Five of Cups as a Woman (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Cups is the card of grief, loss, sadness, and disappointment. This card shows a man crying over three knocked down cups. He is so absorbed in his loss that he doesn’t see that he has two upright cups behind him. He is missing the opportunities that are still available to him. 

The Five of Cups reminds us that grief is a natural part of life. It is normal to grieve over our disappointments and failures. Challenges and losses are part of the journey. However, it is important to not be so wrapped up in the negative that we do not see the positive in our situation. The Five of Cups reminds us to authentically grieve, but also to see how we can use this moment as a learning opportunity to move forward.

Upright Five of Cups as a Woman

If the Five of Cups appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is focused on past losses and struggles with emotional burden. Her energy field seems heavy, as if she’s carrying invisible weights around her. Interacting with her might make you feel like you’re walking through molasses—emotionally thick and draining.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Cups as a woman represents someone who is visibly weighed down, with eyes that often look down, a voice that may quiver, a touch that feels cold, and an earthy scent indicative of stagnation. Her eyes seem to find the ground more comforting than making contact with another person, emphasizing her internal focus on past sorrows. Her voice might catch or tremble when she speaks, as if she’s on the verge of tears. When you touch her, her skin might feel colder than you expect, like a person who is energetically closed off. As for scent, she might carry a musky or earthy aroma, reminiscent of damp soil or foliage, which enhances the impression of emotional stagnation.

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Cups as a woman represents someone who is morose, preoccupied with regret, or wallowing in sorrow. She seems to live in a state of emotional winter, where the spring of joy or even the summer of rage seems far away. Conversations with her often veer towards what has been lost or what could have been, rather than what is or could be.

Astrologically, the Five of Cups as a woman represents someone who is likely to have strong Pluto or Scorpio aspects, possibly with challenging aspects to their Moon or Venus. Pluto’s influence could make her prone to emotional intensity and transformative, albeit painful, experiences. Challenging Moon aspects can contribute to emotional instability, while difficult Venus aspects might suggest complexities and disappointments in love and social life.

For careers, the Five of Cups can represent a woman who works as a therapist who specializes in grief or trauma, or an artist who focuses on themes of loss. In the therapeutic context, her own emotional history can offer her a deep well of empathy for her clients. As an artist, she may create works that resonate deeply with those who have experienced loss, turning her emotional burdens into a form of shared healing.

The Five of Cups as a woman represents someone who makes you feel reflective but possibly despondent. She has the ability to make you question the meaning and value of what you’ve lost or what you fear losing. Her presence tends to turn your focus inward, drawing you into a contemplative state that might veer into sorrow if you’re not careful.

Reversed Five of Cups as a Woman

If the Five of Cups reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is starting to see the silver lining and the potential for emotional renewal. It’s like the sun breaking through the clouds after a long, gloomy period. You feel a tangible shift in energy when around her, almost as if she’s undergone a metamorphosis from despair to cautious optimism.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Cups reversed as a woman represents someone who is beginning to lighten, with eyes that occasionally lift, a voice that steadies, a touch that warms, and a scent that becomes fresher. When she makes eye contact, it’s as if you can see the first glimmers of hope or renewal in her gaze. Her voice, once tremulous, starts to find its steady cadence, reflecting her emerging emotional stability. When she touches you, it’s less cold—there’s a renewed warmth, as if she’s letting the outside world back into her life. As for her scent, it shifts to something lighter and fresher, like freshly cut grass after a rainstorm, signaling a departure from her previous emotional stagnation.

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Cups reversed as a woman represents someone who is moving toward acceptance, hope, or forgiveness. The sharp edges of her past regrets are starting to soften, giving way to a sense of acceptance and peace. She may now be open to forgiving others or even herself, stepping onto the path of emotional liberation.

Astrologically, the Five of Cups reversed as a woman represents someone who is likely experiencing a transit that alleviates difficult aspects, leading to emotional healing. This could involve positive transits to her natal Pluto or Scorpio placements, or perhaps beneficial aspects to her Moon or Venus, which help to stabilize her emotions and enhance her relationships. Such favorable transits often pave the way for a deeper emotional understanding and a more optimistic outlook on life.

For careers, the Five of Cups reversed can represent a woman who works as a recovery coach, motivational speaker, or counselor focused on personal growth. Her own journey through emotional valleys gives her unique insights to help others climb their way back to hope. Her life story often serves as a powerful testimonial, inspiring those who hear her speak or seek her guidance.

The Five of Cups reversed as a woman represents someone who makes you feel hopeful and encouraged to move on. Being around her is like being shown a roadmap for emotional recovery—you sense that if she can find her way back to hope and optimism, then so can you. Her very presence encourages you to see the possibilities beyond your current emotional landscape, inviting you to move forward with renewed hope.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Five of Cups represents grief and loss. These challenges are a normal part of life and any relationship. It is not the fact that we have grief and loss that matters, but how we respond to it. The Five of Cups reminds us that we can turn our most difficult moments into learning opportunities. 

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.