Card Basics

  • Card Name: Five of Cups
  • English Name: Five of Cups
  • Suit: Cups
  • Number: 5
  • Element: Water
  • Keywords: Disappointment, Sorrow, Loss, Regret, Hope

Card Symbolism

Key Symbolic Elements

Figure in a Black Cloak The figure in a black cloak with bowed head represents a state of deep sorrow and disappointment. The posture clearly depicts mourning over loss.

Three Overturned Cups The three cups overturned and spilled on the ground symbolize what has been lost, dashed hopes, and broken relationships.

Two Standing Cups The two cups standing behind represent the hope and possibilities that still remain. It indicates that not everything is lost.

Distant Bridge and Castle The bridge in the background symbolizes a path to a new beginning, and the castle represents a safe place or a goal. It expresses hope beyond difficulties.

Flowing River The flowing river represents the passage of time and emotional cleansing. It indicates that sorrow, too, will flow away with time.

Upright Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • Disappointment: The crushing of expectations.
  • Sorrow: Deep grief and heartache.
  • Loss: The state of losing something precious.
  • Regret: Regret over past choices.
  • Partial Hope: A situation where there is not complete despair.

Interpretation in Different Areas

Love & Relationships

  • End of a Relationship: The breakdown or separation of an important relationship.
  • Betrayal: Betrayal or dishonesty from a partner.
  • Heartbreak: The end of unrequited love or a failed confession.
  • Family Problems: Deep sorrow in family relationships.
  • Broken Friendship: The end of a trusted friendship.

Work & Career

  • Failed Promotion: The failure of an expected promotion or advancement.
  • Project Failure: Setbacks in important work.
  • Layoff or Resignation: Unwanted departure from the workplace.
  • Investment Failure: Losses in business investments.
  • Creative Setback: Poor reception or failure of artistic works.

Health & Lifestyle

  • Health Problems: Diagnosis of a serious illness or injury.
  • Mental Decline: Depression or mental crisis.
  • Breakdown of Lifestyle: Failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Addiction Issues: Problems with alcohol, drugs, etc.
  • Social Isolation: A sense of alienation from society.

Money & Material Matters

  • Financial Loss: Significant losses in investments or business.
  • Bankruptcy or Debt: Serious financial situation.
  • Victim of Fraud: Being a victim of financial fraud or deception.
  • Decline in Value: A significant decrease in asset value.
  • Loss of Income: Loss of a primary source of income.

Reversed Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • Beginning of Recovery: Bouncing back from sorrow.
  • Acceptance: Readiness to accept reality.
  • New Hope: A positive outlook towards the future.
  • Lessons Learned: Lessons gained from failure or loss.
  • Emotional Processing: Processing and organizing grief.

Warnings and Advice

  • Positive Attitude: Look to the future, not dwelling on the past.
  • Utilize Support: Accept help from those around you.
  • Express Emotions: Healthily express and process grief.
  • New Possibilities: Focus on remaining opportunities.

Deeper Meaning and Philosophy

The Process of Grief

The Five of Cups represents the unavoidable process of loss and grief in life. This is not merely misfortune, but part of the human experience necessary for growth.

Hope Amidst Despair The contrast between the three overturned cups and the two standing cups conveys the important message that “not everything is lost.” Even in the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope remains.

The Inevitability of Change

The number 5 represents change and movement. In the Five of Cups, it indicates a transition from a state of stagnation (of the Four) to dynamic change, even if it is painful.

Emotional Cleansing Sorrow and disappointment are also processes of emotional cleansing. By letting go of old patterns and attachments, a path to new possibilities opens up.

Practical Reading

Interpretation Guide in a Reading

When it appears as the current situation: The querent is currently in deep disappointment or sorrow. However, it is important to understand that not everything is lost and to look towards the remaining hope.

When it appears as a future outcome: In the future, expectations may be dashed, or something precious may be lost. However, this is also preparation for a new beginning.

When it appears as advice:

  • Accept sorrow as a natural process.
  • Focus on the remaining hope and possibilities.
  • Accept support from others.
  • Prepare to move forward without dwelling on the past.

Combinations with Other Cards

Five of Cups + Death Major change and ending. However, a path to regeneration is also indicated.

Five of Cups + The Star Hope and healing after disappointment. It represents recovery after a difficult period.

Five of Cups + Strength Overcoming difficulties with inner strength. It indicates the ability to overcome challenges with mental fortitude.

Five of Cups + Six of Cups Beautiful memories of the past and current sorrow. It represents the gap between nostalgia and reality.

Meditation and Spiritual Work

Meditation with the Five of Cups

  1. Preparation: Gaze at the Five of Cups card with compassion.
  2. Visualization: Imagine yourself in sorrow, yet seeing a light of hope.
  3. Sensation: Feel and accept the sorrow without resistance.
  4. Discovery: Realize what remains besides what was lost.
  5. Release: Let the sorrow flow naturally and lighten your heart.
  6. Integration: Embrace both loss and hope in your heart.

Affirmations

  • “I accept sorrow as a natural process.”
  • “I still have hope and possibilities.”
  • “I have the strength to overcome difficult times.”
  • “My sorrow will heal, and new doors will open.”

Daily Practice

Acceptance of Emotions Practice accepting sorrow and disappointment as natural emotions without denying them.

Finding Hope Consciously look for good things and possibilities that remain, even in difficult situations.

Utilizing Support Openly accept support from family and friends, and avoid bearing burdens alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do when the Five of Cups appears?

A: Consider the following actions:

  • Accept Sorrow: Accept sorrow as a natural process without denying it.
  • Focus on Hope: Look at what remains besides what was lost.
  • Seek Support: Ask for help from trusted individuals.
  • Allow Time: Give yourself the time needed for recovery.

Q: How should I deal with a reversed Five of Cups?

A: To handle the reversed card:

  • Positive Outlook: Learn from past mistakes and find hope for the future.
  • Emotional Processing: Healthily process and organize sorrow and disappointment.
  • New Opportunities: Focus on new possibilities that emerge with recovery.
  • Recognize Growth: Acknowledge the growth gained from difficult experiences.

Q: What does the Five of Cups mean in a love reading?

A: In a love reading:

Upright:

  • The end or separation of a romantic relationship.
  • Betrayal or dishonesty from a partner.
  • The end of unrequited love or a failed confession.
  • Deep disappointment in love.

Reversed:

  • Recovering from heartbreak.
  • Preparing your heart for a new relationship.
  • Learning from past relationships.
  • Maturing your view of love.

Q: What does the Five of Cups mean in a work reading?

A: In a work context:

  • Dashed Expectations: Failure of promotion or advancement.
  • Project Failure: Setbacks in important work.
  • Workplace Disappointment: Disappointment in relationships with colleagues or superiors.
  • Career Setback: Abandonment of a desired career path.
  • Creative Setback: Poor reception or failure of artistic works.

Summary

The Five of Cups is a challenging card that represents disappointment and sorrow. The key messages from this card are:

  1. Acceptance of Grief: Accepting disappointment and sorrow as a natural process.
  2. Partial Hope: Recognition that not everything is lost.
  3. Healing Power of Time: Understanding that sorrow will heal with time.
  4. Opportunity for Growth: The potential for learning and growth from difficult experiences.

The Five of Cups indicates a stage where the dissatisfaction of the Four manifests as concrete disappointment. When this card appears, it is important to accept sorrow while looking towards the remaining hope and finding a path to recovery.

Next Steps

To learn more about the Five of Cups: