Four of Cups as Love Outcome (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 of 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 Love Outcome

If you are asking about what is the outcome of a relationship, and you draw the Four of Cups, that means that someone in the relationship could be ungrateful. This card is astrologically associated with the Moon in Cancer, a very emotional, intuitive, and emotional energy. One of you could be overly self-absorbed, leaving the other feeling neglected in this relationship. Perhaps one of you feels wronged by the other, and they’re stuck in a “woe is me” mentality. You could be going through a spiritual awakening and your person may feel like you’re being too self-involved. It’s great to connect with yourself and your spirituality, but don’t let it disconnect you from the 3D world.

The Four of Cups as love outcome is a sign of lack of movement. The energy feels stale, and there is a sense that there is a lack of energy exchange between you and your person. You could feel as though your person is last in their own head, and you no longer have access to them spiritually and emotionally. Even your person could feel like you’re just going through the motions in your relationship. Maybe you feel like you keep doing the same things over and over, leading you to feel bored. Don’t let this situation make you feel like you’re bored of each other when you really just need to add some excitement to the time you spend together.

If you are wondering about a potential relationship, the Four of Cups as love outcome means there could be a lack of attraction between the two of you. Alternatively, you and your person don’t know each other enough to make a fair assessment of each other. You could be interested in somebody who only knows you in a professional setting. Perhaps they haven’t had a chance to see the more interesting, attractive, exciting side of you. This lack of familiarity with your authentic self is preventing this person from really getting to fall in love with you and who you are. You may feel unnoticed by this person. If this is the case, you should introduce a different side of yourself to this person and help them get to know you. However, if the attraction isn’t there, don’t force it. 

If you are in a new relationship, the Four of Cups as love outcome means not recognizing the true potential of a relationship. One or both of you may approach this relationship from a very pessimistic standpoint. Maybe you’re giving the relationship a chance, but you’re not too hopeful that things will work out in the long run. When a person comes into a relationship with this mindset, it’s hard to fully invest in the relationship. One or both of you are not giving enough time to get to know the multiple facets of what makes your person who they are. And because of this halfway approach to getting to know another person, you could miss out on a potentially fulfilling relationship.

If you are in an existing relationship, the Four of Cups as love outcome means feeling ungrateful for what you have. One or both of you are comparing your relationship and your life together with other people. Avoid trying to keep up with what you see your neighbors, strangers on social media, and even your family and friends. The Four of Cups card traditionally depicts a man looking down, focusing on something while ignoring his surroundings. A contemporary interpretation of this image would be somebody who is too preoccupied with their devices and social media, disconnecting from the real world in the process. Focus on gratitude for each other instead of society’s expectations of what relationships should be and look like.

If you are currently in separation with each other, the Four of Cups as love outcome means not making a fair effort. One of you is not working or investing as much of their time, energy, and resources into the relationship. There is an imbalance that needs to be rebalanced in your relationship dynamics. If you are separated by distance, one of you is putting more effort into keeping the relationship intact with the other. Maybe checking in with your person and gauging how they feel about the relationship and its future would be a good idea right now. If you are inquiring about an ex that you are interested in reconciling with, your person is not really focused on you right now. They could be doing their shadow work or focusing on healing right now. They are not in the mindset of working on a relationship at this time.

Reversed Four of Cups as Love Outcome

If you are asking about what is the outcome of a relationship, and you draw the Four of Cups reversed, that means that somebody is finally seeing the light and recognizing the blessings of this relationship. This card can indicate rediscovering one another. Its astrological association with the Moon in Cancer hints at deep emotions. Whether you’re male or female, your person has discovered that they really appreciate the way that you express your feminine energies. Perhaps they previously didn’t see you as marriage material, and after seeing how you interact and care for children or animals, they’ve changed their mind about you. If you have felt isolated from your person, things will get better from now on.

The Four of Cups reversed as love outcome is a sign of being grateful for your relationship. The 4 of Cups in reverse isn’t just grateful for the sake of being grateful. This card is usually a signifier of gratitude that emerges from a period of perhaps nearly losing something that they took for granted. If you felt like your person took you for granted, they are waking up to what they might miss out on if they carry on with that mindset. This could be your energy or your person’s energy. Either way, forgiveness is key. Don’t let resentment get in the way of healing this potentially beautiful relationship.

If you are wondering about a potential relationship, the Four of Cups reversed as love outcome means getting to know somebody, and falling in love with their true, authentic self. Be open to giving people a chance, even if they’re not your usual type. This card is hinting at potentially being pleasantly surprised when you learn about a different side of your person. Perhaps you judged them without knowing them. Perhaps you assumed that they would be boring and dull. Or maybe you just assumed that they wouldn’t be interested in you. This card urges you to make yourself known, seen, and heard. 

If you are in a new relationship, the Four of Cups reversed as love outcome means growing fondness for each other. This is the card that represents the opposite of “love at first sight.” Instead, you will develop feelings at a more steady pace. The more you get to know them, the better you like them. Your person probably didn’t expect the relationship to last, but the more they get to know you, the more they feel like they can’t live without you.

If you are in an existing relationship, the Four of Cups reversed as love outcome means having a newfound appreciation for each other. Maybe you have gone through your spiritual awakening together and “found yourselves” together. “Togetherness” is a keyword here. You are actively involving your person in your interests. Even if they’re not necessarily into what you’re into, they feel included and in the loop. People change, so relationships change when we change. Involving your person in those changes and not changing who they are to you is key to sustainability.

If you are currently in separation with each other, the Four of Cups reversed as love outcome means one or both of you are beginning to pay more attention to what needs to be done. The number 4 in numerology is all about creating stability and a foundation to build upon. It is also an even number, so your connection is now more balanced. One of you was giving more to the relationship in the past, but it will be more balanced from this point forward. If you are separated by distance, your person is willing to invest more into your long-distance relationship. For those of you inquiring about an ex you’re interested in reconciling with, your person cares about nurturing and healing what you used to have together.

Conclusion

For love readings, 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.