let go, and you do that through forgiveness.
The Five of Cups Reversed:
General meaning:
There’s no doubt that the reversal of this card offers its most favorable and positive outlook.
You’re now in a much healthier emotional state. You’ve managed to let go of the past, learned from your mistakes, and taken the lessons life has given you.
You now even recognize that the negative experiences and processes you’ve gone through had a reason and purpose, and getting through all that has put you in a much better, more beneficial place.
You’re capable of both regret and forgiveness, and after going through that barren valley of negative emotions, you can finally take those two cups that have been waiting for you and use them to rebuild, to move forward into the future.
The Five of Cups clearly tells you that while the past serves as a lesson to learn from, you must keep an open and active mindset, with the ability and courage to take new risks.
The future doesn’t have to be like the past, so with everything you’ve learned, you need to be willing to risk again, especially in the emotional realm.
If you’ve come from a very painful situation, like a loss or the end of a relationship, the Five of Cups announces the end of your suffering, making way for a new phase where you’re once again ready to start new relationships, fall in love, love, and commit again.
You’re reconnecting with your best self, with your creativity, hopes, and dreams, and you’re slowly starting to see life again through a positive lens.
You’ve realized the good that was hidden behind the bad, taken the positive from it, and now you must stand firm in your values and, above all, head toward what you really want and need.
Practically every learning process in life involves pain. We learn to walk only after falling a few times, and for most people, it takes several attempts to reach the desired outcome, whether in love, professional life, finances, or any area of life.
The Five of Cups now expresses that you understand these falls are necessary for learning, you’ve learned, and now you have the tools and knowledge you need to move forward.
Something important to keep in mind when the Five of Cups appears reversed is that if you’ve gone through a period of pain, sadness, or suffering without even noticing it, it’s because you’ve suppressed any reflection on it, buried your feelings and emotions.
This allowed you to get through the situation, but it doesn’t mean it’s good. These feelings will continue to linger, and at some point, possibly when you least expect it, they could resurface, complicating and confusing your life. So, reflect on this… If you’ve passed through the darkness without even noticing, perhaps that wasn’t the best way to process it.
Something favorable that appears with the reversed Five of Cups is that if you’re going through a difficult situation, this card tells you that it’s temporary and transitory, and it’s not as tough and dark as it feels right now – they’re only temporary obstacles.
This is especially favorable for relationship or marital crises. The message is hopeful and positive, it’s just a tough moment that will be overcome.
Regarding love:
The Five of Cups suggests temporary crises that are resolved and evolve, and that these situations often need to happen to solve or close certain issues.
The possibility of a happy, meaningful relationship is possible, whether with your current partner or with a future love.
This card shows that if you’ve been suffering from any kind of abuse, especially emotional, there’s no need to force things to work anymore.
You simply say enough, accept what you want and desire, and start fighting for it. Trust your instincts as they’ll guide you on the right path.
In terms of work:
The card carries the same message: the difficulties you’ve been facing are coming to an end, and you’re finding positive, likely creative, ways to keep moving forward.
The Five of Cups may indicate the end of delays and waiting, the resolution of certain work matters in a frank and pleasant way, and it can also suggest that now more than ever, you need to focus on what you truly want to do, and go for it.
Regarding money:
You need to maintain a positive and grateful attitude for what you already have and have achieved. Since this is a time when you’re very in touch with your inner self, you’re likely working on something you truly love, so it’s not so much about how much you bring to the table but what you bring.
It’s about quality over quantity. Keeping this attitude of respect toward yourself will generate more income and money. It’s no secret in the 21st century that those most likely to succeed are the ones who love what they do.
Regarding health:
You’re starting to feel a sense of progress and well-being after the dark experiences you’ve been through. Anxiety, sadness, and depression are beginning to lift like a veil, allowing you to see a much more colorful and pleasant world on the horizon.
In terms of physical health, the reversed Five of Cups may indicate a favorable recovery from any kind of illness, the chance to embrace treatments with optimism, and the importance of seeing the glass half full to help things along with a positive attitude.
Spirituality:
You’re ready to start new paths with a sense of renewed faith, joy, and enthusiasm.
It’s possible that you’ll want to or try to share your experiences with people who are now going through what you’ve already been through, offering them your support, your perspective, which will be helpful and definitely positive for them as they evolve on their path.
You’re also likely much more open to new ideas and concepts now, with a fresh interest and receptiveness to anything that might provide help, support, or growth.
