Exploring Tarot: The 5 of Cups

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The 5 of Cups depicts a man in a black cape, his head down, encapsulating himself in his grief. Three cups are spilled on the ground in front of him while two remain standing behind him. A small creek or river flows through an arched bridge beyond him while a small castle stands in the distance.

The suit of Cups reflects Elemental Water, representing our emotions, movement, momentum, balance, compassion, and love. Water cleanses, nourishes, and purifies, and its power can cause great change. In the 5 of Cups, something has happened in the man’s life that has left him bereft. The numerology of five also reinforces the idea of change that leaves him emotionally unfulfilled, preventing him from moving past the grief he feels.

A card of Mars in Scorpio, the despair the man feels is accentuated by the intensity of both the planet and its sign. And although there are still two cups standing, they won’t be enough to nurture his feelings of hopelessness and isolation.

The flowing creek suggests that healing is possible but it may take a leap of faith to sense its movement. Still, it appears that the man isn’t ready to let go of his emotional response and move forward. That said, the castle in the distance suggests that a strong foundation is present, while the two cups behind him are there to cleanse and purify his emotions.

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When the 5 of Cups appears in a reading, it’s suggesting that the grief you’re feeling is so strong that you’re not ready to move on. And while you need time to process what has occurred, support is there when you’re ready.