Five of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Overview & Symbolism

The Five of Cups often depicts a figure cloaked in black, gazing down at three spilled cups, while two cups remain standing behind them. The scene is usually set near a river or bridge, symbolizing the flow of emotions and the possibility of moving forward. The spilled cups represent loss, regret, or disappointment, while the remaining cups hint at what still remains, offering hope and potential recovery. This card reflects a moment of sorrow, but it also serves as a reminder to focus on what you still have rather than what’s been lost.

Meaning of Five of Cups Card in Love & Relationships

In the context of love, the Five of Cups can signify past heartbreaks or lingering regrets. Maybe you’re focusing too much on what went wrong in a past relationship, or you’re dwelling on current disappointments instead of seeing the potential for healing. This card encourages you to release old emotional baggage and recognize that there’s still love and connection to be found, whether in your current relationship or in new opportunities. It’s a gentle reminder to turn around and notice the cups still standing.

Meaning of Five of Cups Card in Career & Work

When it comes to career, the Five of Cups points to setbacks or professional disappointments. Perhaps a project didn’t go as planned, or you didn’t get the promotion you were hoping for. It’s easy to dwell on these failures, but the card encourages you to shift your focus. Look for the lessons in what didn’t work and keep an eye on the opportunities that are still available. Sometimes, failure leads to a better path or a more suitable direction.

Meaning of Five of Cups Card in Money & Finances

In financial matters, the Five of Cups can signal loss or unexpected expenses. This card may appear when you've faced a financial blow, like a bad investment or unexpected cost, which can make you feel overwhelmed. However, the card also suggests that not all is lost. With careful attention, you can rebuild or find other sources of income. The key is not to dwell on past mistakes, but to learn from them and focus on recovery.

Meaning of Five of Cups Card in Health & Wellness

In health readings, the Five of Cups may suggest emotional or physical healing after a period of illness or sadness. It points to the need for emotional release and letting go of any guilt or sorrow you may be holding onto. While things might feel heavy now, the card encourages you to focus on your path to recovery and self-care. Taking small steps to rebuild your emotional and physical health can bring balance back into your life.

Meaning of Five of Cups Card in Personal Growth

For personal growth, the Five of Cups highlights the importance of acknowledging pain but also moving forward. It's okay to feel disappointed or regretful, but this card asks you to consider what you’ve learned from these experiences. Growth comes from letting go of what’s no longer serving you and turning toward new opportunities. This card teaches resilience and the ability to transform sorrow into wisdom.

Numerological Significance of Five of Cups Card

The number five in tarot typically represents change, conflict, or instability. In the Five of Cups, this number aligns with emotional upheaval, signaling a period of emotional challenge. However, the number five also indicates growth through hardship. The conflicts it brings are temporary and often a necessary part of emotional evolution, encouraging you to find a way forward despite the challenges you’ve faced.

Elemental Associations of Five of Cups Card

The Five of Cups is associated with the element of water, which governs emotions, intuition, and relationships. The water element deepens the card’s connection to feelings of sadness, disappointment, and emotional healing. Astrologically, this card can be tied to Scorpio, a sign that symbolizes transformation and emotional intensity. Together, these associations emphasize the need for emotional resilience and transformation.

Affirmations & Mantras for Five of Cups Card

• "I release what no longer serves me and embrace what remains."
• "I find strength in my ability to heal and move forward."
• "I focus on the blessings still present in my life."
• "Every setback is a lesson in growth and resilience."
• "I honor my emotions and trust in the process of healing."