Five of Cups 

A “No” card

Element: 

Water

Astrological Influence: 

Mars in Scorpio

Numerological Significance:

Five

Keywords:

Upright: Loss, grief, brooding, unhappiness 

Reversed: Recovery, acceptance, indecision, depression

Description: 

The Five of Cups indicates a loss that seems greater than it is but is still weighing on the querent heavily.

Upright Interpretation: 

This card shows a yearning for something not completely gone. While significant loss has taken place, your resources have not run dry and you can still rebuild and move forward. Life is all about how you look at it; stay mindful to keep your focus on what’s possible.   

Important Note: 

Be grateful for what you still have.

Reversed Interpretation: 

Your loss is hitting you hard, and while you may be able to see what remains you may not be accepting it as enough. The Five of Cups in reverse indicates a commitment to your pain despite the opportunities to heal. If you’re finding yourself stuck by something that has occurred in your life, do what you can to reshape your view of it and find a way to make the situation benefit your experience. 

Wicked Perspective:

I once heard this card described as “crying over spilled milk” because while three out of the five cups are spilling two still remain upright, signifying that your resources have not completely diminished and there’s still plenty to rebuild from if you would simply get the tears out of your eyes and look around. You have a right to feel your feelings, but don’t allow the perception of your pain to make you overlook the abundance of your fortune. There’s still plenty around you to alchemize into a better experience once you’re willing to move forward. Now is the time to remember that suffering is a choice. You are in control of your emotions and no one can make you a victim of your own life except for you.