Cups represent the element of Water; and also represent the qualities of passivity, dependency and receptivity – typical for emotion, passion and desire. Because those feelings are always dependent on outside influences, they need a goal or an impulse to come alive. In common Tarot, the Cups are mostly taken for the emotions or definitions regarding human relations. Nevertheless, a Cup card should not be viewed with any restriction such as this because sometimes we might miss the point.
The 5 of Cups is another card which reminds us that where we put our focus in life has a great deal to do with the quality of our lives and how well they work for us. In most Tarot decks, depictions on each card give solid guides toward interpretation and this is very much the case with the 5 of Cups. Most often, a sad or downcast figure is shown with five cups. Three are spilled and two remain upright and whole. The implication is extremely clear: Are you going to cry over “spilled milk” or are you going to focus on the “milk” you still have and get on with things? The point is to watch where you put your focus and make sure that the focus is for your highest good. If you are looking for a job when this card comes up, try not to get too worked-up if there are delays. Things with applications, resumes, and such will likely be moving slowly. Be pro-active but not pushy. Regarding love, a relationship may have just ended. You must realize that “all is not lost.” There will come a day when you realize that the reason this relationship ended was to get you to the place you really want to be – which is in a relationship that really works for you, and works well. Worrying too much about money can actually have the opposite effect of what you are trying to make happen (having a better flow of financial prosperity – that is, a flow in your favor). The way to get a handle on this worry is actually to be generous. You’re probably not as bad off as you think. Give something away or make a small donation to a cause that you believe in. It’s also critical that you keep a positive attitude. It’s important now to give some thought to forgiveness. You don’t forgive others for THEIR sake, you do it for your own sake – because holding on to anger and pain is toxic and bad for you. Now is the time to let go. The past is gone. Focus on the present, and the future.
(The Five of Cups is known also as the Lord of Loss in Pleasure and is aligned astrologically with Mars in Scorpio. It represents disappointment in areas of the heart, longing, and misunderstandings in relationships. The 5 of Cups implies the loss of illusion, the realization of a deception.)
Image © Alex Ukolov & Karen Mahony
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