Five of Cups as Third Party (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 Third Party

If you are asking about a third-party situation, and you draw the Five of Cups, it means that regret, sadness, or emotional disappointment is influencing the connection. One or both people in the relationship may be feeling an overwhelming sense of loss, possibly mourning what they thought this relationship would be. Instead of focusing on what still exists, they may be stuck in a cycle of grief, unable to see a clear path forward.

The Five of Cups as third party suggests that the connection between them is filled with grief, focusing more on what has been lost than what remains. There may be lingering emotional pain, unresolved feelings, or a sense that the relationship is not as fulfilling as they had hoped. This can indicate that the connection is weighed down by disappointment rather than true emotional satisfaction.

If you are asking about the third party’s intentions, the Five of Cups indicates that they may be struggling with regret, disappointment, or feelings of loss related to this relationship. They may not feel emotionally secure and could be dwelling on mistakes or past hurts. Rather than actively working toward a stronger connection, they may be caught in their sadness, unable to fully engage in the present.

If you are wondering if your person will leave the third party, the Five of Cups suggests that they may feel unhappy but could still be dwelling on the past rather than taking action. They might recognize that the situation is not fulfilling, yet their focus on what they have lost prevents them from making a decisive move. This suggests emotional stagnation, where sadness is present, but no clear resolution is in sight.

If you are wondering where you stand in this situation, the Five of Cups indicates that you may be feeling hurt or let down, needing to process your emotions before moving forward. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings without letting them define your next steps. Healing will come from recognizing that not all is lost and shifting your focus to what still holds value in your life.

For the future of this situation, the Five of Cups suggests that the most likely outcome is emotional loss or regret, where unresolved feelings could linger. If those involved do not address their pain, they may continue feeling stuck in a cycle of disappointment. Without healing or perspective, the situation could remain emotionally heavy, preventing true happiness or closure.

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Reversed Five of Cups as Third Party

If you are asking about a third-party situation, and you draw the Five of Cups reversed, it means that healing, acceptance, and moving on are becoming possible. After a period of sadness or regret, emotions are beginning to shift toward renewal. This indicates a turning point where the past no longer holds the same weight, allowing for forward movement.

The Five of Cups reversed as third party suggests that the connection between them is shifting, with one or both beginning to release past pain and look toward the future. They may be realizing that focusing on loss is preventing growth and are now ready to open themselves up to new possibilities. This shift in energy suggests a movement away from grief and into acceptance.

If you are asking about the third party’s intentions, the Five of Cups reversed indicates that they may be trying to heal, let go of regret, and focus on what still holds meaning. They are beginning to accept their reality rather than mourning what is no longer there. Whether they choose to move forward in this connection or not, they are looking for emotional renewal.

If you are wondering if your person will leave the third party, the Five of Cups reversed suggests that they may be finding closure and preparing to make peace with the past. This could mean releasing emotional baggage, seeing the relationship more clearly, or making a final decision about what they truly want. It indicates a move away from sorrow and into a place of emotional clarity.

If you are wondering where you stand in this situation, the Five of Cups reversed indicates that emotional recovery is happening, and you may soon gain clarity about what’s next. You may find that healing brings a new perspective, allowing you to release past disappointments. This card encourages you to embrace emotional renewal and focus on what is truly fulfilling.

For the future of this situation, the Five of Cups reversed suggests that the most likely outcome is emotional renewal, where past disappointments begin to fade, allowing new possibilities to emerge. The sadness and regret that once held things back are finally being released. Whether this means the relationship strengthens or dissolves, the energy is shifting toward a fresh start.

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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.