Five of Cups as Present (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 Present

If you are asking about the present, and you draw the Five of Cups, it means that you are experiencing feelings of loss, regret, or focusing on what has gone wrong, potentially overlooking the possibilities that remain. This card suggests a period of reflection and sorrow, where past events or decisions weigh heavily on your heart and mind. However, it also carries a message of hope, urging you to turn around and notice the opportunities for happiness and healing that are still within reach, reminding you that not all is lost and recovery is possible with time and perspective.

The Five of Cups as the present can represent a time of mourning and sadness, where the focus on spilled cups may prevent you from seeing the cups still standing, symbolizing hope and opportunities for emotional recovery. This card emphasizes the importance of acknowledging your feelings of grief or loss, while also encouraging you to lift your gaze and recognize the potential for renewal and growth that lies ahead. It serves as a reminder that even in times of despair, there are always elements of your life that can provide solace and a foundation for rebuilding.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups in the present position means that there may be a sense of grief or disappointment within the relationship, emphasizing the need to acknowledge what is still working and can be built upon. This card invites you to open a dialogue about your feelings, to address the sources of your sadness together, and to focus on the strengths of your partnership that remain intact. It suggests that by nurturing these positive aspects, you and your partner can work through the pain and move towards a more hopeful and fulfilling future together.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups in the present position means that you are struggling with letting go, concentrating on the pain of the breakup while potentially ignoring the lessons learned and the paths to healing. This card encourages you to shift your focus from what was lost to what can be gained from the experience, including personal growth and a deeper understanding of your own needs and desires. It underscores the importance of forgiveness, both of yourself and your ex, as a crucial step towards healing and moving forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups in the present position means that a rift or loss within the relationship is causing sorrow, yet there remains a chance for reconciliation and understanding if the remaining cups are recognized. This card highlights the need to confront the pain and to communicate openly about the issues at hand, offering an opportunity to mend the bond and to rediscover the value and love that still exists between you. It serves as a reminder that relationships can often be strengthened through the trials faced together, provided there is willingness on both sides to heal and to grow.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups in the present position means that a setback or loss may be dominating your outlook, overshadowing the potential for recovery and new opportunities that exist beyond the immediate disappointment. This card advises you to take stock of the situation with a balanced perspective, recognizing both the losses and the possibilities for future success. It encourages you to learn from the experience, to adapt, and to remain open to new paths that may lead to fulfillment and prosperity, reminding you that setbacks can serve as valuable lessons on the road to achievement.

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Reversed Five of Cups as Present

If you are asking about the present, and you draw the Five of Cups reversed, it means that you are beginning to move past grief or disappointment, focusing on healing and recognizing the opportunities for happiness that still exist. This card in its reversed position signifies a pivotal moment where the emphasis shifts from what has been lost to what can still be gained. It encourages you to acknowledge your past hurts but to also look forward with hope, understanding that healing is a journey that opens the door to new possibilities and joy.

The Five of Cups reversed as the present can represent a shift in focus from loss to recovery, indicating a period of emotional healing and the rediscovery of hope. This reversal highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome sorrow by finding strength in oneself and the potential for future happiness. It serves as a reminder that while loss is a part of life, it does not define the entirety of one’s existence, and that recovery and joy are within reach if you are willing to look for them.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Cups reversed in the present position means that you and your partner are finding ways to overcome past sorrows, working towards rebuilding the relationship on stronger, more positive foundations. This card suggests that both partners are willing to leave behind the disappointments and misunderstandings that have marred the relationship, choosing instead to focus on the love and connection that remain. It is a sign of mutual commitment to healing and growth, heralding a phase of renewed intimacy and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Cups reversed in the present position means that you are coming to terms with the breakup, allowing yourself to heal and look forward to new possibilities in love and life. This reversal indicates a significant emotional shift, from dwelling on what was lost to embracing the lessons learned and the growth that comes from experiencing heartache. It signifies readiness to let go of the past and to open your heart to the opportunities for happiness that lie ahead.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Cups reversed in the present position means that any past conflicts or misunderstandings are being resolved, leading to renewed relationships and mutual support. This card reflects a period of reconciliation and healing, where both parties are willing to address the issues that have caused pain, working together to mend the rifts and strengthen their bond. It underscores the importance of forgiveness and the willingness to move forward together, fostering a deeper connection and enhanced mutual respect.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Cups reversed in the present position means that you are recovering from previous setbacks, now ready to embrace new opportunities and pathways to success with a renewed sense of optimism. This card signifies a turning point, where the focus shifts from dwelling on professional or financial failures to recognizing the potential for growth and achievement. It encourages a proactive approach to career and financial goals, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges and seizing the opportunities that await.

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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.