This blog post contains affiliate links. Visit the full disclosure to know more.
Category: Minor Arcana
The Four of Cups is the fourth card in the Cups suit of the Minor Arcana. It features a young man seated under a tree, lost in contemplation. His demeanor suggests introspection and a struggle with missed opportunities and apathy. This card emphasizes the importance of remaining open to new possibilities amidst emotional stagnation.
If this card has appeared in a significant reading for you, feel free to share your experience in the comments at the end of this article. Additionally, if you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to ask. Learn from this card and seize the opportunity to ask questions and resolve any doubts.
Four of Cups: Description
The Four of Cups from the Rider-Waite tarot deck presents a young man sitting under a tree, appearing to be deep in contemplation and perhaps dissatisfaction. He is so engrossed in his thoughts that he does not notice a hand extending from a cloud, offering him a cup. Three other cups stand on the ground before him, but he shows little interest in these either. The scene unfolds against a backdrop of green grass and a blue sky, with the tree providing shelter but also symbolizing growth and protection.
This card is rich in symbolism, indicating a period of introspection, apathy, or contemplation. The young man’s crossed arms and legs suggest a closed-off stance to his current situation or the opportunities presented to him. The offered cup represents a new opportunity, invitation, or emotional awakening that he is currently ignoring, possibly due to being too focused on his own inner world or disillusioned with the cups he already has.
This depiction underlines the Four of Cups’ message about the need to open oneself to new possibilities and reevaluate one’s current stance. The Rider-Waite deck, known for its rich symbolism and clear imagery, offers a profound tool for understanding such complex emotions and situations. As highlighted in our list of Best Tarot Decks, the Rider-Waite is an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced tarot readers. For those interested in exploring the depths of tarot, acquiring this deck could enhance your readings and insights. Click here to purchase the Rider-Waite Tarot deck.
Four of Cups: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Contemplation – Apathy – Discontent – Reevaluation – Missed Opportunities – Introspection – Indifference – Disillusionment – Withdrawal – Reflection – Stagnation
REVERSED: Awakening – Receptivity – New Perspectives – Overcoming Discontent – Realization of Opportunities – Motivation – Ambition – Enthusiasm – Acceptance – Moving On – Renewed Interest – Dissatisfaction Overcome
Four of Cups: Upright Meaning
The Four of Cups in its upright position highlights a period of introspection. It suggests a moment of apathy or disinterest in life’s offered opportunities, often due to dissatisfaction with what’s currently available. This card symbolizes a deep, inward focus, potentially causing one to overlook new chances for emotional growth or connections.
The imagery of a young man, lost in thought and unaware of the new cup offered, represents a reluctance to embrace change or new beginnings. This serves as a reminder to be open to surrounding possibilities. Ignoring these opportunities could mean missing out on valuable experiences that lead to growth and fulfillment.
Amidst introspection, do not forget the gifts you receive.
The Four of Cups urges us to reassess our situation, to recognize the gifts in our lives, even when they seem elusive. It advises a balance between self-reflection and openness to the external world, hinting that the answers we seek might be within our reach. This call for awareness encourages us not to overlook the potential that surrounds us, suggesting that fulfillment may be closer than it appears.
Four of Cups: Reversed Meaning
If in the upright Four of Cups one may feel apathetic and ignore opportunities, the reversed Four of Cups definitely has a reversed meaning. It signals a desire for a new start, motivation, and receptivity.
The Four of Cups reversed suggests a shift from apathy and discontent towards a newfound sense of awakening and receptivity. This reversal indicates a willingness to open up to new perspectives and opportunities that were previously ignored or dismissed. It signifies a realization of the blessings and possibilities that surround us, leading to a renewed sense of motivation and enthusiasm.
Find renewal in openness; receptivity sparks motivation and fulfillment.
This card is about understanding that, although life can sometimes feel stagnant, there is magic in it, and inner peace comes from choosing to see these gifts.
Instead of remaining stagnant or withdrawn, the reversed Four of Cups encourages us to embrace change, accept new challenges, and pursue growth with a sense of optimism and curiosity. It signals a turning point where dissatisfaction is overcome, and a fresh outlook on life emerges, propelling us forward towards greater fulfillment and satisfaction.
Four of Cups: Love meaning
In matters of love, the Four of Cups presents insightful guidance for both couples and singles, whether upright or reversed.
