Five of Cups as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Five of Cups, it means that there was a period marked by loss or disappointment, where focus might have been more on what was lost rather than what remained. This phase might have brought feelings of sorrow as you possibly concentrated on the negative aspects, overlooking the opportunities and blessings that were still in your life. It was a time to learn and grow, understanding that while some cups were empty, there were others that remained full and ready to be acknowledged and appreciated.

The Five of Cups as the past can represent experiences of grief, regret, or sorrow, possibly focusing on past disappointments and not seeing the potential of what was still available to you. During this period, you might have found yourself stuck in a cycle of dwelling on past regrets, unable to see the silver linings or the paths opening up before you. It was a challenging time, but also a period where seeds for personal growth were sown, encouraging you to eventually lift your head and recognize the remaining opportunities and blessings.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups in the past position means there were moments of deep sadness and loss, maybe a time where the relationship faced serious challenges or losses. This period likely brought a great deal of emotional turmoil and grief, as both parties navigated through the rocky paths of heartbreak and disappointment. Despite the sadness, it was also a time rich in lessons about love and relationships, a period to understand the depth of your feelings and the intricate dynamics of being in a relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups in the past position means that the relationship faced substantial heartbreak, perhaps with lingering feelings of regret and focus on the negative aspects rather than the good times shared. You might have experienced a profound sense of loss and grief, constantly revisiting what went wrong rather than cherishing the beautiful moments you both had. It was a period that tested your resilience and emotional strength, teaching you vital lessons about love and the importance of focusing on the positive.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups in the past position means there might have been experiences of loss or disappointment, possibly a fallout or a period where the relationship felt less fulfilling. You might have gone through phases of feeling unsatisfied or disillusioned with the relationship, focusing too much on the negative aspects and missing out on the joyous moments. This period urged you to learn the art of balance, understanding that relationships have ebbs and flows, and encouraged you to focus on the positive and nurturing aspects to build a stronger bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups in the past position means there were setbacks and disappointments, potentially missing out on opportunities and dwelling more on the losses rather than finding ways to move forward. During this period, it might have felt like you were caught in a cycle of regret, focusing too much on missed chances instead of seeking new pathways to success. It was a challenging yet transformative period that pushed you to learn from your mistakes and fostered a deeper understanding of your career path and financial journey, encouraging resilience and a fresh perspective to forge ahead.

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Reversed Five of Cups as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Five of Cups reversed, it means that there was a period of healing and learning to let go of regrets, a time when you began to focus more on the positive aspects of a situation instead of dwelling on what was lost. This phase allowed you to rise above previous heartaches, choosing to nurture hope and positivity by acknowledging the still existing opportunities. It was a period that demanded courage and personal growth, where you learned to release the hold of past disappointments on your present life, embracing a more hopeful and optimistic perspective on your circumstances.

The Five of Cups reversed as the past can represent moving past disappointments and starting to see the opportunities and positives that can be drawn from the situation, heralding a time of recovery and healing. You started to look at the brighter side of things, understanding that even in loss, there were lessons to be learned and new paths to be forged. This period brought a transformative energy, guiding you to heal from past wounds and encouraging you to build a more hopeful and prosperous future grounded in the wisdom gained from past experiences.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups reversed in the past position means there was a turning point where both parties managed to move past disappointments, possibly rejuvenating the relationship by focusing on the good that remained. This time signified a rejuvenation of love, where understanding and mutual respect blossomed, allowing for a stronger, more nurturing relationship to develop. It was a pivotal moment that offered a fresh start, where love was rekindled and the relationship was viewed with new, hopeful eyes, creating a space for growth and deeper connection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups reversed in the past position means there was an acceptance of the past, a willingness to look forward and not be bogged down by regret, maybe finding closure and peace with how things unfolded. This indicates a mature approach to healing, where you found the strength to forgive past mistakes and appreciate the good memories. It was a time of inner growth, where you learned to value yourself and your peace of mind above all, slowly paving the way to a place of healing and self-acceptance, harboring no ill will and moving forward with a heart lighter and freer from burdens of the past.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups reversed in the past position means there was a period of reconciliation and moving past old grievances, potentially fostering a deeper understanding and a stronger bond. This phase ushered in harmony and a renewed sense of closeness, allowing both parties to grow from the experiences and understand each other on a deeper level. It was a golden period of rebuilding trust, where openness and heart-to-heart conversations might have played a crucial role, leading to a relationship that stands on a stronger foundation, with a bond that is richer and more understanding than before.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups reversed in the past position means you were able to turn around a situation that seemed negative, possibly recovering from a loss and finding new avenues for growth. This period marked a comeback, where your resilience and determination to move forward bore fruit in the form of new opportunities and paths. It was a time where your hard work and positive outlook transformed challenges into stepping stones for success, helping you forge a path characterized by growth and newfound stability, driven by a spirit renewed with hope and determination.

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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.