Five of Cups tarot card meaning
On the card: A cloaked figure kneels by a river with bowed head, mourning three spilled cups, while two cups still stand behind. A stone bridge crosses the water in the distance.
At a glance
| Arcana | Minor Arcana, Cups |
|---|---|
| Element | Water |
| Keywords (upright) | Loss, grief, regret, disappointment |
| Keywords (reversed) | Acceptance, moving on, forgiveness |
| Yes or no | No |
Upright meaning
The Five of Cups is the card of loss and regret. Something did not go as hoped, and you are grieving what has spilled. The feeling is real and deserves time. Yet the card also points to the two cups still standing behind: not everything is lost. When you are ready, turn around and see what remains, and the bridge that leads onward. Grief and hope can exist together.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, healing begins. You accept what happened, forgive yourself or others, and start to move on. Support from others helps. You may also be holding on to regret longer than needed.
Love and relationships
In love, disappointment, a break-up or regret over the past. Allow yourself to grieve, then notice what love remains in your life.
Work and career
At work, a setback or loss. Learn from it, then focus on what still works.
Money
With money, a loss or disappointment. Do not let regret stop you from protecting what remains.
Advice
Grieve what is lost, then turn towards what remains.
