What Does 5 of Cups Mean?

Wondering what the 5 of Cups means in tarot? Explore the five of cups upright and reversed meanings, and discover its guidance in love and life.

What Does 5 of Cups Mean?

Welcome to our Minor Arcana series, where we uncover the deeper meanings and insights behind each tarot card.

In this article, we’ll be focusing on the Five of Cups, a card that speaks to the complex emotions of loss, regret, and the path to healing.

The Five of Cups is one of the most emotionally charged cards in the Minor Arcana. It depicts a figure cloaked in black, standing in front of three spilled cups, symbolizing loss, sorrow, and regret. However, two cups remain standing behind the figure, representing hope and the possibility of moving forward. This card often appears in readings when you are focused on what you’ve lost rather than what you still have.

Five of Cups Upright Meaning

When the Five of Cups appears upright in a reading, it often signals a time of grief, disappointment, or emotional pain. You may feel as though you’ve lost something valuable, be it a relationship, a job, or an opportunity. The card encourages you to process these feelings but also to recognize that not all is lost. The two upright cups remind you that there is still hope, and new opportunities await if you are willing to look for them.

This card is a reminder to honor your emotions but not to dwell on them. It is a call to shift your focus from what’s gone wrong to what can still go right. The Five of Cups tarot card meaning in this context emphasizes the importance of balance between mourning what’s lost and finding the strength to move forward.

Five of Cups Reversed Meaning

When the Five of Cups appears reversed, it suggests that you are beginning to move on from past disappointments. You are starting to see the positive side of your situation and may be ready to let go of the past. The Five of Cups reversed signifies healing, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of hope. It’s a sign that you are ready to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life.

In a reading, the Five of Cups reversed love interpretation can indicate that you or your partner are ready to move past old wounds and start fresh. This card encourages you to embrace forgiveness, whether it’s for yourself or others. The five of cups reversed yes or no interpretation is generally positive, signaling that it’s a good time to let go of the past and move forward.

Five of Cups in Love Readings

In love readings, the Five of Cups often signifies heartbreak or disappointment. If you’ve recently gone through a breakup or a rough patch in your relationship, this card reflects the sorrow and grief you may be feeling. However, it also serves as a reminder that not all is lost. There may still be love and hope left in the situation, symbolized by the two cups still standing.

The Five of Cups love meaning encourages you to focus on what remains rather than what’s been lost. It’s a card that asks you to reflect on your feelings, learn from the past, and decide whether you want to move on or try to rebuild the relationship.

Want to know what the cards reveal about your love life? Get your free love tarot reading.

Five of Cups Reversed in Love Readings

When the Five of Cups is reversed in a love reading, it often indicates healing and reconciliation. If you’ve been going through a difficult time in your relationship, this card suggests that things are beginning to improve. The five of cups reversed love meaning can also indicate that you’re ready to forgive and forget, allowing for a fresh start.

This card is a positive sign that you or your partner are ready to move past old hurts and focus on rebuilding your connection. It’s a reminder that love can be renewed, and relationships can grow stronger after adversity.

5 of Cups Yes or No Interpretation

The Five of Cups is generally considered a “no” card in yes or no readings, especially when upright. It suggests that the situation is fraught with disappointment or that the outcome may not be what you hope for. The five of cups yes or no interpretation advises caution and introspection before moving forward.

When reversed, however, the five of cups reversed yes or no meaning leans more towards a “yes.” It indicates that you are beginning to overcome obstacles, and the path forward may be clearer than before. This card suggests that while the situation may have been challenging, things are starting to turn around.

Need a quick answer? Get your free yes or no tarot reading.

Five of Cups Tarot Guide: Advice and Guidance

The Five of Cups serves as a guide to help you navigate through difficult times. It’s a card that acknowledges your pain but also reminds you that healing is possible. The five of cups advice is to honor your emotions but not to let them consume you. Allow yourself to grieve, but don’t forget to look for the silver lining.

This card also encourages you to focus on what you still have rather than what you’ve lost. The two upright cups symbolize the opportunities that are still available to you, even in the face of loss. The five of cups tarot guide reminds you that life goes on, and better days are ahead if you are willing to embrace them.

Five of Cups Feelings: Emotional Impact

When it comes to feelings, the Five of Cups reflects a deep sense of loss, regret, or sorrow. If you’re asking about someone else’s feelings, this card suggests that they may be struggling with these emotions. They could be focusing on what went wrong rather than what’s still possible.

However, the five of cups feelings can also indicate a turning point. While there may be sadness, there’s also a potential for healing and moving forward. It’s a card that highlights the importance of emotional resilience and the power of perspective.

Five of Cups Tarot Card Meaning: Personality Traits

The Five of Cups can also represent personality traits, particularly those related to how someone handles disappointment or loss. People represented by this card may have a tendency to dwell on the negative aspects of their life, often struggling to see the positives. They might be sensitive, emotional, and prone to feeling regret or sorrow deeply.

However, the five of cups tarot card meaning also suggests that these individuals have the potential for great resilience. Once they begin to shift their focus from what’s lost to what’s still available, they can experience significant personal growth and healing.

Five of Cups in Reverse: A New Perspective

When the Five of Cups appears in reverse, it indicates a shift in perspective. You’re no longer focusing on what’s gone wrong but are instead looking towards the future. This card suggests that you are ready to move on, and you may even be seeing new opportunities where you once saw only loss.

The five of cups in reverse is a sign of hope and renewal. It’s a reminder that while the past may have been painful, the future holds the potential for joy and fulfillment. This card encourages you to embrace this new perspective and let go of any lingering regrets.


The Five of Cups is a powerful card that speaks to the human experience of loss, grief, and ultimately, healing. Whether it appears upright or reversed, this card carries a message of hope and resilience. It reminds you that while life can be challenging, it also offers opportunities for growth and renewal.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by loss or disappointment, the Five of Cups encourages you to honor your emotions but not to lose sight of the possibilities that still exist. Healing takes time, but by focusing on the positives and embracing new opportunities, you can move forward with hope.

Ready for more guidance? Try our free tarot reading service and explore the insights the cards have for you today.