Six of Cups as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Six of Cups is the card of childhood, nostalgia, comfort, and familiarity. The card shows a young boy leaning down and passing a cup filled with flowers to a young girl. The girl is happy and grateful, looking back to the boy with love. This shows the passing of traditions, happy reunions, and childhood innocence.  

The Six of Cups reminds us that our inner child is important in a meaningful relationship. When we are with someone who we truly love and trust, our inner child will feel free to roam and play. Listen to your innermost self, as your young self is deeply in touch with your intuition. Your child self is young, but they are also wise. 

Upright Six of Cups as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Six of Cups, it means that nostalgia, past connections, or childhood memories are playing a significant role in your current situation. This influence might manifest as an encounter with someone from your past or a situation that vividly reminds you of earlier times, evoking a sense of comfort and possibly offering insights or resolutions based on those past experiences. It suggests that looking back at these memories can provide valuable lessons or emotional support that is relevant to your current circumstances.

The Six of Cups as external influences can represent people such as childhood friends or someone from your past who brings comfort and happiness into your life. This person’s presence may serve as a reminder of simpler times, providing a sense of continuity and stability during periods of change or uncertainty. Their influence is like a balm, offering reassurance and a connection to your roots, which can be particularly comforting when navigating the complexities of the present.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Six of Cups as external influences means that shared history and fond memories are enhancing the emotional depth and connection between partners. This shared past creates a rich tapestry of experiences that binds you together, making your relationship stronger and more resilient. Whether it’s revisiting places you once enjoyed together or reminiscing about the early days of your relationship, these activities deepen your bond and highlight the enduring love and friendship you share.

If you are asking about an ex, the Six of Cups in the external influences position means that positive memories and the longing for simpler times are influencing your feelings and decisions regarding them. This card suggests that reminiscences of the happier moments you shared may be coloring your current perspective, perhaps igniting a desire to reconnect or reconcile. It’s important to consider whether these nostalgic feelings are a foundation for a healthy relationship or if they merely reflect a yearning for the past.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Six of Cups in the external influences position means that the comfort and security of past experiences are strengthening your bond. This might be a time when old traditions are revived, or memories of shared experiences bring you closer together, reinforcing the importance of your relationship. It’s a reminder of the enduring nature of true connections, regardless of the time or distance that may have separated you.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Six of Cups in the external influences position means that past achievements or the revival of old projects is influencing current success and opportunities. This could manifest as a renewed interest in projects you had set aside or the reconnection with former colleagues who now play a role in your professional advancement. It highlights the cyclical nature of success and how past efforts and connections can come back to benefit you in unexpected ways, emphasizing the value of maintaining positive relationships and honoring your professional history.

Reversed Six of Cups as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Six of Cups reversed, it means that an inability to let go of the past or unrealistic nostalgia is hindering progress in the present. This reflection indicates that dwelling on bygone days or wishing for things to return to how they once were can prevent you from recognizing and seizing the opportunities available to you now. It highlights the importance of embracing the present and moving forward with an open heart and mind, rather than being anchored to what no longer serves your growth.

The Six of Cups reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who are stuck in the past or unable to adapt to current realities, affecting your outlook or decisions. These individuals might include friends or family members who constantly reminisce about the past, unwilling to accept changes or new perspectives. Their influence could be making it challenging for you to progress or adapt, suggesting the need to gently distance yourself from these limiting viewpoints to foster personal development and happiness.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Six of Cups reversed as external influences means that clinging to past relationships or idealizing previous partners is creating barriers to current happiness. This card suggests that memories of what once was, or the desire to replicate a past relationship’s dynamics, are obstructing the potential for growth and fulfillment with your current partner. Recognizing the uniqueness of each relationship and focusing on building a new, shared future can help overcome these obstacles.

If you are asking about an ex, the Six of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that a fixation on what was, rather than what is, is preventing healing and moving forward. This scenario often involves idealizing the past relationship or dwelling on regret, which can block the path to personal recovery and the opportunity to build new, healthier relationships. Acknowledging the past’s role in shaping who you are today, while allowing yourself to let go and embrace the future, is crucial for emotional healing.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Six of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that past conflicts or unresolved issues are resurfacing, affecting the relationship negatively. These recurring issues might stem from unresolved grievances or a refusal to acknowledge and work through past hurts, leading to a cycle of tension and misunderstanding. Addressing these issues head-on, possibly with the help of a neutral third party, can pave the way for reconciliation and a stronger, healthier connection moving forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Six of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that an overreliance on past successes or methods is limiting innovation and growth. This situation can manifest as a reluctance to adopt new technologies, methods, or ideas, possibly due to a comfort with the “way things have always been done.” Embracing change and being open to new approaches are essential for staying relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced world, suggesting that it’s time to break free from outdated practices and explore new possibilities. 

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Six of Cups represents nostalgia and familiarity. With someone you truly love and trust, your inner child will want to come out and play. Being able to be this comfortable with someone is an amazing sign for any relationship. Remember that your young self is wise, as it stays close to your intuition. 

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.