Four of Cups as Hopes and Fears (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Cups is the card of apathy, contemplation, disconnection, indifference, and boredom. This card shows a young man deep in reflection and meditation. He is so engrossed in his own thoughts that he doesn’t notice an outstretched arm offering him a cup. Another three cups lie at his feet, but he does not notice them either.   

The Four of Cups reminds us that gratitude is a critical element to every successful relationship. Do not be so self-absorbed that you do not see the wonderful opportunities for happiness around you. Do not be so focused on what you do not have that you overlook what you already have. The Four of Cups is a reminder and a warning to be grateful for what we have. 

Upright Four of Cups as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Cups, it means that you’re contemplating your emotional satisfaction and considering whether to seek new opportunities or appreciate what you currently have. This card suggests a period of introspection and reevaluation of your desires and contentment, urging you to look within to understand your true feelings and aspirations. It highlights the importance of balancing the quest for new experiences with gratitude for the present, encouraging a mindful assessment of your emotional landscape.

The Four of Cups as fears can represent the fear of missing out on opportunities due to complacency, the anxiety of feeling disconnected or disenchanted with what’s being offered, or the dread of becoming too introspective and missing the joys of the present. These fears stem from an inner struggle with contentment and the challenge of recognizing when change is necessary for growth. It serves as a reminder to stay open to the world around you, even as you delve into your inner emotions, to ensure you don’t overlook valuable opportunities for fulfillment.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you’re evaluating the emotional fulfillment within the relationship, fearing that discontent might lead you to overlook the value of what you already share. This introspection can be a double-edged sword—while it’s crucial for assessing the relationship’s health, there’s a risk that focusing too much on what’s missing can blind you to the beauty and love that are present. It suggests a need for open communication about feelings and desires to ensure both partners are aligned and satisfied.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Cups in the hopes and fears position means there’s a contemplation of what was and what could have been, with a fear that focusing too much on past relationships might prevent you from seeing potential happiness elsewhere. This card advises not to let past regrets or what-ifs cloud your ability to move forward and embrace new opportunities for love and happiness. It encourages a release of past disappointments to make room for new beginnings.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you’re pondering the depth and satisfaction of these relationships, with a concern that dissatisfaction could lead to withdrawal or missed opportunities for deeper connections. This reflection is essential for understanding your needs and expectations within these relationships, but it also warns against allowing a temporary feeling of discontent to damage long-standing bonds. It encourages you to communicate openly about your feelings to strengthen these relationships.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you’re considering whether your current path truly satisfies you, fearing that a lack of enthusiasm might hinder your ability to seize new opportunities or advancements. This card reflects a moment of critical assessment, urging you to weigh your professional contentment and aspirations carefully. It suggests that now is the time to decide whether to recommit to your current path with renewed vigor or to explore new avenues that might offer greater fulfillment and success.

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Reversed Four of Cups as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Cups reversed, it means that you’re becoming aware of missed opportunities and are now open to new possibilities. This position suggests a readiness to move beyond past apathy or discontent and embrace the offerings before you. It signals a pivotal shift in perspective, encouraging you to actively seek out and appreciate the chances for happiness and fulfillment that are available, rather than focusing on what might have been missed.

The Four of Cups reversed as fears can represent the fear of realizing too late the value of what was once available, the anxiety of making the wrong choice after stepping out of your comfort zone, or the dread of not fully appreciating new opportunities. These fears highlight a concern over the consequences of change and the uncertainty of navigating uncharted territory. It reminds you to approach decisions with both openness and mindfulness, ensuring that you’re ready to embrace and fully appreciate the new paths that unfold.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you’re ready to reinvigorate the relationship by embracing new experiences together, fearing that a failure to do so might lead to regrets about what the relationship could have become. This indicates a desire to break free from routines or stagnation, seeking to deepen the connection through shared adventures and growth. It underscores the importance of mutual effort in exploring new avenues of connection to prevent potential regrets about unexplored potential.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a willingness to let go of what might have been and to look forward to new emotional landscapes, with a concern that past emotions might still hinder moving forward. This reflects a readiness to embrace change and heal, acknowledging that clinging to the past can block the way to new beginnings. It encourages a balanced approach to letting go, allowing yourself to mourn what’s lost while also being open to new possibilities for love and happiness.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you’re opening up to resolving past misunderstandings and to strengthening the relationship, fearing that missed opportunities for connection might not come again. This highlights a proactive approach to mending and deepening bonds, recognizing the value of each moment spent together. It suggests that now is the time to address and overcome past issues, ensuring that future regrets are minimized by making the most of the present.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you’re recognizing the potential in new projects or directions, with a fear that previous disinterest or hesitation might have delayed valuable opportunities. This realization prompts a more enthusiastic engagement with your work, driven by the understanding that past reluctance to embrace change may have hindered your progress. It encourages a renewed focus on being open to and actively pursuing new avenues for professional growth and fulfillment, highlighting the importance of adaptability and eagerness in achieving success.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Four of Cups represents withdrawal and contemplation. This card is inherently philosophical in nature. It is normal for us to want more than we already have, but sometimes, we need to appreciate what is already in front of us. This is critical for any successful relationship. 

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.