Seven of Cups as Intentions (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Cups is the card of choices, fantasies, illusions, indecisiveness, and wishful thinking. In this card, a man stands in front of seven cups filled with various prizes, trying to decide what he wants. He has analysis paralysis. Some cups have good gifts, such as riches and castles. Other cups hold bad outcomes, with dragons and ghosts and snakes. Some gifts may not exist at all.

The Seven of Cups reminds us that choices need to be made in life. Obsessing over multiple options can be a detriment, because we will never be able to choose all of them. We can’t have our cake and eat it too. Sometimes, it’s just best to pick one and make the best out of it. This is true in love as well. When we are paralyzed by choice, we are unable to connect. 

Upright Seven of Cups as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Seven of Cups, that means this person intends to be extremely decisive. They do not intend to make decisions on a whim. They intend to analyze each and every option and choose the one that is best for them. They are not sure if they should become intimate with you or remain friends. Their life feels illusive to them in the moment, and they intend on uncovering clarity through important decisions.

The Seven of Cups as intentions means that they intend to fantasize often. They think about all of the different scenarios of their future life and dream of which one would be best. Being in a relationship could be one of them. In this case, they will intend to become intimate with you. The upright Seven of Cups suggests that this person faces many choices, and they intend to choose the best outcomes.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Seven of Cups is a sign of them intending to take things slow. It is a sign that any new relationship will progress slowly and steadily. This person has many options, so they do not intend to rush into a relationship and miss a better opportunity. A new relationship can still work out, but patience is required.

For existing relationships, the Seven of Cups represents an intention to think about alternative paths of life. They do not intend to pursue them, but rather enjoy thinking about them. They may wonder what it would be like if they were single or began a relationship with someone different. They do not intend to pursue these wonders. They still intend to continue your relationship, but they are nevertheless curious about other options in life.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Seven of Cups shows that they intend to continue their single life. They are paralyzed by the amount of options they have while single, and an exclusive relationship does not interest them. They intend to examine everything they can do with their life. This includes a lot of fantasy and wishful thinking. They do not intend on getting back together with you at the moment.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Seven of Cups means that this person’s intentions are to evade commitment. They will not make the decision on commitment. They intend on putting that pressure on you to make the decision. They intend to continue wishfully thinking about other options in their life. Intend to openly communicate with this person to see if they ever thought about marriage.

Reversed Seven of Cups as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Seven of Cups reversed, that means this person intends to lose themselves in life. They are overwhelmed by the amount of choices available. Unlike the upright Seven of Cups where the person is amused by the amount of options they have, the reversed Seven of Cups shows that the person is drowning. Their intentions are completely clouded and they have no idea what to do.

The Seven of Cups reversed as intentions means that the choices they face submerge them in fear and stress. They cannot make any decision for themself. They think of the good and bad of the future and it scares them. They must clear some of the options available to them to restore clarity to their intentions.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Seven of Cups reversed is a sign of them intending to try and remain calm. With all of the options and decisions they are faced with, a possible new relationship adds to the pile of pressure. It may be exciting to them, but they have no idea if their intentions are to begin a relationship. They may become so overwhelmed that they intend to remain single. If this happens, delaying a start to the relationship is best for both parties.

For existing relationships, the Seven of Cups reversed represents an intention to completely reevaluate all of their options in life. The thought of remaining in a casual relationship stresses them, but so does marriage. Each moving part in their life confuses their intentions further. They intend to take reflection time to establish whether or not they want to keep the relationship or something else in their life.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Seven of Cups reversed shows that they intend to sort their options, including the chance of getting back together. They are lost at the present moment, and need time to determine if getting back together is something they want. They may sort their options and decide their intentions are focused somewhere else.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Seven of Cups reversed means that this person’s intentions are stuck between moving forward and regressing. They want to commit, but they think too much about it and then shy away. Because of their state in life, the relationship must develop for commitment to be one of their choices.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Seven of Cups represents choices that need to be made. It’s important to spend time making the right decision for ourselves. It’s good not to rush. But at the same time, always hoping that there is a better option out there is unhealthy and will make us unhappy. Finding a good in between is critical to having a healthy 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.