Four of Cups as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Four of Cups, it means that there was a period where you might have felt disillusioned or disinterested in the opportunities presented to you, possibly experiencing a sort of emotional stagnation. This could have manifested as a reluctance to take new opportunities or to engage deeply with the people and experiences around you. Despite this, the period also granted you a time of reflection, where you could delve into your own thoughts and feelings, possibly coming to understand yourself better through this inward journey.

The Four of Cups as the past can represent a time of introspection, maybe even apathy, where you turned inward, perhaps neglecting external offers and opportunities. It was a phase characterized by a kind of self-imposed isolation, where your focus shifted more towards your inner world, disregarding the external stimuli. While this inward focus might have caused missed opportunities, it also allowed for deep self-reflection, enabling a kind of personal growth that comes from understanding oneself better.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Cups in the past position means there might have been a time when you felt disconnected or unsatisfied, maybe taking the relationship for granted and not appreciating the love and joy it brought into your life. This could have manifested as a kind of ennui, a stagnation that hindered the growth and deepening of the bond. However, acknowledging this phase and the feelings associated with it could offer a path to reigniting the spark and finding joy in the relationship again, fostering a deeper connection through understanding and empathy.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Cups in the past position means the relationship had periods where emotional engagement was lacking, leading to a sense of disconnection and missed opportunities to grow closer. It may have felt like the relationship was on pause, caught in a cycle of repetition without much progress. Recognizing these periods can be vital in understanding what went wrong and how to avoid similar situations in the future, nurturing growth and deeper connections in new relationships.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Cups in the past position means there might have been moments of withdrawal, not fully engaging with them or appreciating the value they bring to your life. This could have created a distance, an emotional gap where the mutual understanding and connection were diminished. Reflecting on this time might offer insights into the value of the relationship and create a pathway to reconnection, focusing on mutual appreciation and understanding, enhancing the bond you share.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Cups in the past position means there was a time of disinterest or lack of motivation in your job, possibly not seizing opportunities that could have advanced your career. This period could have been marked by a feeling of stagnation, a lack of enthusiasm towards career growth, and missed opportunities for advancement. Recognizing this period now can serve as a catalyst, encouraging a more proactive approach in your current career path, seizing opportunities with eagerness and an open heart.

Reversed Four of Cups as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Four of Cups reversed, it means that there was a realization of the need to come out of stagnation, a time where you started to notice and appreciate the opportunities around you more. During this period, you became more aware of the options and paths open to you, shifting your perspective to a more positive and hopeful outlook. This awakening likely fostered a new appreciation for the little joys and potential gains that surround you, marking a period of renewed interest and engagement with your surroundings.

The Four of Cups reversed as the past can represent a shift from a period of apathy to taking action, beginning to grasp the chances presented to you and breaking free from a cycle of dissatisfaction. This transition likely heralded a time of active engagement and a willingness to be more open to what life has to offer. It was a transformational period where you shook off inertia and embraced a proactive approach to life, ready to seize opportunities with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Cups reversed in the past position means there might have been a rejuvenation of feelings, a time when you both started to appreciate each other more and breathed new life into the relationship. This period likely represented a renewal of affection and understanding, where you both made a conscious effort to appreciate and value each other more. It was a time of rediscovering the joy and happiness that your partnership could bring, with a focus on positivity and nurturing each other’s happiness.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Cups reversed in the past position means that there was a period of awakening, where you might have realized the potential of the relationship and tried to revive the connection, although it might not have lasted. During this time, there was likely a renewed effort to make things work, driven by a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other. However, despite the renewed efforts and awakened understanding, it was a challenging time where sustaining the revived connection might have proven to be more difficult than anticipated.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Cups reversed in the past position means there was a time when you broke free from a period of detachment and started to reengage, valuing the relationship more. This was a period characterized by a renewed appreciation for the bond you share, and a conscious effort to be more present and engaged in the relationship. It marked a positive transition, where you chose to focus on the value and happiness derived from the relationship, fostering a closer and more harmonious connection.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Cups reversed in the past position means there was a change in perspective, where you became more proactive and started grabbing opportunities, bringing fresh energy into your career path. This could have manifested as a newfound passion for your work, a readiness to tackle challenges head-on, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone to seize potential growth opportunities. It was a time of rejuvenated spirit, driving you to forge ahead with optimism and a can-do attitude, reshaping your career landscape with a fresh and energized perspective.

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.