Five of Cups
Upright Meaning
Grief, disappointment, focusing on loss, regret.
Reversed Meaning
Acceptance, moving on, forgiveness, seeing the good.
Five of Cups in love, career and health
Love & Relationships
Upright Meaning
Regret after breakup, focus on what didn't work, love sadness.
Reversed Meaning
Coming to terms with loss, opening to new love, forgiveness.
Career & Work
Upright Meaning
Professional failure, loss of money or project, disappointment.
Reversed Meaning
Drawing conclusions from failure, new professional plan, regaining strength.
Health & Wellness
Upright Meaning
Depressive states, mourning, vital force drop.
Reversed Meaning
Mood improvement, end of mourning, recovery.
Is Five of Cups a yes or no card?
No
Upright, Five of Cups is usually read as a no: it points to an obstacle, a loss or an ending worth respecting. Reversed, the answer tends to weaken or turn into "not yet", so read it together with the rest of the spread.
Advice
Stop crying over spilt milk. See what else you have.
Warning
Watch out not to let sadness overshadow the whole world. The exit is close.
Symbolism
- A hooded figure cloaked in black looks at three spilled cups, ignoring the two upright cups behind him.
Interpretation
It's okay to grieve, but don't stay there forever. Not all is lost; turn around to see what remains.
Numerology
5 (Emotional conflict)
Frequently asked questions
What does Five of Cups mean in tarot?
Grief, disappointment, focusing on loss, regret. It's okay to grieve, but don't stay there forever. Not all is lost; turn around to see what remains.
What does Five of Cups reversed mean?
Acceptance, moving on, forgiveness, seeing the good.
What does Five of Cups mean in love?
Regret after breakup, focus on what didn't work, love sadness. Reversed Meaning: Coming to terms with loss, opening to new love, forgiveness.
What does Five of Cups mean for career and work?
Professional failure, loss of money or project, disappointment. Reversed Meaning: Drawing conclusions from failure, new professional plan, regaining strength.
Is Five of Cups a yes or no card?
No. Upright, Five of Cups is usually read as a no: it points to an obstacle, a loss or an ending worth respecting. Reversed, the answer tends to weaken or turn into "not yet", so read it together with the rest of the spread.
What advice does Five of Cups give?
Stop crying over spilt milk. See what else you have.