Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is one of the saddest cards in the Tarot. This can be seen from the image itself, which shows a person standing in a long black coat, while his back is turned to us. The person shown on this card is trying to hide his great emotions and the despair accompanying him, but his resigned pose clearly indicates that he has lost something very valuable. This loss is represented on the 5 of Cups by the symbolism of the reversed Three of Cups (signifying sorrow, grief and mourning). Behind that person, on the other hand, there are Two more Cups, which on one hand indicate that not all is lost yet, and on the other hand, still undiscovered and possibly positive emotions. In front of the person on the Five of Cups there is a flowing river symbolizing changing emotions, and in the distance we see the ruins of a castle. This card clearly refers to circumstances full of sorrow, suffering, and emotional pain. However, the loss may concern not only emotional matters, but also material or health issues. Situations identified with the Five of Cups are always difficult, but even the greatest pain eventually passes and this is the lesson from this card.

In an upright position, the Five of Cups carries one positive message with which you should start understanding it. There comes a time in everyone's life when, after the loss of something precious, you must come to terms with it and go through an emotional state that will help you rise higher on the spiritual plane. Even though the pain in the Five of Cups is great, it will eventually pass, just as everything passes. However, even the greatest tragedy in your life never takes everything away from you, so the two Cups still standing in front of you may hold new and positive emotions. The Five of Cups in an upright position heralds events that will bring you loss, pain, perhaps some sort of separation, and often tears. Although you will feel alone in this situation, it is only a pretense, because there are people around you who are willing to go through this period of grief together with you. The lesson of the Five of Cups in the upright position is to put the past behind you, because life is about constant change, and every end brings you a new beginning for something even better.

The reversed Five of Cups most often indicates that you are unable to come to terms with the loss and to close a stage that will no longer be written for you. Unlike the upright Five of Cups, the pain and sadness is so great for you in your current situation that you don't even have the last two cups left, and all of your emotions have been poured out. The Five of Cups in the reversed position indicates the possibility of falling into depression, which can lead to self-destruction. In an alternative sense, this card may indicate that the time has come when you can finally let go of your grief and sadness by leaving the past behind. This will allow you to see the opportunities around you and experience the joy of life again with the new people that will come along. On the reversed Five of Cups, there also comes a time to forgive people who may have once inflicted pain and suffering on you. Whichever emotional state described in this card is closer to you, the reversed Five of Cups encourages you to look to the future and end the period of grief. Look at the new opportunities that life offers you, even if there is nothing left of the old.

In matters regarding love, the Five of Cups does not bode anything positive, and in itself predicts a period of loneliness, pain, and suffering. This Tarot card, belonging to the Suit of Cups, is extremely sad in its message and predicts a perceived loss of another person or thing. There could be many reasons for this situation, but what is certain is that there is a moment of mourning coming where you have to face the upcoming events. Perhaps this is a good time to finally let go of a difficult relationship and move forward in life. If you feel this way then the card encourages you to make such a decision, although there are huge emotions involved that you won't be able to avoid. With positive cards, the Five of Cups in an upright position may indicate a moment of clearing the relationship of the pain and suffering that has so far prevented you from enjoying everyday life. However, you may find yourself still stuck in the past and unable to let go of the overwhelming emotions associated with it. However, this is the perfect time to get together or be alone to get rid of something that no longer belongs to you. But look at what still survives, and you may find more value there than in what is gone. Open yourself up to new emotions, because anger and resignation block you from learning about yourself and those close to you.

The reversed Five of Cups is advising you to put your past behind you once and for all, as it can only bring you more pain and disappointment. Although you may feel that your life has fallen apart with the end of a relationship, you need to accept that fact and make peace with what you can no longer control. The coming events in your life can be beautiful moments if you just let this difficult time pass. Don't try to keep people in your life who don't belong anymore, but instead start a new phase. New people will fill it sooner than you expect, bringing you love, understanding, and a final release from the past. The reversed Five of Cups is especially important for those in a relationship because it speaks of the need for time to heal wounds. Once you get through this difficult time together it will only get better afterwards, but for this to happen you will need to talk about topics that you both should not avoid. Think about what you can do for each other and for your relationship, and then slowly start to implement that plan. And if your other half isn't on your path yet then know that it will appear the moment you finally push away the grief, sadness and mourning.