Four of Cups
Affirmation
I appreciate what I've been given.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Cups
- Archetype:
- Numerology:4 (The Status Quo: stability, equality, persistence)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A young man is seated under a tree and contemplates three cups set on the grass before him; an arm issuing from a cloud offers him another cup. His expression notwithstanding is one of discontent with his environment.
Light Meaning
- Maintaining your emotional stability
- Refusing to give in to overwhelming emotions
- Appreciating what you have and refusing to take it for granted
- Seeing the value of long-term commitments
Shadow Meaning
- Being bored
- Daydreaming at the expense of your work
- Refusing to be engaged by opportunity
- Taking people and relationships for granted
- Ignoring romantic or spiritual opportunities
- Spurning inspiration
- Feeling everything should stay just like it is
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How can I use this downtime to my best advantage?
- •How can I show my partner that I don't take him or her for granted?
- •To what extent is my mood blinding me to new opportunities?
Personal Meaning
Feelings of being disconnected from life and others. This will be a time to try something new or find something that will bring the joy back into life and give you a constructive way to deal with stress.Also, keep your head up. Don't miss gifts or opportunities because you are in too much of a funck to see them.
Feelings of being disconnected from life and others. A time when material pleasure was not satisfying.Alternatively, a gift or opportunity was being offered to you, but you did not recognize it.
Feelings of being disconnected from life and others. This might be a time to try something new or find something that will bring the joy back into life and give you a constructive way to deal with stress.Alternatively, a gift or opportunity is being offered to you, but you are not recognizing it. Snap out of your funk and become aware of the blessings around you.
Personal Reversed Meaning
This might be a good time for withdrawal, contemplation and dreaming. Step out of the fray and regroup. Feed your fantasies for a while, but be careful not to become swallowed up by them.
A time of withdrawal, contemplation and dreaming. A time to rest and re-group.
This might be a good time for withdrawal, contemplation and dreaming. Step out of the fray and regroup. Feed your fantasies for a while, but be careful not to become swallowed up by them.
Fortune Telling
- •A lover is getting restless
- •Find out what he or she needs, or new opportunities may lure your partner away
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.