Card 40 • cups

Five of Cups

Brief Description

The Five of Cups reflects self-pity, loss, and regret after a challenging experience or separation, leaving the asker focused on past hurt. It acknowledges the necessity of grieving while warning against prolonged wallowing and encourages noticing present blessings and looking toward the future. Reversed, the card invites a broader perspective, suggesting setbacks may redirect the asker and contain opportunities for growth. It emphasizes learning from the past, finding the silver lining, and practicing self-forgiveness to move forward.

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Upright Meaning

The Five of Cups represents self-pity, loss or regret. The asker may have recently gone through a challenging experience; perhaps a relationship or friendship ended, or they are currently apart from a loved one. They feel stuck in the past and cannot seem to let go of hurt and sadness. This card is a reminder that is okay to feel these negative emotions and to give space for grieving. However, it is also a sign to not wallow too long in self-pity; things are not as bad as they seem. The asker is encouraged to keep a positive eye on the future and focus on the blessings that currently surround them.

Reversed Meaning

The Five of Cups reversed suggests the asker may have recently faced a challenge or setback. This card is a reminder to look at the situation from a wider perspective and remember that everything that happens in life is happening for us, not to us. The challenge may have been part of a redirection from the Universe. There is always a silver lining, or opportunity for tremendous growth when things don't go as intended. The Five of Cups tells the asker they can't change the past, but before long, they will experience a greater understanding of what happened. Practice self-forgiveness.

Visual Description

On a soft pink field a minimalist gold line-art composition shows five cup-like vessels arranged symmetrically along a vertical axis. Delicate dotted arches, small starburst sparkles and a central stylized eye ornament punctuate the design; there are no human figures. A thin gold border frames the card and the words "FIVE" appear at the top and "OF CUPS" at the bottom.

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✍️ Deck author(s): Kristine Fredheim

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