Five of Cups as External Influences (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 External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Cups, it means that loss, regret, or a focus on negative outcomes, influenced by past events or the attitudes of those around the querent, is dominating the situation. This often points to a pervasive sense of disappointment or sorrow that might be compounded by friends or family who are also stuck in a cycle of negativity, making it challenging for the querent to look ahead to the brighter possibilities that still exist.

The Five of Cups as external influences can represent people such as those who dwell on past failures or losses, influencing the querent to focus on what has been lost rather than what remains or could be gained. This can create a heavy emotional atmosphere that clouds judgment and prevents the querent from seeing the valuable opportunities and lessons that can emerge from difficult experiences. It’s a reminder to seek out more supportive and optimistic perspectives that can help shift the focus towards recovery and growth.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups as external influences means that the sorrow from past relationships or the pessimism of those close to the querent is affecting current emotional connections. Friends or family members who are overly focused on past heartbreaks may unwittingly project their fears and doubts onto the querent, potentially stalling the development of a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Recognizing and addressing these external sources of negativity is crucial for allowing love to flourish.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups in the external influences position means that the residual pain or regret from the relationship, possibly exacerbated by mutual friends or family, is hindering moving forward. This influence can manifest as a constant reminder of what went wrong, rather than allowing space for healing or the possibility of new beginnings. It suggests the importance of creating emotional distance from those who may not support the querent’s journey towards closure and healing.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups in the external influences position means that their focus on negative experiences or the influence of a pessimistic social circle is affecting their outlook and interactions with the querent. This dynamic can strain the relationship, as the constant negativity may lead to a lack of motivation or hope for improvement. Encouraging a shift towards more positive thinking and constructive conversations can help mend and strengthen the bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups in the external influences position means that past failures or a negative environment is impacting the querent’s confidence and ability to seize new opportunities. A workplace culture that dwells on mistakes rather than learning from them can stifle innovation and growth. It’s important for the querent to seek out environments or networks that foster a more positive and forward-thinking approach, allowing them to reclaim their confidence and open up to new possibilities for success.

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Reversed Five of Cups as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Cups reversed, it means that a shift towards recovery from past disappointments and a focus on future possibilities is influencing your current path. This suggests an emerging resilience and a newfound willingness to move beyond previous setbacks, with external support playing a key role in this transition. It signifies a time when the support of friends, family, or even professional help is guiding you towards a more hopeful outlook and encouraging you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Five of Cups reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who encourage optimism and help to see the value in what remains rather than what was lost. These might be friends who remind you of your strengths, mentors who guide you towards new paths, or supportive community members who offer encouragement and perspective. Their influence helps shift the focus from regret to potential, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and uplifting energies.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups reversed as external influences means that overcoming past grievances and focusing on the potential for happiness is strengthening the relationship. This could manifest through couples therapy, mutual efforts to communicate more openly, or simply the decision to let go of old wounds. It indicates that external advice or interventions have been instrumental in helping both partners see the value of their bond and the possibilities for a happier future together.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that mutual healing and releasing of past resentments are paving the way for closure or a new beginning. This may come about through honest conversations, mutual friends acting as mediators, or personal growth that each individual undertakes. These influences are helping both parties to look forward rather than backward, whether that means parting ways amicably or exploring the possibility of rekindling the relationship on new terms.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that a rekindled optimism or support from others is helping to mend the relationship. Perhaps a mutual acquaintance has offered a fresh perspective that helps bridge the gap, or a shared experience has reopened lines of communication and understanding. This card suggests that external influences are contributing to a more positive and hopeful dynamic, allowing both parties to move past old grievances.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that letting go of past failures and embracing new opportunities is leading to professional and financial growth. This might be the result of mentorship, networking with individuals who bring fresh ideas and opportunities, or simply a change in the industry that opens up new paths. The card underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability, encouraging the querent to look ahead with optimism and take proactive steps towards achieving their goals. 

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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.