Four of Cups
Not seeing what is being offered.
Boredom or withdrawal. Ask what you truly want.
- apathy
- contemplation
- reevaluation
Element: Water
What the card shows
A figure sits under a tree with arms and legs crossed, looking at three cups on the ground. A hand from a cloud offers a fourth cup, which he does not seem to notice.
Four is a pause. The three cups hold his attention while a new one is offered. The folded arms show withdrawal, and the cloud-hand shows that something is on offer if he looks up.
▲Upright
A pause for reflection, and the question of whether boredom is hiding an opportunity.
What am I overlooking because I am looking at what I lack?
▼Reversed
Waking up to something you ignored, or sinking deeper into apathy.
What might I accept if I looked up?
Four of Cups in a reading
In love
Feeling flat in a bond, or ignoring a gesture of care.
Reversed: Waking up to something you ignored, or sinking deeper into apathy.
At work
Boredom with what you have; space to rethink.
Its shadow side: apathy, missing what is offered.
As one of the Cups
Feelings, love and relationships. The suit's element is Water. It shows where in daily life the reading plays out.
Related cards
The other fours, and The Emperor, Major Arcana card 4: the same stage of a story in other parts of life.
The Emperor
Four of Wands
Four of Swords
Four of PentaclesRead it with other cards
Questions about Four of Cups
What does Four of Cups mean in tarot?
A pause for reflection, and the question of whether boredom is hiding an opportunity. Keywords: apathy, contemplation, reevaluation.
What does Four of Cups mean reversed?
Waking up to something you ignored, or sinking deeper into apathy. Releasing: seeing the offer at last. Blocked: stuck in withdrawal. Excess: rejecting everything.
What does Four of Cups mean in love?
Feeling flat in a bond, or ignoring a gesture of care.
What does Four of Cups mean for work?
Boredom with what you have; space to rethink.
What question does Four of Cups ask?
Upright: What am I overlooking because I am looking at what I lack? Reversed: What might I accept if I looked up?
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