
Seven of Cups
Many dreams and no clear choice.
Many possibilities and some fantasy. Sort the real from the imagined.
- daydreams
- options
- illusion
Element: Water
What the card shows
A silhouetted figure stands before seven cups floating in clouds. Each holds something different: a face, a veiled figure, a snake, a castle, jewels, a laurel wreath and a dragon.
Seven is a number of trial. The cups are options, some appealing, some dangerous, all hovering in cloud rather than on solid ground. The figure looks at them and has not yet chosen.
▲Upright
A wealth of options and fantasies, calling for clear sorting.
Which of these dreams am I willing to make real?
▼Reversed
Clearing the fog, or being lost in fantasies.
Which option is real, and which is only attractive?
Seven of Cups in a reading
In love
Idealised pictures of love versus the real person.
Reversed: Clearing the fog, or being lost in fantasies.
At work
Too many ideas; choosing one to commit to.
Its shadow side: illusion, indecision, wishful thinking.
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 sevens, and The Chariot, Major Arcana card 7: the same stage of a story in other parts of life.
Read it with other cards
Questions about Seven of Cups
What does Seven of Cups mean in tarot?
A wealth of options and fantasies, calling for clear sorting. Keywords: daydreams, options, illusion.
What does Seven of Cups mean reversed?
Clearing the fog, or being lost in fantasies. Releasing: seeing clearly at last. Excess: lost in escapism. Blocked: unable to choose.
What does Seven of Cups mean in love?
Idealised pictures of love versus the real person.
What does Seven of Cups mean for work?
Too many ideas; choosing one to commit to.
What question does Seven of Cups ask?
Upright: Which of these dreams am I willing to make real? Reversed: Which option is real, and which is only attractive?
ShenTarot for iPhone and Android
Read your own cards
Scan your Rider-Waite-Smith deck or draw on screen, ask your question and get a reading you can keep asking about.
The Chariot
Seven of Wands
Seven of Swords
Seven of Pentacles