Card Basics

  • Card Name: Four of Cups
  • English Name: Four of Cups
  • Suit: Cups
  • Number: 4
  • Element: Water
  • Keywords: Introspection, Dissatisfaction, Indifference, Missed Opportunities, Boredom

Card Symbolism

Key Symbolic Elements

Figure Sitting Under a Tree The figure sitting leaning against a tree with crossed arms expresses inward thinking and dissatisfaction with the current situation. They exude a meditative yet somewhat melancholic atmosphere.

Three Cups and a Fourth Offered The three cups lined up on the ground represent existing possessions or opportunities, while the fourth cup offered from a cloud symbolizes new possibilities. However, the figure is either unaware of or uninterested in this new cup.

Hand Emerging from a Cloud The hand emerging from a cloud, symbolizing a divine gift or new opportunity, emphasizes the figure’s state of unawareness.

Static Background The static background with little movement represents a sense of stagnation and an introverted state.

Melancholy Expression The figure’s expression clearly shows dissatisfaction, expressing discontent or boredom with the current situation.

Upright Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • Introspection: Deep self-reflection and inward thinking.
  • Dissatisfaction: A lack of contentment with the current situation.
  • Indifference: Loss of interest in new opportunities.
  • Boredom: Weariness with the current circumstances.
  • Missed Opportunities: Unawareness of chances right in front of you.

Interpretation in Different Areas

Love & Relationships

  • Dissatisfaction with Relationship: A feeling of inadequacy in the current romantic relationship.
  • Indifference to New Encounters: Showing no interest even when romantic opportunities arise.
  • Emotional Numbness: A state where it is difficult to feel affection.
  • Gap Between Ideal and Reality: The difference between expectations and the reality of the relationship.
  • Relationship Stagnation: Dissatisfaction with a relationship that shows no progress.

Work & Career

  • Boredom with Work: Loss of interest in current duties.
  • Ignoring Promotion Opportunities: Unawareness of chances for career advancement.
  • Stagnation of Creativity: Lack of new ideas or inspiration.
  • Workplace Isolation: Indifference to relationships with colleagues.
  • Indecision on Job Change: Dissatisfaction with the current situation but inability to act.

Health & Lifestyle

  • Mental Stagnation: Decreased motivation or mild depression.
  • Indifference to Life: Loss of interest in daily life.
  • Apathy Towards Health Improvement: Not taking action even when healthy opportunities arise.
  • Avoidance of Social Activities: A tendency to avoid external interactions.
  • Neglect of Self-Care: Indifference to taking care of oneself.

Money & Material Matters

  • Missed Investment Opportunities: Unawareness of advantageous investment chances.
  • Financial Indifference: Decreased interest in money.
  • Apathy Towards Spending: Decreased desire to purchase.
  • Vague Dissatisfaction with Current Situation: A general dissatisfaction with financial circumstances.
  • Indifference to New Income Sources: A tendency to overlook opportunities for profit.

Reversed Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • New Interest: The budding of new interests or passions.
  • Awareness of Opportunities: Discovery of previously overlooked chances.
  • Motivation to Act: Breaking free from stagnation and taking positive action.
  • Restored Satisfaction: Gratitude and contentment with the current situation.
  • Revival of Sociability: Interest in connecting with others.

Warnings and Advice

  • Restoring Proactiveness: Shifting from a passive to an active stance.
  • Seizing Opportunities: Not missing out on chances right in front of you.
  • Gratitude for the Present: Re-recognizing the value of what you have.
  • New Perspective: Re-examining the situation from a different angle.

Deeper Meaning and Philosophy

Stage of Spiritual Growth

The Four of Cups represents a necessary stage in the process of spiritual growth. It is a state where the soul, no longer satisfied with superficial contentment, seeks deeper meaning.

Need for Inner Exploration It indicates a time when it is necessary to listen to one’s inner voice rather than external stimuli or offered opportunities. This is not laziness, but a path to deep self-understanding.

Pathology of Modern Society

It can also be interpreted as representing the “poverty amidst abundance” in modern society. A state where one is materially fulfilled but lacks spiritual satisfaction.

Paralysis from Too Many Choices It also expresses the modern problem where too many choices can lead to an inability to make a decision.

Practical Reading

Interpretation Guide in a Reading

When it appears as the current situation: The querent is currently in an introverted and dissatisfied state. It is a time when they may not be interested in new opportunities, but it is also a time for deep self-exploration.

When it appears as a future outcome: In the future, a period of dissatisfaction or indifference to the current situation may arise. However, this is a necessary process for finding a new direction.

When it appears as advice:

  • Cherish time for introspection.
  • Re-examine the situation from a new perspective.
  • Pay attention to small opportunities.
  • Re-evaluate the value of what you currently have.

Combinations with Other Cards

Four of Cups + The Hermit Deep introspection and spiritual seeking. It indicates an important time for self-discovery.

Four of Cups + The Star Restoration of hope and a new direction. It represents a shift from introspection to hope.

Four of Cups + Ace of Wands The budding of new passion. It indicates a creative breakthrough from stagnation.

Four of Cups + Four of Pentacles Stagnation in both material and spiritual aspects. It indicates the need for a complete re-evaluation.

Meditation and Spiritual Work

Meditation with the Four of Cups

  1. Preparation: Gaze calmly at the Four of Cups card.
  2. Visualization: Imagine yourself sitting quietly under a tree, looking inward.
  3. Sensation: Accept the complex emotions about the current situation.
  4. Exploration: Deeply consider what true satisfaction means.
  5. Discovery: Realize overlooked opportunities and values.
  6. Integration: Balance between introspection and interest in the external world.

Affirmations

  • “I listen to my inner voice and understand my true desires.”
  • “I recognize the value of what I currently have.”
  • “I am open to new opportunities.”
  • “My dissatisfaction is a guidepost for growth.”

Daily Practice

Time for Introspection Regularly take time alone to quietly reflect on your feelings and situation.

Practice Gratitude Consciously recognize the value of what you currently have and your relationships, and cultivate gratitude.

Seeking New Perspectives Try to re-examine situations that feel monotonous from a different angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Consider the following actions:

  • Deepen Introspection: Make time to deeply consider your true feelings and desires.
  • Re-evaluate Current Situation: Re-examine the value of what you currently possess.
  • Small Changes: Introduce small changes into your daily life to seek freshness.
  • Attention to Opportunities: Pay attention to small chances that might be overlooked.

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

A: To handle the reversed card:

  • Restore Proactiveness: Shift from a passive to an active stance.
  • New Interests: Cultivate interest in new fields or activities.
  • Seize Opportunities: Actively seize opportunities that come your way.
  • Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for your current situation.

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

A: In a love reading:

Upright:

  • Dissatisfaction or inadequacy with the current relationship.
  • Inability to feel interest even when new encounters arise.
  • A temporary decline in passion for love.
  • Disappointment due to the gap between ideals and reality.

Reversed:

  • Revival of interest in love.
  • A positive attitude towards new encounters.
  • Re-recognition of the value of existing relationships.
  • Awareness of new possibilities in love.

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

A: In a work context:

  • Boredom with Duties: Loss of interest in current work.
  • Overlooking Promotion Opportunities: Unawareness of chances for career advancement.
  • Stagnation of Creativity: Decline in new ideas or inspiration.
  • Workplace Isolation: Indifference to relationships with colleagues.
  • Indecision on Job Change: Dissatisfaction with the current situation but inability to act.

Summary

The Four of Cups is an introverted card that represents introspection and dissatisfaction. The key messages from this card are:

  1. The Value of Introspection: A time when inner exploration is needed more than external stimuli.
  2. The Meaning of Dissatisfaction: Dissatisfaction with the current situation can be a motivation for growth.
  3. Attention to Opportunities: Awareness of easily overlooked chances.
  4. Re-evaluation of the Present: Re-recognizing the value of what you currently have.

The Four of Cups indicates an introverted stage that follows the social joy of the Three. When this card appears, it is important to first face your inner self and understand your true desires, rather than rushing into action.

Next Steps

To learn more about the Four of Cups: