The Meaning of the Five of Cups Tarot Card: Sadness, Loss, and New Hope

The Five of Cups card in the Tarot deck is a powerful symbol of loss, regret, and sadness. However, beneath these negative feelings, the card also carries a message of new hope, recovery, and the ability to move on from pain. Depicted as a person standing in front of three broken cups while the other two are still full, the Five of Cups invites you to acknowledge the loss in your life while also looking for the opportunities that remain. This article will help you understand the Tarot Five of Cups meaning, its symbolism, how this card affects a reading, and how to read a Tarot reading when this card appears.

Five of Cups Basic Symbolism and Meaning

The Five of Cups is often depicted as a person standing in front of three broken cups, representing loss, failure, or an unexpected situation. However, in the picture, this person is oblivious to the two intact cups behind them, symbolizing the remaining opportunities or hope that they have yet to realize.

This view reflects regret for what has been lost and focuses on the grief, rather than on what remains. This card reflects the need to change perspective, to not only see the loss but also to recognize the opportunity and recovery that lies ahead.

How the Five of Cups Affects Tarot Readings

In Single Readings

When the Five of Cups appears in a single reading, it can be a sign of grief, disappointment, or regret about the past. You or the person reading the card may be dealing with a loss or feeling hurt by a situation that did not go as expected. However, this card also reminds you that there are new opportunities waiting for you if you can change your perspective and open your heart.

In A Spread Combining Other Cards

When the Five of Cups appears with other cards, it can highlight aspects of loss or sadness in a particular situation. When combined with Death, it can indicate the end of a phase in life and the need to let go of the past in order to move forward. When paired with The Star, it can bring hope for recovery and healing from past hurts.

Messages That the Five of Cups Brings

The Five of Cups card brings messages of grief and loss, but also of the ability to move past the pain and recognize the opportunities that remain. Here are some of the messages that this card can convey:

🔺 Accept and overcome loss: The Five of Cups is a sign that you are or will be facing some loss in your life. This card encourages you to accept your sadness and allow yourself to go through the grieving process so that you can heal and move forward.

🔺 Focus on What's Left: While loss is a part of life, the Five of Cups reminds you that there are always opportunities and good things left. Look at the two full cups behind you and open yourself up to new possibilities instead of dwelling on the past.

🔺 Hope and Recovery: While this card can bring feelings of pain and loss, it also carries a message of hope and recovery. After every setback, you can find opportunities to learn and grow.

How to Read Tarot Cards with Five of Cups

When reading with the Five of Cups, there are a few ways you can better understand the message this card brings:

1. Explore Current Emotions: If the Five of Cups appears, identify the emotions of the person reading the card. They may be experiencing sadness or regret about something in the past. This card reminds them that although the present may be difficult, recovery and new opportunities can still come if they change their perspective.

2. Pay Attention to Missed Opportunities: This card encourages you to look not only at what you have lost, but also at what you still have. Look for new opportunities or good things that you may miss if you continue to dwell on regret.

3. Healing Awareness: The Five of Cups can be a reminder of healing from past traumas. If you are struggling to overcome loss, this card suggests that the healing process will help you find new hope and strength.

Conclusion

The Five of Cups is a powerful card about loss, grief, and the process of overcoming pain.