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Category: Minor Arcana
The Six of Cups tarot card, found in the Minor Arcana, embodies themes of nostalgia, innocence, and emotional connection. In the Rider-Waite deck there are two children exchanging cups filled with flowers which invites us to revisit cherished memories and embrace the purity of genuine emotions.
Six of Cups: Description
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Six of Cups card presents a scene filled with nostalgia and innocence. Depicted against a lush garden backdrop, two children stand facing each other, exchanging cups filled with flowers. One child offers a cup to the other, while the recipient gazes at it with love, curiosity, and wonder.
Every detail in this imagery evokes a sense of warmth and simplicity. The children are situated in what appears to be the courtyard of a home, symbolizing comfort and security. In the background, an adult figure stands at a distance, providing a sense of protection and safety. The adult appears to be walking away, confirming that innocence can flourish freely, much like the flowers blooming in the cups.
The vibrant colors and serene atmosphere convey a feeling of harmony and contentment, symbolizing a return to simpler times and the joys of youthful innocence. In fact, the Six of Cups in the Rider-Waite deck serves as a reminder to reconnect with our inner child and embrace the purity of genuine emotions and heartfelt gestures.
Six of Cups tarot card: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Nostalgia – Innocence – Childhood memories – Reconnection – Sentimentality – Joy
REVERSED: Dwelling in the past – Immaturity – Unrealistic idealization – Difficulty letting go – Lacking playfulness
Six of Cups: Upright Meaning
When the Six of Cups appears upright in a tarot reading, it signifies a period of nostalgia, innocence, and heartfelt gestures. This card often represents revisiting the past with fondness and reminiscing about childhood memories. One may simply be revisiting those memories in their mind, or they may travel back to their childhood home or reconnect with their childhood friends.
The Six of Cups encourages individuals to embrace their inner child and find joy in the little things in life – inviting them to engage in games or simple activities reminiscent of childhood. This card invites individuals to experience the fun and freedom that comes with being a young child again.
The upright Six of Cups encourages individuals also to tap into their emotional roots, cherish their memories, and seek happiness in familiar and comforting experiences. Many times, these memories are things of the past, reflecting aspects of themselves that have seemingly vanished.
What’s mentioned until now is the general meaning of the card. Now, let’s explore two specific meanings that may be applicable only in certain readings but are nonetheless interesting to consider.
Since the Six of Cups can symbolize children and childhood, it may also indicate the arrival of children in one’s life. Additionally, it may suggest a twin pregnancy, as the children depicted in the card are two. In this context, the card represents the beginning of a period filled with playfulness and curiosity.
Another possible interpretation of the card stems from its placement after the Five of Cups. If the Five of Cups suggests sorrow and disappointment due to missed opportunities, the Six of Cups may indicate that one is on the path to rediscover joy and peace. In the Five of Cups, home and peace are symbolized by the castle in the background. Therefore, the garden backdrop depicted in the Six of Cups may represent the internal part of the castle, symbolizing a return to a place of comfort and tranquility.
Six of Cups: Reversed Meaning
When the Six of Cups appears reversed in a tarot reading, it may indicate difficulty letting go of the past, clinging to outdated beliefs or patterns, or dwelling excessively on past memories. Instead of embracing the present moment, individuals may find themselves stuck in a state of immaturity or unrealistic idealization of the past. They may find it comfortable to remain tethered to the past because the present is filled with responsibilities, whereas the past seemed lighter. However, this is not a sufficient excuse, as individuals should always strive to stay present while, as suggested from the card, making time to play and release tension joyfully, similar to how they used to.
The reversed Six of Cups warns against living in a fantasy world or refusing to grow and evolve. It may also signify unresolved issues from childhood that need to be addressed in order to move forward. Childhood trauma or unprocessed emotions from the past may be holding individuals back from fully embracing the present and moving towards a brighter future. Therefore, it is essential to confront these issues, seek healing, and allow oneself to evolve and grow beyond past experiences.
Six of Cups: Love meaning
In matters of love, the upright Six of Cups signifies a period of deep emotional connection and shared nostalgia for couples. It suggests that partners may be reminiscing about the early days of their relationship or finding joy in reliving happy memories together. This card encourages couples to nurture their bond by embracing the innocence and purity of their love.
For singles, the upright Six of Cups suggests a period of reconnecting with past lovers or childhood crushes. It may indicate the rekindling of a romance from the past or the emergence of a new relationship with someone from one’s past. This card encourages singles to explore the potential for meaningful connections rooted in shared history and nostalgia.
