Five of Cups

Card Information

minor Arcana - cups

Wikipedia Link

Upright Meaning

A dark, cloaked figure, looking sideways at three prone cups two others stand upright behind him; a bridge is in the background, leading to a small keep or holding. Divanatory Meanings: It is a card of loss, but something remains over; three have been taken, but two are left; it is a card of inheritance, patrimony, transmission, but not corresponding to expectations; with some interpreters it is a card of marriage, but not without bitterness or frustration.

Reversed Meaning

News, alliances, affinity, consanguinity, ancestry, return, false projects.

In Yes or No Reading

The Five of Cups is a card of loss. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Five of Cups, the answer is NO. Wait until you're emotionally prepared to move forward.

Description

The Five of Cups symbolizes themes of loss, grief, and disappointment, often indicating a focus on what has been lost rather than what remains. The cloaked figure represents a sense of mourning, as he gazes at the three overturned cups, signifying missed opportunities or unfulfilled expectations. However, the two upright cups in the background suggest that not everything is lost; there is still potential for hope and renewal. This card also hints at inheritance or familial ties, often carrying a bittersweet undertone, especially in matters of marriage or relationships. When reversed, it may indicate a shift towards healing, reconnections, or new alliances, yet it warns of false hopes or projects that may not come to fruition. Overall, it encourages the acknowledgment of both loss and remaining possibilities.