Four of Cups as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Cups is the card of apathy, contemplation, disconnection, indifference, and boredom. This card shows a young man deep in reflection and meditation. He is so engrossed in his own thoughts that he doesn’t notice an outstretched arm offering him a cup. Another Three Cups lie at his feet, but he does not notice them either.   

The Four of Cups reminds us that gratitude is a critical element of every successful relationship. Do not be so self-absorbed that you do not see the wonderful opportunities for happiness around you. Do not be so focused on what you do not have that you overlook what you already have. The Four of Cups is a reminder and a warning to be grateful for what we have. 

Upright Four of Cups as a Person

If the Four of Cups appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is apathetic about their general surroundings. They are struggling with their own life. They are too distracted by their own issues to worry about others. This card is astrologically associated with Moon in Cancer. Because the Moon rules Cancer, and both carry a very strong feminine energy, this card carries a passive, receptive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Four of Cups as a person represents someone who has mastered the art of looking effortless. They’ll typically have a certain “je ne sais quoi” about them that many envy. Something that would normally look disheveled on another person looks sexy on them. This person’s favorite makeup look may be the “no makeup makeup look.” They don’t follow trends. They are very laid back and chill, with a youthful energy. They eat what they want when they want it, and they work out when they feel like it. They believe that life is short. 

For emotional characteristics, the Four of Cups as a person represents someone who is careless. They can come off as ungrateful and lacking in self-awareness. Perhaps they take their privilege for granted. Their apathy is a cover for their selfishness. This person is unconcerned with larger social justice issues. This person may be very short-sighted. They refuse to get involved with situations unless they can directly benefit from it. If it doesn’t affect them, it is not of their concern.

For careers, the Four of Cups can represent someone who is mentally checked out from work. They are tired and burned out. They’ve worked for too hard, too long. They rarely engage in self-care. This person can work in any industry. If apathy is uncharacteristic of this person, it means that they need to shake things up and get back to their creative roots. In traditional depictions of the Tarot, the Four of Cups features a person ignoring a cup that is offered to them. This person has opportunities, but they are not looking in the right places. 

The Four of Cups as a person represents someone who makes you feel bored. The two of you aren’t having fun together. If this is a romantic relationship, the two of you may lack chemistry. Alternatively, they may be too comfortable with you and start taking you for granted. You might find their indifference to be disconcerting. This person is often inconsiderate. They forget to consider the feelings of others around them. 

Reversed Four of Cups as a Person

If the Four of Cups reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is proud of their indifference. They know that their priorities in life are all wrong, but they will do nothing to change it. They may also oscillate from tending to care too much to caring too little. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Four of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who either cares too much or cares too little about their personal appearance. When a Tarot card is drawn in the reverse, the manifestation of that card’s energy turns extreme, and translates into one of the polarities of an energy. This person may dedicate a disproportionate amount of time in maintaining their looks. Or, they may alter their looks to a point of being unrecognizable to their loved ones. On the other end of the spectrum, this person may care so little about their physical body to the detriment of their health.

For emotional characteristics, the Four of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who is either extremely apathetic or inappropriately nosy. When a Tarot card is drawn in the reverse, the energies that card carries usually manifest in a very extreme, polarized way. This person’s resignation and indifference toward what is happening in their surroundings may boggle the mind. Alternatively, this person may be so nosy about other people’s affairs that it makes others feel uncomfortable. 

For careers, the Four of Cups reversed can represent someone who tries too hard at work. This might be somebody who works in a creative field. This card is astrologically associated with the Moon in Cancer. The Moon can be a naturally artistic and creative energy. This person may be struggling with writer’s block, and they may need to invest more time in their own self-care. They will find inspiration when they are no longer looking for it. This may also indicate a person who forces themself to endure a job that they hate.

The Four of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who may make you feel like they are prying into your life. This card is usually considered a card that represents indifference and apathy when drawn in the upright. However, when drawn in the reverse, this card may indicate somebody who cares too much about things that are really none of their business. If somebody is asking you inappropriate questions, set boundaries. Thank them for checking in, but make it very clear that you are uncomfortable with the topic at hand. Alternatively, this may indicate somebody who never gave you the time of day, but are now suddenly interested in you. Make sure that they are sincere and lack ulterior motives.

Conclusion

For love readings, the Four of Cups represents withdrawal and contemplation. This card is inherently philosophical in nature. It is normal for us to want more than we already have, but sometimes, we need to appreciate what is already in front of us. This is critical for any successful relationship. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.