Five of Cups
Loss, regret, disappointment, mourning, focusing on the negative.
The Five of Cups shows a cloaked figure standing in sorrow before three spilled cups. Behind them, two cups remain upright, unnoticed. A river flows nearby, symbolizing emotion, and a bridge leads to a distant castle, suggesting hope and recovery. The card speaks of emotional setbacks, but also the opportunity to heal and move forward if one chooses to look beyond their grief.
The Five of Cups in an upright position represents a period of mourning, sadness, or disappointment. You may be dwelling on past hurts or missed opportunities, feeling overwhelmed by what you’ve lost. Yet, the card gently reminds you that not all is lost—there is still something to be salvaged. It is a call to acknowledge your emotions, process them, and then turn your attention to what still remains.
In love, this card suggests heartbreak, emotional distance, or regret over past relationships. You may be grieving the end of a romance or still fixated on an old wound. It encourages healing and being open to love again when ready.
This card signals financial loss or regret over poor decisions. However, it also calls you to refocus and make wiser financial choices going forward. All is not lost; practical action can bring recovery.
You may be dealing with job disappointment—perhaps a failed project or missed promotion. Don’t let setbacks define your entire journey. Learn from mistakes, and know that future opportunities still exist.
Reversed, the Five of Cups suggests emotional recovery and a readiness to move on. You’re beginning to accept what has happened and are more willing to see the blessings that remain. Forgiveness and hope return as you realign with the present.
You may be healing from heartache and becoming more open to emotional connection. Forgiveness—either of a partner or yourself—plays a role in this transformation. New beginnings may emerge from past endings.
Financial stability may be returning, or you’re gaining insight into how to handle money more wisely. Lessons have been learned, and there’s a renewed sense of control.
You're starting to shift your perspective after a career letdown. This could be a new job, an adjusted mindset, or a revived sense of motivation. It’s a time of rebuilding.
Even in sorrow, the seeds of hope remain—turn, and you may find them blooming.