Four of Cups
The Four of Cups depicts a withdrawn youth at a mossy well while a pike offers a fourth cup, symbolizing an unexpected invitation arising from deep places. It represents a pause for contemplation, a sabbath from noise so you can re-evaluate true desires before acting. Upright, it invites thoughtful reassessment but can curdle into apathy or self-absorption that causes you to miss timely offers. Reversed, curiosity and reconnection return though you should avoid impulsively accepting every cup; solitude should refine your choice and lead to clear action.
Keywords
Visual description
A fair-haired youth in a white embroidered shirt sits at the roots before a mossy stone well, resting his chin on both hands. Three ornate cups stand on the ground in front of him. From the well's rim a large green-and-red pike curls outward, presenting a fourth golden cup. Vines, ferns, and twisted branches surround the scene, and a rope hangs into the dark mouth of the well.
Meaning
Initial image
From the shaded well a miraculous offer appears, yet the youth keeps gazing at the three cups already before him.
Essence
The Four of Cups is the pause between breaths, the moment of withdrawal when feelings dull enough for you to hear your own heart.
Upright
Upright, it invites contemplation and a sabbath from noise so your true desires can be re-evaluated before you act.
Shadow
But the same stillness can curdle into apathy, self-absorption, or a refusal to notice that a timely invitation is being extended.
Mythic allusion
Like the Slavic tale of Emelya and the wish-granting Pike, a gift rises from unexpected waters; look up, or it will slide back into the deep.
Reversed
Reversed, the drowse lifts: curiosity returns, you say yes, you reconnect, and gratitude sharpens your sight.
Reversed caution
Sometimes reversed also cautions against leaping at every cup out of restlessness; choose the offer that aligns with your reawakened purpose.
Guidance
Whether you accept the pike's cup or not, let solitude refine rather than isolate you, and act once your answer is clear.
Slavic Legends Tarot
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