Five of Cups as Future (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 Future

If you are asking about the future, and you draw the Five of Cups, it means that you might experience a period of mourning or loss. This period could bring feelings of sadness and grief as you process what you have lost. However, it also offers you a chance for deep healing — by facing these feelings head-on, you allow yourself the space to eventually find acceptance and to recognize the opportunities and happiness that still remain in your life.

The Five of Cups as the future can represent a time to acknowledge unhealed wounds and learn to let go. This could be a period of inner exploration where you dive deep into your emotions to understand and release pent-up feelings that have been holding you back. It’s a necessary time to cleanse yourself emotionally, and while it might be painful, it is a step towards healing and opening up to new possibilities, allowing for personal growth and deeper understanding of yourself.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups in the future position means there might be regrets and a focus on what was lost, rather than what remains. It suggests a phase where you might find yourselves dwelling on past mistakes or disagreements. To navigate this time successfully, it would be beneficial to foster open communication, understanding, and forgiveness to not only heal old wounds but to appreciate and focus on the love and the bonds that are still present and strong.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups in the future position means lingering sorrow and an inability to move forward. This period might bring up old memories and a sense of loss that hinders progress in healing and moving on. It could be beneficial to allow yourself the time and space to fully process these emotions, without forcing yourself to “get over it” too quickly — giving yourself permission to feel all that you feel can eventually lead to a deeper healing and a readiness to move forward when the time is right.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups in the future position means potential misunderstandings or a focus on negative past experiences. It may lead to a situation where you or the other person dwells too much on past conflicts, which can create a barrier in your relationship. It’s a sensitive time that calls for empathy and understanding from both sides — a time to actively listen, to understand, and to foster forgiveness with the aim of rebuilding trust and nurturing the relationship back to health.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups in the future position means potential disappointments and a period of reflecting on missed opportunities. This could be a time where you feel like certain career moves or financial decisions did not pan out as hoped. Despite the disappointments, it’s also a time to learn and grow from these experiences — to understand what didn’t work and why, and to use that understanding to build a more positive and constructive path forward, aligning more closely with your goals and aspirations.

Reversed Five of Cups as Future

If you are asking about the future, and you draw the Five of Cups reversed, it means that you will find a way to heal and move past your regrets. This card signals a transformational time where you actively work on releasing the past and forgiving yourself for any perceived mistakes. It heralds a fresh start, where you can let go of the burden of regret and open yourself up to the joy and opportunities that life has to offer — it’s a time of personal growth and embracing a more optimistic outlook on life.

The Five of Cups reversed as the future can represent a period of personal recovery and finding new hope. During this time, you’ll be rediscovering the joy in life as you learn to release old hurts and embrace the present with newfound hope and joy. It’s a time to focus on self-care and nurture your inner self — healing from past wounds and slowly regaining your positive spirit, encouraging you to look forward with a hopeful heart and an open mind, ready to embrace what comes your way with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and joy.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups reversed in the future position means the potential to rebuild and grow after acknowledging past mistakes. This time could see you and your partner working together to build a stronger foundation for your relationship. Open and honest communication will be key during this period — being willing to express and listen to each other’s feelings without judgment, fostering a nurturing environment where both can heal and grow, strengthening your bond and deepening your connection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups reversed in the future position means a healing process that helps in moving forward. You are likely to find the strength and understanding to forgive past hurts, allowing you to make peace with that chapter of your life. It’s a period of healing and self-reflection, a time where you grant yourself the freedom from lingering attachments and open up to the potential for new beginnings, carrying the lessons learned as you pave a path towards a brighter future.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups reversed in the future position means reconciliation and mending past grievances. This period will likely be marked by heartfelt conversations and a mutual desire to understand and forgive each other’s past actions. It is a time of coming together, where you both are willing to work through past misunderstandings, fostering a space of forgiveness and understanding, and rebuilding a relationship that is stronger and more understanding than before.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups reversed in the future position means a time of recovering from a setback and finding new opportunities. It suggests a phase where you start noticing new possibilities and pathways that you hadn’t considered before. As you recover, you will find your footing again, and with a renewed sense of determination and a fresh perspective, you will be ready to seize the opportunities that present themselves, steering your career or financial situation toward a path of growth and success.

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.