Cups in Tarot
The Cups suit in tarot is all about emotions, relationships, and the unconscious flow within us. Cups reflect our deepest emotional experiences – everything from the joys of love to the sorrows of the heart. When Cups appear in a reading, they often speak to our emotional lives, our relationships with others, and how we navigate emotional processes. The suit reminds us how we handle our feelings, whether we let them flow freely or hold them back, becoming trapped in our own inner world.
Cups show that our emotions are the key to understanding, but they can also be a source of confusion and uncertainty. It’s about learning to feel without drowning, to let go of what weighs us down, and at the same time, to be open to what life brings.
Tarot Cards in the Cups Suit and Their Meanings
Click on a card to read its meaning.
Cups
Examples of Tarot Readings with Cups and Their Interpretations
Three-Card Spread: A Love Coming to an End
- Past: The Lovers
A time of intense love and union. The Lovers represent a relationship that began with passion and a deep connection, where two people found each other and felt they were meant to be together. There was balance and a sense of harmony, as if everything was just right. - Present: Four of Cups
In the present, however, there is a feeling of emptiness. The Four of Cups shows that you are feeling emotionally disconnected, perhaps bored or dissatisfied with the relationship. Even though love surrounds you, nothing seems to reach you anymore. You stare at what you have but can no longer see its value. This is a period where you may be avoiding confronting your feelings, but deep down you sense something is missing. - Future: The Tower
The Tower warns of an abrupt change. If you don’t actively address the feelings of indifference, something will force a shift. The Tower stands for disruptive events, where the stability you’ve taken for granted may collapse. There is a sense that reality will catch up with you, and the emotional void represented by the Four of Cups could lead to an unexpected and dramatic end to the relationship.
Five-Card Spread: Loss and Rebirth
- Past: Ten of Pentacles
A time when everything seemed in place. The Ten of Pentacles represents stability, security, and wealth – both materially and emotionally. You felt like you had everything under control and were building something lasting. Your foundation was stable, and the future looked bright. - Present: Five of Cups
Now, however, everything that was once stable is in ruins. The Five of Cups represents emotional loss. You focus on what has been lost, perhaps a relationship, a friendship, or even a dream that is no longer possible. The pain is palpable, and it’s hard to see the two cups still standing. You are so stuck in the sorrow that you cannot see the potential for healing and recovery. - Obstacle: Nine of Swords
The mental weight of this loss is amplified by the Nine of Swords. You are not only struggling with emotional wounds but also with anxiety and self-doubt. The Nine of Swords reflects those late-night thoughts that refuse to leave you in peace – it’s the fears and guilt that keep you awake, preventing you from moving forward from the pain. - Advice: Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups urges you to let go of the sorrow and open yourself to a new beginning. This card symbolizes emotional rebirth and the pure potential for love and joy. What you need now is to allow your feelings to flow and no longer cling to what has been lost. The Ace of Cups signals that you can find a new way to fill your heart, even if it means starting from scratch. - Future: The Sun
The Sun in the future shows that after allowing yourself to grieve and let go, joy and happiness will return to your life. The Sun represents clarity, optimism, and pure life force. After the deep sorrow and self-doubt that mark your present, the future promises a period of happiness and peace, where everything feels bright and full of potential once again.
Four-Card Cross Spread: An Emotional Crossroad
- Situation: Two of Cups
You are at an important decision point in a relationship. The Two of Cups symbolizes union and harmony, but there is also an underlying sense that you must choose how to move forward. It’s a time when you meet as equals, but it also requires that you are open and honest about your feelings to maintain balance. - Challenge: Five of Swords
Conflicts and misunderstandings threaten the harmony that the Two of Cups represents. The Five of Swords suggests that there may be power struggles or subtle conflicts under the surface, where someone feels hurt or defeated. The challenge here is to avoid letting these conflicts poison the relationship. There’s a risk that the emotional balance will be disrupted if no one dares to confront the issues honestly. - Advice: King of Cups
The King of Cups advises you to remain calm and act with compassion and understanding. The King’s energy is one of emotional maturity, where he has learned to navigate emotional storms without losing himself. You need to handle the conflict with openness and balance – don’t let your emotions drive you to hasty decisions, but be aware of both your own and others’ feelings. - Future: Four of Wands
The future looks bright. The Four of Wands symbolizes a time of celebration and stability. If you manage the situation with the emotional maturity represented by the King of Cups, the relationship will be strengthened and lead to a stable and joyful future. It could involve taking the relationship to the next level or celebrating an important milestone together.