Five of Cups

What the card shows

A cloaked figure in black bows his head over three spilled cups, while two full cups stand untouched behind him. A river runs beside him and a bridge leads to a distant house, a quiet hint that the way forward still exists.

In the suit of Cups (element: Water), the focus is feelings, relationships, intuition and the heart. Fives bring conflict, loss or challenge, the shake-up in the middle of the story.

At a glance

Five of Cups upright

Something spilled and you are mourning it. Feel it, but remember that not every cup is gone.

Upright keywords

• Regret
• Loss
• Grief
• Disappointment

Five of Cups reversed

You are turning around to see what is still standing. Healing has begun.

Reversed keywords

• Acceptance
• Moving on
• Forgiveness

In love

Heartache or regret over what did not work out. Grieve, then notice who is still here for you.

Career & money

A setback or disappointing result. Learn the lesson and pivot to what is still viable.

Yes or no?

The Five of Cups usually answers no, or at least "not like this." Reversed, the no softens into "not yet", so ask again once the situation has genuinely shifted.

Themes

• regret
• loss
• grief
• disappointment
• water
• cups

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