Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
The Four of Cups tarot card is one of the cards in the Minor Arcana suit of Cups. Cups represent the emotional and psychic aspects of life, such as fantasy, imagination, feelings and love.
The number four is associated with stability, structure and order, but also with stagnation, boredom and dissatisfaction.
The Four of Cups shows a young man sitting under a tree with his arms crossed, deep in contemplation. He is so engrossed in his thoughts that he does not notice the outstretched arm offering him a cup.
Three more cups stand at his feet, but he doesn’t notice them. What is he thinking about? What is he missing? What is he looking for?
One of the main themes of the Four of Cups is the importance of paying attention to the present moment and the opportunities around you. Sometimes we get so focused on what we don’t have or what we wish we had that we forget to appreciate what we already have. We may also miss out on new chances or experiences that could enrich our lives or lead us to something better.
The Four of Cups tarot card reminds us to be mindful and grateful for the gifts and blessings that are available to us right now, and to be open and curious about what the universe has to offer. You never know when a cup of gold might appear in front of you!
Another message of the Four of Cups tarot card is the need to re-evaluate your situation and find a deeper meaning and purpose in what you do. Sometimes we feel bored, dissatisfied or apathetic because we have lost our passion and motivation for our work, our relationships or our hobbies.
We may feel like we are stuck in a rut or a routine that no longer serves us. The Four of Cups invites us to take a step back and reflect on what we really want and need from life. What makes us happy? What inspires us? What challenges us? What fulfills us? By asking ourselves these questions, we can discover new ways to bring more joy, creativity and excitement into our lives.
A third lesson of the Four of Cups tarot card is the warning to avoid becoming self-absorbed, depressed or negative. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own thoughts and feelings that we ignore the world around us. We may become isolated, withdrawn or indifferent to others. We may also lose touch with our emotional self and our inner truth.
The Four of Cups advises us to seek support or guidance if we are struggling to cope with our emotions or our situation. We can also benefit from reconnecting with nature, with our spirituality or with our intuition. The Four of Cups encourages us to find a healthy balance between our inner and outer worlds.
A fourth aspect of the Four of Cups is the invitation to meditate, contemplate or fantasize, but not to lose touch with reality or our emotional self. Sometimes we need to escape from the stress and pressure of everyday life and enter a state of relaxation, imagination or wonder. We may find inspiration, insight or solace in our dreams, visions or fantasies.
The Four of Cups suggests that we can use these tools as a way to explore our subconscious, our desires or our potential. However, we should not let them become a form of escapism or denial. We should also be careful not to confuse fantasy with reality or to neglect our responsibilities or relationships.
Quick Guide to Four of Cups Tarot Card
| Keywords Upright | Stagnation, lack of motivation, apathy, self absorption |
| Keywords Reversed | Newfound hope, breaking free, moving forward, progress |
| Yes or No | Yes, sometimes maybe |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Element | Water |
Four of Cups Upright
In the upright position, the Four of Cups tarot card represents missing out on opportunities, depression, and losing motivation in life. This card can be a wake-up call to start paying more attention to what we have and to be more mindful of our attitude and outlook.
The Four of Cups symbolizes a moment to take stock of our lives and decide what we want to focus on. It is a reminder that we have the capacity to choose how we view our lives and the world around us.
For those feeling stuck in a rut, the Four of Cups is a powerful reminder to take action. This card encourages us to be proactive and to start looking for new opportunities. We need to be willing to get out of our comfort zone, push beyond our limits, and be open to change.
This could mean taking a risk, trying something new, or making a daring move. Even if it doesn’t work out the way we want, we can still learn from the experience and gain valuable insights.
The Four of Cups tarot card is also a reminder that it is possible to find joy and contentment in the present moment. We must be mindful of our emotions, be thankful for the good things in our lives, and live with intention.
We must learn to appreciate what we have and focus on the positive. By doing this, we can create a much brighter future for ourselves.
Four of Cups Reversed
The reversed meaning of the Four of Cups tarot card speaks of a newfound hope and optimism as you begin to break free from the stagnation and dissatisfaction you’ve been feeling. You’ve taken a step back to reassess your life and find clarity, and now you’re ready to move forward in a more positive direction.
This is the time to be open and receptive to the possibilities and opportunities that are available to you. It’s time to put in the effort to manifest the life you’ve been dreaming of.
At this stage, it’s important to practice self-love and gratitude as you start to take steps towards the life you want. Celebrate the small successes and remind yourself of how far you have come.
You are gaining strength and courage from the progress you have made, so that you can keep moving forward with the same enthusiasm and energy. This will help you to stay focused and motivated on your journey.
The reversed Four of Cups tarot card also signifies a willingness to take risks and explore new avenues. This is the time to take action and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
It’s time to break free from the restrictions and limitations that have been holding you back and move towards a more fulfilling life. Be brave and trust yourself. You are more capable and resilient than you think.
Overall, the reversed meaning of the Four of Cups tarot card is a reminder to stay positive, stay focused, and keep believing in yourself. It’s time to take the necessary steps to create a life that is truly meaningful to you.
So, let go of the past and focus on the future. You have the power to create the life you desire.
When Four of Cups Four of Cups Shows up in a Love Reading
If you are looking for love, the Four of Cups tarot card may not be the most romantic card to see in your reading. It suggests that you have some regrets and remorse when it comes to love, and you are focusing on your perceived shortcomings and wallowing in those bad feelings about yourself.