Conversely, the reversed Six of Cups for couples warns against allowing past conflicts or unresolved issues to overshadow the present relationship. It may indicate that couples are stuck in old patterns or unable to move past past grievances. This card advises couples to address any lingering issues from the past and focus on building a strong and healthy relationship in the present moment.
For singles, the reversed Six of Cups warns against becoming too fixated on past relationships or idealizing romantic partners from the past. It may indicate that unresolved issues from previous relationships are hindering one’s ability to move forward and find new love. This card advises singles to focus on releasing emotional baggage from the past and opening themselves up to new romantic opportunities in the present.
Six of Cups in Rider-Waite: Key symbols
Here, we will explore some of the key symbols of the Six of Cups tarot card in the Rider-Waite deck. Specifically, we’ll delve into the details of the six white flowers, the pedestal and the X on it, as well as the adult figure in the background.
White flowers
In the Six of Cups tarot card, the exchange of white flowers between the two children embodies themes of innocence and emotional purity. White, often associated with purity and innocence across various cultures, further amplifies this symbolism. The act of exchanging flowers represents a gesture of genuine love and kindness, reflecting a heartfelt connection between the two children, untainted by hidden agendas or complexities.
Notably, there are precisely six white flowers, mirroring the number of cups depicted in the card. Each cup contains a white flower with five pointed edges, reminiscent of a pentagram. The pentagram serves as a mystical symbol representing universal balance and connection. It reminds us that through love and unity, we can attain a deeper connection with the Divine.
The Pedestal and the X on it
The meaning of the pedestal in the Six of Cups card is open to interpretation, although we can infer its significance. The pedestal symbolizes stability, support, and reverence, elevating the act of offering to a higher level. It suggests a sense of honor and respect in the exchange.
It may represent the importance of maintaining a strong foundation in relationships, whether they are with family, friends, or romantic partners. It emphasizes the value of stability and security in emotional connections, highlighting the need for a solid base upon which genuine and lasting relationships can thrive.
But the most intriguing interpretation arises from the X seen on the pedestal. This X could potentially represent the Roman numeral for 10 (X), linking this card to the Ten of Cups tarot card. Such a connection suggests that everything will ultimately lead to a happy and fulfilling conclusion.
The Adult Figure, possibly a Guard
In the Six of Cups tarot card, an adult figure – who resembles a soldier or guard – stands in the background on the path. This figure serves as a silent observer, being in the scene but from a distance.
There are two distinct interpretations of this figure, both of which can coexist within the card.
Firstly, their presence suggests a sense of protection and security, providing reassurance that innocence can flourish in a safe environment.
Secondly, considering the adult figure is walking away from where the children are, it may also symbolize letting go of the ‘adult’ responsibilities for a while and embracing the playfulness and innocence of being in the moment.
Six of Cups: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
While some interpretations may suggest that the Six of Cups signifies a clear YES in yes-or-no tarot readings, the reality is more complex. Tarot doesn’t provide straightforward answers. The future cannot be predicted with certainty, but our actions and choices can influence it. Tarot’s true power lies in the awareness of our ability to make choices and intervene in our lives.
To learn more about the accuracy of yes or no tarot readings, click here.
Six 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 Six of Cups is no exception. In these two decks, the card is portrayed in distinctly different ways.
In the Marseille Tarot deck, the six cups are arranged with three on one side and three on the other side of the card, creating a symmetrical vertical layout. The cups have uniform dimensions, and the card is adorned with decorative elements, but it notably lacks figures – a characteristic typical of the Marseille Minor Arcana.
On the other hand, in the Rider-Waite deck, the imagery we’ve explored throughout this article is depicted: the exchange of white flowers between two children in a lush garden setting. This scene symbolizes innocence, nostalgia, and emotional purity, distinct from the Marseille deck’s more abstract representation.
In the representation of the Minor Arcana, these two decks diverge completely. While the Marseille deck only features symbols in the Minor Arcana, the Rider-Waite deck illustrates intricate scenes with figures in both the Major and Minor Arcana. This design makes the Rider-Waite particularly accessible to beginners, as the imagery aids in intuitive reading.
Both decks have been highlighted in the list of Best Tarot Decks in 2024, offering options suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Dive in now to explore the list and discover some truly captivating decks!
