Five of Cups: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the Five of Cups card upright

A figure in a black cloak mourns three spilled cups, while two upright cups stand behind. Grief is real and has a place. But the card points out that not everything is lost, and that behind you there is something to build on once you turn around.

Five of Cups reversed

• acceptance
• consolation
• moving forward

Reversed, the Five shows that you are beginning to accept the loss and look at what is left. It is a movement from sorrow toward consolation and a new start. Allow yourself to cry, and then to go on.

Five of Cups in love and relationships

In love it means grief after a breakup, regret about what was said or not said. Reversed, forgiveness and the first signs of healing.

Five of Cups in work and finances

At work this is a failure, a lost opportunity or a disappointment. Reversed, you draw lessons and move on to new tasks.

Symbolism of the Five of Cups card

The black cloak is mourning. The three spilled cups are the loss that has already happened. The two full cups behind and the bridge over the river are hope and a way to cross to the other side.

Five of Cups in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, Five of Cups upright reads as “no” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (loss, regret), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.