You may be so caught up in what went wrong in your past relationships or what you think you are missing in your love life that you are missing the opportunities for love that are right in front of you.
Don’t let your past mistakes or disappointments cloud your vision and prevent you from seeing the potential partners or dates that are offering you their cups. Sometimes we find love where we least expect it, but we have to be open and curious to notice it.
If you are in a relationship, the Four of Cups tarot card may indicate that you are feeling bored or dissatisfied with your partner or your situation. You may feel like your relationship has become stagnant or routine, and you are longing for more excitement or passion.
You may also be so absorbed in your own fantasies or expectations of what you want your relationship to be like that you are not appreciating your partner for who they are. The Four of Cups tarot card warns you to avoid taking your partner or your relationship for granted, and to find ways to spice things up and bring more joy and creativity into your love life.
You can also use this card as an invitation to communicate with your partner about your needs and desires, and to listen to theirs as well. The Four of Cups reminds you that love is not something that just happens to you, but something that you create and nurture with your partner.
When Four of Cups Shows up in a Career/Money/Finance Reading
When the Four of Cups Tarot card shows up in a career, money, or finance reading, it is a reminder to take a step back and look at the big picture. This card often suggests that you are stuck in a rut, professionally or financially. It encourages you to take a break and reassess your goals and current situation.
The Four of Cups tarot card also suggests that you may be missing out on opportunities due to a lack of focus or enthusiasm. This is the time to review your current job or financial situation, and to ask yourself if it is still providing you with satisfaction and fulfillment.
It is important to examine any potential risks associated with making a change in your career or finances. It is important to balance the risks with the potential rewards. The Four of Cups is a card of contemplation, and it encourages you to take the time to consider all the options before making a decision.
Once you have taken the time to reflect on your current situation and possible alternatives, you can make a choice that will bring you greater satisfaction and financial success.
When Four of Cups Shows up in a Health Reading
When the Four of Cups Tarot card shows up in a health reading, it can indicate that health issues have left you feeling depressed, weary or frustrated. You may be feeling sad about the restrictions your health woes are putting on you. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t and don’t be afraid to reach out to support groups or a professional counselor for support if you are struggling to keep a positive outlook.
The Four of Cups tarot card can also suggest that you are neglecting your physical health because you are too absorbed in your own thoughts and feelings. You may be ignoring the signs and symptoms of a potential illness or injury, or refusing to seek medical attention or treatment.
You may also be avoiding healthy habits such as exercise, nutrition or hygiene, and opting for unhealthy ones such as drugs, alcohol or junk food. The Four of Cups warns you to take better care of your body and listen to its needs.
The Four of Cups tarot card can also represent a time when you are healing and recovering from a health issue. You may be taking some time off to rest and recuperate, and to reconnect with your emotional self and inner truth.
You may also be seeking alternative or holistic therapies to complement your conventional treatment. The Four of Cups encourages you to use this time for inward reflection, grounding and contemplation, and to find a deeper meaning and purpose in your life.
When Four of Cups Shows up in a Yes or No Reading
In general, the Four of Cups tarot card can be interpreted as a ‘yes’ answer to your question. Even though it’s a tarot card that mostly represents boredom and disconnect, it can also be taken as the perfect opportunity to make a positive and exciting change. Follow your heart and intuition!
However, the Four of Cups can also mean that you are not ready to accept the offer or opportunity that is presented to you, or that you are waiting for a sign or more information before making a decision. In that case, the answer may be ‘not now, but maybe later’.
FAQ:
Q1. What are some affirmations for the Four of Cups tarot card?
I am mindful and grateful for the opportunities and blessings in my life.
I am open and curious about what the universe has to offer me.
I re-evaluate my situation and find a deeper meaning and purpose in what I do.
I reconnect with my emotional self and inner truth.
I balance my inner and outer worlds.
Q2. What are some questions to ask yourself when you see the Four of Cups tarot card?
What are you feeling bored or dissatisfied with in your life?
What opportunities or offers are you missing or refusing?
What do you really want and need from life?
How can you appreciate what you already have?
How can you bring more joy, creativity and excitement into your life?
Q3. How can I work with the energy of the Four of Cups tarot card?
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude for the present moment and the opportunities around you.
Using your discernment to decide on what is truly important to you and aligns with your future path.
Taking time for inward reflection, grounding and contemplation before accepting new projects or invitations.
Re-evaluating your situation and finding a deeper meaning and purpose in what you do.
Seeking support or guidance if you are struggling with your emotions or situation.
Reconnecting with nature, with your spirituality or with your intuition.
Finding a healthy balance between your inner and outer worlds.
Q4. What are some tarot card combinations with the Four of Cups tarot card?
Four of Cups and The Hermit: Withdrawing from the world to seek inner guidance or solitude.
Four of Cups and The Wheel of Fortune: A sudden change or opportunity that breaks the monotony or boredom of your life.
Four of Cups and The Hanged Man: Sacrificing something or letting go of something that no longer serves you to gain a new perspective or enlightenment.
Four of Cups and Death: A major transformation or ending that forces you to re-evaluate your life and start anew.
Q5. How is the Four of Cups tarot card associated with the astrological sign Cancer?
Like the Four of Cups tarot card, the zodiac sign Cancer is associated with emotions, feelings and intuition, but also with moodiness, sensitivity and insecurity. It also represents the element water, and relates to the Moon as its ruling planet.
