Five of Cups – The Weight of Loss
Keywords (Upright): grief, regret, disappointment, emotional setback, focusing on the negative Keywords (Reversed): acceptance, emotional healing, new perspective, moving on
Description A cloaked figure stands bowed in sorrow, gazing at three spilled cups on the ground. Behind them stand two upright cups, unnoticed. A river flows in the background, with a bridge leading to a distant structure—symbolizing a path still open, though unseen.
The Five of Cups represents a moment of mourning, regret, or emotional pain. It captures the weight of loss, but also the presence of what remains.
Upright Meaning This card signals grief, disappointment, or a setback that may be clouding your ability to see what is still available. You may be dwelling on what went wrong, struggling to let go of a past wound, or unable to recognize the support around you. The message isn’t to deny your feelings—but to avoid becoming trapped in them. There is more behind you than you think. Turn gently toward it when you’re ready.
Reversed Meaning Reversed, the Five of Cups suggests a shift toward healing. You may be beginning to see new possibilities or feel ready to release past pain. The heart opens slowly after loss, and this card affirms that you're moving in the right direction. Alternatively, it can reflect resistance to grief—refusing to process emotions or pretending all is fine. Healing comes when you face what’s been buried.
Summary The Five of Cups is the card of sorrow, but also of survival. Upright, it honors the pain of what’s been lost. Reversed, it encourages reconnection with hope. In both cases, it reminds you that healing is possible, and life still holds meaning beyond the present moment of grief.