When appearing upright, this card suggests a period of emotional withdrawal or dissatisfaction within relationships. For couples, it urges introspection and open communication to address underlying issues and rediscover the spark that initially brought them together. Singles may feel so bored and disillusioned that they’re not even looking around. While it’s beneficial for them to embark on a journey of self-reflection, focusing on personal growth and self-love, but they do not have to remain stagnant and closed off.
However, when reversed, the Four of Cups signals a significant turning point in matters of the heart. For couples, it heralds a newfound willingness to confront challenges together, fostering a renewed sense of connection and appreciation for each other. Singles, on the other hand, are encouraged to let go of past disappointments and embrace new opportunities for love with optimism and enthusiasm.
Four of Cups: Key symbols
Here, we will explore some of the key symbols of the Four of Cups tarot card in the Rider-Waite deck. Specifically, we’ll delve into the details of the Hand of God, the fourth cup, as well as the significance of the tree and the elements in the background.
The Hand and the Offered Cup
One of the most striking symbols in the Four of Cups is the hand extending from a cloud, offering a fourth cup to the young man. This cup represents a new opportunity, invitation, or emotional awakening that the young man is currently ignoring or overlooking. Despite his closed-off demeanor, the hand holds out the cup as a gentle reminder of the potential for growth and change.
This hand bears resemblance to the one observed in the Ace of Cups, where a hand emerges from the left, carrying a cup filled with water. Here, in the Four of Cups, the cloudy hand enters from the right side of the image, carrying the fourth cup. Similar hands are also present in the Ace of Swords and Ace of Pentacles. In each case, the hand seems to symbolize a divine intervention, guiding the individual in the right direction.
The offered cup symbolizes the importance of remaining open to new possibilities and experiences, even when we feel stuck or dissatisfied. It encourages us to embrace opportunities for renewal and to be receptive to the gifts that life has to offer.
The Tree and the Background
The tree depicted in the Four of Cups is a significant symbol within this card, standing tall behind the young man and offering shelter. In tarot, trees often symbolize growth, stability, and the passage of time.
The tree’s sturdy trunk and leafy canopy serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience needed to navigate moments of emotional stagnation. It encourages us to seek solace in nature and reconnect with our inner selves to find clarity and renewal.
Upon closer examination of the background, additional trees can be seen, symbolizing ongoing guidance and support. Alongside these trees are mountains, which appear in numerous other tarot cards such as Judgement, The Hermit, and The Fool. Mountains carry varying meanings depending on the context, but generally symbolize challenges and the journey of self-discovery.
Four of Cups: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
When faced with yes or no questions, the Four of Cups presents a response that is hesitant and uncertain. This card suggests a state of indecision, where one may feel unsure about the situation at hand. It urges careful evaluation of all options and encourages considering multiple perspectives before arriving at a decision.
While some may seek definitive answers through yes or no tarot readings, the reality is far more nuanced. Tarot does not offer straightforward solutions but rather serves as a tool for reflection and gaining deeper insights into our circumstances.
The Four of Cups highlights the complexity of tarot readings and emphasizes the importance of examining the context surrounding the question. Rather than expecting a simple yes or no response, Tarot encourages us to explore the underlying dynamics at play and to approach decisions with greater mindfulness and awareness.
To explore further why Yes or No tarot readings may not always be accurate, click here.
Four of Cups in Rider-Waite and Marseille Tarot decks
The Rider-Waite and Marseille Tarot decks present significant contrasts in symbolism, art style, and the depiction of the Minor Arcana, and the Four of Cups is no exception. In these two decks, the card is portrayed in distinctly different ways. In the Marseille Tarot, four cups are arranged in each corner, while in the Rider-Waite deck, the imagery we’ve explored throughout this article is presented. However, let’s take a step back and understand why these two decks diverge.
On one hand, the Rider-Waite deck illustrates intricate scenes on all cards, including the Minor Arcana, to clearly convey each card’s meaning. This design makes it particularly accessible to beginners, as the imagery aids in intuitive reading.
On the other hand, the Marseille Tarot deck adopts a more traditional approach. Particularly in the Minor Arcana, it employs geometric arrangements of suit symbols (cups, pentacles, swords, and wands) without the detailed scenes found in the Rider-Waite deck.
Originating from the early 20th century, the Rider-Waite deck represents an evolution of tarot imagery, while the Marseille Tarot dates back to the 17th century. It’s worth noting that the Rider-Waite deck, created by A. E. Waite, aimed to clarify and enhance symbolism. In his work “Key to the Tarot” Waite emphasizes that “The true tarot is symbolism; it speaks no other language and offers no other signs”.
If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to ask below in the comments.
