The 5 of Cups often shows a lone, hunched figure with his back to the reader, several spilled cups surrounding him. There is a distinct air of sadness surrounding this card, an air of sadness, loss and mourning.
The overall energy of the 5 of Cups is one of regret. While it is not always the most welcome card in a reading, as with all cards, there is no such thing as an all-good or all-bad card.
The 5 of cups has important lessons associated with it.
This is a card that represents the person who was too afraid to reveal their romantic feelings to someone else, which has now moved on to someone else. It is the card of the person who has not taken advantage of that career opportunity out of fear of the unknown. It’s the card of the person who broke up with someone and now wishes that wasn’t the case.
Although this card represents sadness, regret, loss and grief, it is important to note that in many Tarot decks two of the Cups still stand. This shows that the situation is not as lost as the person may think, which they would realize if they focused their attention on the two standing cups and not the cups that had fallen.
What does the 5 of Cups mean?
The 5 of Cups is associated with the following meanings:
- Suffering a loss
- Saying goodbye
- Experiencing a breakup
- Mourning
- Longing for reunion
- Feeling regret
- Crying over spilled milk
- Longing for what could have been
- Repentance
- Acknowledging mistakes made
- Wanting to pay for your actions
- Feeling defeated
What does the 5 of headings mean in a reading about love and relationships?
If you are at the 5 of cups because how someone feels about you indicates that his or her feelings for you are feelings of regret.
Maybe they should have asked you to join them or move in with them, but now they think it’s too late. Maybe they should have expressed their feelings for you, but now the opportunity has passed.
Perhaps they have wronged you in some way and deeply regret their actions.
Whatever their feelings, this person feels a sense of loss about you and wishes he or she could make things right.
Because how someone sees you indicates that he or she sees you as someone who is struggling with grief in some way. They may see you as someone who is dealing with grief and has trouble seeing the positives.
For what someone wants to happen between you, the 5 of Cups shows that they want to make things right between you. The negative emotions associated with this card are unpleasant for them, and they want to make amends. This card also indicates that they want to comfort you or vice versa.
What does the 5 of Cups mean in a career reading?
In a career lecture the 5 of cups indicates disappointment in your career. You may not have gotten the job or promotion you wanted. Maybe you feel like your performance wasn’t as good as it could have been.
But there are still two cups standing, and in a career reading, this card indicates that all is not lost. New opportunities are coming, especially when you draw clarification cards and pentacles emerge, such as the Ace of Pentacles, 10 of Pentaclesor 9 of Pentacles.
This card could also indicate a career that deals with bereavement, counseling, or comforting others on an emotional level.
What does the 5 of Cups mean as an obstacle?
As an obstacle card, the 5 of Cups indicates that your sense of regret or sadness is keeping you from moving forward.
When things don’t go according to plan, it can be easy to get caught in a swirl of negative emotions. But at this point it’s important to focus on the two standing cups. All is not lost, and as time goes by, things will become clearer again.
What does the 5 of cups reversed mean?
Like one reverse cardthe stagnant, sad energy of the 5 of Cups begins to rise. Now the hooded figure has lifted his head and can see that there are two more heads.
Conversely, this card indicates that the grieving period is coming to an end and you are ready to move on. Personal setbacks are overcome. You begin to see that there is no point in dwelling on what happened; it is important now to focus on the current and future opportunities that await us.
Dealing with the 5 of Cups
The 5 of Cups does not always evoke the most pleasant feelings, as it is a card of sadness, regret and loss. However, it is important to face these emotions and not bury them. When this card appears, repeat the following mantra:
“I feel (insert emotion). I know this emotion is here to teach me more about myself and my life. I understand that the pain I feel will bring me greater clarity and relief. I know that the experiences I have had offer a new opportunity for growth.”
This mantra allows you to step outside of yourself and move beyond negative emotions, helping you realize that you are being offered an opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Finding a way past the 5 of Cups
In the midst of negative emotions, it can be very difficult to see a way past it. But the 5 of cups brings with it a powerful opportunity for growth.
It is through experiences related to this card that we can learn more about ourselves and others on a deeper level. Often wisdom is gained through suffering.
This card brings powerful lessons of liberation, forgiveness and understanding, leading to greater levels of empathy. We learn that the more we struggle to hold on to what is past, the more we suffer. We have to let go of what we have been holding on to in order to let go of that suffering.
It is one of the most profound experiences in life and one that is part of the 5 of Cups. So do not despair when his energy appears. Take it for what it really is: a powerful lesson for the soul.
Related article: You’ve drawn the 4 of cups – what now?
