Five of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

There are certain tarot cards out there that no one really wants to see. That’s because the moment you see them, you can tell they’re associated with a negative experience. Unfortunately, the Five of Cups is one of these cards.

The card is associated with loss, pain, challenges, and negativity. It shows a figure with a black cloak, hiding their face. There are five cups in the card, too, each with its own significance. Throwing in the river in the background is not just a negative card but also a confusing one.

All in all, let’s go through every interpretation of the Five of Cups and see what it actually means for your life.

Meaning of Upright Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is very often associated with disappointment and all kinds of negative feelings triggered when things go the wrong way.

The idea is to move forward with a different plan when something unexpected happens. Unfortunately, many people choose to contemplate it. They dwell in the past and just can’t let regret go. That’s the primary message of the Five of Cups.

The water spilled from cups also relates to missed opportunities, which could be just as dramatic.

The card isn’t there to tell you how hard life is. Instead, it tells you that you cling to the past and you’re not willing to move on. Besides, you don’t seem to learn from the past either. What this means is the possibility to miss on numerous opportunities and joys.

Tarotoo card

Upright Five of Cups in Love & Relationships

In love and relationships, the upright Five of Cups is about sadness and mourning. You may have reasons to do it, indeed, especially if you’ve been through a big conflict or a breakup.

You do need to understand that it’s not the end of the world. While it does show emotional loss, you can also learn to focus on things that are still there. This could be the one element needed to regain your hope.

No matter how many reasons you have to be upset, the card tells you that there is a bit of positivity out there. You just have to see it, embrace it, and let it help.

Upright Five of Cups in Career

For your career, the loss has a more professional nature. Maybe you’ve lost a job or perhaps a partnership. Perhaps you’ve missed a project or a great opportunity to be promoted.

It could also mean that you’re demoted, so you’re going backwards. There are lots of different aspects that could relate, so the interpretation depends on your unique circumstances.

Again, there could be a period of unhappiness, as such changes are always difficult. But they also offer an opportunity. You’re supposed to learn from it. Plus, there’s always something to salvage, regardless of how dark the situation is.

Upright Five of Cups in Money

An issue with resources is almost always the case if you draw the Five of Cups in an upright position. It won’t be easy. It could be associated with stress or other issues, but most importantly, you can’t let it aggravate.

You need to start rebuilding your financial security as soon as you notice a problem. Stop spending, avoid unnecessary outings, and so on.

Like always, no matter how dark it seems, this card always tries to tell you that there’s a solution out there. However, it may not be too easy to find.

Upright Five of Cups in Health

For your health, the upright Five of Cups shows emotional issues. It could go in more directions. It could be something temporary, but it could also be a mental health problem. The reasons behind it are more diversified. Money, career, love, you name it.

The card shows sadness and various problems associated with it, such as depression, anxiety, or even panic attacks. It sounds like a terrible spiral, but your duty is to try to get out of it.

Don’t go crazy on it because it won’t work. Start with baby steps. Have a coffee with a family member or your best friend. Before you know it, you’ll be back on track.

If the situation seems too severe, it might be wiser to seek professional help.

The Five of Cups in a health reading is mainly related to emotional and mental problems rather than physical issues.

If you’re trying to conceive, the interpretation is pretty much similar. Maybe your previous pregnancy failed. Maybe you’ve been trying for ages, unsuccessfully. It feels like a mission impossible, but the card tells you that there’s a way.

If you ask how someone feels about you, the card shows sadness. The respective person doesn’t feel very well, especially after a loss. The pain is there, and it’s so deep that there’s not much you can do about it.

That person finds it hard to find something positive in life. Perhaps you could help.

Their intentions aren’t too positive. They tend to ignore all the good things around them but only focus on the negatives. They believe they’re not good enough, so despite all the opportunities around them, they choose to ignore everything.

Even if you ask how someone feels about you, the answer will go in the same direction. You’re seen as someone who carries a heavy unhappiness. You don’t appear to be too positive since you only focus on the negative parts of your life.

Based on all these, your actions should be straightforward.

Indeed, you’re going through a dark period, but you have to acknowledge it and move on. Nothing will ever change if you don’t do anything. Acknowledging all these is the first step in the healing process. Once you learn how to do it, things will only get better.

Meaning of Reversed Five of Cups

When the Five of Cups is reversed, it indicates recovery. Again, it’s more of a mental approach. It’s not about recovery after an injury but recovery after regret and sadness.

You start to see some improvements based on your actions, so you finally appreciate the future you might be able to build.

With time, you’ll also understand that this dark time was a lesson. You’ll definitely learn a few things, which you can use later on to prevent such problems. You’re stronger and more resilient as well.

Reversed Five of Cups in Love & Relationships

In a love reading, the reversed Five of Cups tells you to stop living in the past. It won’t take you anywhere. The card is about moving on. You can suffer and be sad for a while, but it has to stop eventually.

If you’ve just been through a breakup, the card tells you to move on. Accept the past because you can’t change it anyway. A chapter has closed, so your life can start a new one. But without living in the present, you won’t be able to do it right.

Give yourself time, don’t force yourself.

If you’re in a relationship, the card symbolizes a tense time. You and your partner should sit down, leave your egos at the door, and have a solid conversation about how to improve the relationship. Dwelling on the past will only cause more suffering.

Reversed Five of Cups in Career

The reversed Five of Cups will help you recover. It’s a sign that your suffering will end soon and the same rule applies to your career as well. It makes no difference what kind of setback you had.

Maybe you lost a job, or your business died. The card tells you that you have the skills to continue and start all over. You can recover a few things from your losses, but you’ll have to build something new.

Healing is not an overnight process, especially given the amount of stress and pain you’ve been through. Give it time and work on it.

Reversed Five of Cups in Money

Been through financial issues? Struggling with money? The reversed Five of Cups is normally seen as a good sign. Your financial problems are about to reach to an end. Yes, you’ve lost some, but you’ve also learned some lessons.

Based on your current actions, you’ll be back to financial stability in no time.

Action is also required. Use what you’ve learned to grow. Use your leftovers for an investment, or maybe start a side gig. Anything works as you try to recover financially.

Reversed Five of Cups in Health

In a health context, you need to let go of pain. You must open up to a new approach in terms of well-being. It could be a new energy, a new technique, maybe a new diet. A new healing energy will give you the enthusiasm you need to overcome health issues.

Again, in most of these situations, the Five of Cups refers to the emotional side of your well-being.

Problems are now gone, and you can also start retrying for a pregnancy. If you’ve had some issues with the pregnancy, they’re about to fade away now.

If you ask how someone feels about you, you need to know that the respective person is ready to stop suffering. They’ve managed to realize that letting go of the past will put them back on track. No matter what disappointments they’ve been through, they’re ready to take the next step and move on.

Are you curious about their intentions toward you? The grief and sadness in their heart is no longer there. They intend to ignore the past, learn from their mistakes, and grow. The good news is they try to do it while on your side, so their intentions are good.

They see you as someone who has been through a lot in life. You’re seen as a strong individual who is ready for a new beginning. Your losses are seen as lessons, which is quite motivational for those around you.

What you need to do is turn your life around. Change your mindset, understand your sadness and move on, simple as that.

Numerological Meaning of Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is obviously associated with the number 5. It’s an upsetting energy, but with room to change.

When it comes to traditional numerology, the number 5 is all about communication.

Such energies are often mixed to boost your creativity and help you accept the past.

Astrological Meaning of Five of Cups

The number 5 is sometimes associated with Mars. Mars doesn’t always have good energy, as it could be upsetting at times. That’s what affects you at the moment.

At the same time, the number could also be associated with Mercury, offering a more creative approach to life.

Zodiac Correspondence of the Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is generally associated with Scorpio. The sign has numerous themes of intensity, especially at an emotional level. It’s a sign of transformation, but it also triggers a deep introspection.

Most of these energies are reflected in what the Five of Cups is trying to tell you if drawn in a reading.

Yes or No Meaning for the Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is hard to interpret in yes or no questions. However, given its interpretations, it leans towards a no.

In the reversed position, it’s a yes, as it shows signs of improvement. Things will change, but they require action from your side.

Key Actions

Be cautious and mindful when you see the Five of Cups upright. Take time to acknowledge and understand what you go through before moving on. Otherwise, your emotional wounds won’t heal.

If you see it reversed, it calls for work. It’s time to change. You’re healed, so stop focusing on the past and start building the future.​

In conclusion, Five of Cups is like a signpost that highlights the need to deal with your emotions, seize chances for change, and move towards a happier and more satisfying life path.

Full list of suit of cups cards: