Four of Cups -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

FOUR OF CUPS

At a glance:

The Four of Cups suggests that even though life may be feeling stagnant or unfulfilling, you need to open your eyes to the possibilities around you.

Upright Keywords:
Apathy, boredom, stagnation

Reversed Keywords:
withdrawal, need to be more open, refusal to change mindset

Numerology:
4 - stability, structure, and practicality

Four of Cups: Upright Meaning

The Four of Cups depicts a young man sitting under a tree, his arms and legs crossed in a posture of discontent or apathy. His gaze is fixed downward on three cups lying on the ground, oblivious to the fourth cup being offered to him from above. This imagery symbolizes a state of introspection and disconnection, where one is so engrossed in past disappointments or the monotony of life that they fail to recognize new opportunities being presented. The three cups on the ground represent our tendency to fixate on past disappointments, whereas the fourth cup represents our refusal to “look beyond” and accept the gifts in front of us. When the Four of Cups appears in a reading, it suggests that even though life may be feeling stagnant or unfulfilling, you need to open your eyes to the possibilities around you.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • In numerology, the number 4 represents stability, structure, and practicality. This number is often linked to the pillars of organization, discipline, and a strong foundation. Just as a sturdy table needs four legs to stand firm. This numerological influence emphasizes the importance of establishing a secure and orderly environment in all aspects of life.

  • The suit of Cups is associated with intuition, emotions, relationships, and love. Oftentimes, it also deals with spirituality and the subconscious.

  • Elementally, cups are connected to water. An easy way to remember is that cups hold water. Like emotions, water can be calm when it’s flowing in a gentle brook. However, it can also be destructive when it becomes a raging tidal wave.

Love/Relationships

The Four of Cups love meaning indicates that past disappointments are hindering your ability to open up to current connections. You might be emotionally withdrawn, missing out on the joy of present relationships because you're too focused on what went wrong in the past. This card encourages you to let go of past grievances and to appreciate the love and support that is currently available to you. It’s time to shift your perspective so that you may be more receptive instead of letting past disappointments cloud your vision of the future. Failure to see the present will continuously lead to missed connections and opportunities.

Money/Career

The Four of Cups suggests a feeling of dissatisfaction or boredom with your current work situation. You may find your job monotonous or unfulfilling, leading to a lack of motivation. Look for ways to reignite your passion for your career. Perhaps it's time to ask for new responsibilities, seek a promotion, or even consider a change in job if necessary. As depicted in the Four of Cups illustration, The Universe is presenting you with opportunities for growth and improvement, but it's up to you to recognize and act on them. Evaluate your current job satisfaction and identify areas for change. Take proactive steps to seek new opportunities or enhancements in your career path.

Spiritual/Self

The Four of Cups urges you to change your mindset. If you're stuck in a pattern of negativity or dissatisfaction, it signals that you're dwelling on past disappointments. Ask yourself: Have you been complaining too much lately? Do you feel indifferent about things that used to excite you? This card is a reminder that you have the power to change your situation by shifting your attitude. While it's natural to focus on past mistakes, refusing to move forward can lead to stagnation and even depression. 

This type of negative thought pattern blocks good energy and hinders your ability to heal, grow and evolve into your best self. It’s okay to acknowledge past mistakes, but don’t become fixated on them. Instead, open your eyes to the opportunities around you and accept the potential for change. If you manifest it, you may receive it.

“The Universe is presenting you with opportunities for growth and improvement, but it’s up to you to recognize and act on them.”

Astrology

The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of Water, which governs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These Zodiac signs are the masters of emotions, intuition, creativity, and transformation. Known for their empathetic and nurturing behaviors, these water signs promote the free flow of feelings as a means to reaching our highest forms of evolution.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

The Four of Cups reversed signals a period of withdrawal and a resistance to changing your mindset. Although you may be feeling unfulfilled, it's crucial to recognize the possibilities that surround you. This is a call to shake off apathy and open your eyes to new opportunities that you might be overlooking. The reversed position emphasizes the need to break free from your emotional detachment and to be more receptive to the world around you. Even if life feels uninspiring at the moment, you can shift your perspective by embracing a more open attitude. You’ll be surprised at how this can invite fresh energy and potential into your life.

Additionally, there may be a tendency to blame others for what you don't have or to succumb to a 'grass is greener on the other side' mentality. It's essential to take responsibility for your own happiness and to find contentment in your current circumstances while remaining open to new possibilities.

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CARD SUMMARY

This is a call to shake off apathy and open your eyes to new opportunities that you might be overlooking.

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