four of cups

Four of Cups - Doubt, Hesitation, and Lack of Passion

Once the noise has faded, there is no audience for you to perform for. In that silence, are you able to face yourself and sit with it? Imagine after the festival is over, everybody has gone home, and now you have to sit alone in silence. The celebration is over, but there is a lingering sense of loneliness, emptiness, and contemplation.

Adding to it, you are now putting up walls around yourself, not wanting to connect with anybody or reach out to anyone. You are hesitating to share your thoughts and feelings with anyone else. In the silence, your mind now ruminates and analyses the situations from the past. This contemplation can be beneficial when done with the right intention. If you see this as a chance to grow and understand your mind, behaviours, and actions, then you can progress on the path of self-realisation. This is an opportunity for healing in isolation.

But when focusing too much on ourselves, it is easy to lose sight of others. And we stop thinking about the consequences our actions are going to have on others. You are focusing too much on your inner world, ignoring responsibility for your actions in the real world. You may feel that nothing matters in life any longer. And give up on projects even before trying. You may lose motivation to work and improve yourself.

Do Not Take Things Personally

It is not about being disassociated and emotionally disconnected from people, but realising that people’s actions and words do not hold power over you. And their criticism is a reflection of their internal struggles, fears, and hurt.

Know What You Want

Set a clear intention on what you wish to achieve. Even though there are multiple options around you, not having clarity on what makes you happy makes it hard to choose.

Be Open to Receiving

Don’t let your self-limiting beliefs stop you from believing in your potential. Accept the opportunities that are coming your way. When you think that you are deserving of good things, you are more likely to let them into your life.

As per astrology, this card is linked with the Moon in Cancer. This association indicates that you are being very sensitive and intuitive currently. The negative effects of this placement include inability to let go of the pain, excessive focus on emotions of self, and inability to move on. You may feel hurt and defensive, cutting off connections with everyone else.

Four of Cups Tarot Card: Symbols and Meaning

The symbolism in the Four of Cups tarot card clearly shows that the man is disappointed with the options in front of him. Even though another cup is being offered to him by the hand coming out from the clouds, he is being very careful. He is being cautious of every step he takes, as he has been disappointed in the past. He is sitting deep in contemplation of the past, and how it has shaped him.

What is the Four of Cups Tarot Card Trying to Tell You?

When the four of cups card shows up in a reading, it is trying to tell you that you are emotionally stuck right now. You need to open up your eyes and see with clarity. Multiple opportunities are being offered to you right now. You may feel helpless, that there is nothing you can do to change your situation, but at the end of the day, it is all about perspective and the way you look at things. If you are open to change, then you will be able to see the options in front of you.

Symbols and What They Mean- The Four of Cups Tarot Card

• A Seated Person - The figure is sitting under the tree with their arms crossed. It is a defensive posture that shows that the man is resisting any communication or collaboration in an attempt to protect himself. He is not interested in the outside world and has lost connection with his external reality. He is mentally and physically ‘stuck’ and resistant to change. He is looking down towards the 3 cups lying on the ground, symbolising that he is so absorbed in the past that he fails to see what else is being offered.
• Hand Reaching Out with a Cup - It represents a new opportunity which is being offered by the universe. But the person is completely unaware of it. Blinded by the past emotions of guilt, hurt, and doubt. It’s as if he is lost in his own thoughts. He has lost all hope, and is not even interested in what the fourth cup has to offer, believing that it will be the same as the last 3 cups.
• The Tree - The tree symbolises potential for growth. If the man were to stand up and look around, then he could enjoy all the abundance life has to offer. But he is not even willing to try.

How does the Four of Cups help in prediction?

Use your time alone positively. When you use it to reflect on your actions in a positive manner, you allow space for growth. It’s important to have clarity on what you wish to achieve. If this card comes as the ‘blockage card’, then it means that you are so self-absorbed right now that you are unable to see what’s being offered to you.

As the ‘future card,’ it indicates that you need to reflect on your past actions but with positivity and grace. Having a positive outlook on life can make you realise your blessings. And look towards the future with hope.

Four of Cups (Upright)

When the four of cups shows up in a reading, it means that you are feeling stuck and unmotivated. No matter how hard you try, you are unable to move ahead. Nothing matters anymore whether something good or bad happens, it no longer matters. There is a feeling of apathy, you are no longer interested in anything.

In order to get out of this situation, you need to evaluate yourself. Start by questioning your beliefs. And let go of those that are no longer serving you. With the hand approaching from the clouds, the solution is in front of you, but you are unable to see it due to your stubbornness. Start by believing that change is possible, and whatever you are feeling right now is temporary. This shall pass. After you decide what you want to pursue and start making efforts, you will start feeling good.

Love and Relationships (Upright)

In terms of relationships, it depicts that you are not opening up to new people to protect yourself from hurt. You may have recently gone through a breakup, which has made you cut off connections with the world. And you are no longer interested in getting into relationships. This has left you feeling isolated and depressed. To love again, you’ll have to risk being vulnerable. If you are already in a relationship, then this card shows that you no longer have the same affection for your partner as when you entered into the relationship. The relationship may feel dull and weary. Maybe the ideals and morals you once shared with your partner are no longer there. There is a lack of appreciation for your partner. As you are placing unrealistic expectations on your partner.

Finances (Upright)

You are so stuck up in contemplating the past mistakes that you are unable to see the new opportunities coming your way. It’s your call to take up the new ways of earning money. It represents an overall sense of dissatisfaction with your earnings. And feeling hopeless rather than taking action to improve your financial situation.

Career (Upright)

You are most likely feeling bored with your job. If that is the case, then you need to look for ways to add a new element to your career. You have now lost the enthusiasm with which you started working. This boredom is also affecting your mood, making it even harder to be productive. It can be hard to stay motivated when you feel stuck in the same place. It’s best to take time off work and figure out what’s making you feel stuck. Once you gain clarity on what is causing you trouble, you can work towards improving it.

Health (Upright)

When this card shows up in a health reading, you are probably feeling low on energy and motivation. You may also ignore your physical health, being caught up in your negative thoughts and feelings. If you are currently sick, then chances are that you are denying treatment or not open to trying new forms of treatment. You may feel stuck in a rut, not wanting to take action, which can worsen your existing health issues. Perhaps, your mind right now is focused on what you can't do, rather than what you can. This mindset can become an obstacle in your recovery.

Four of Cups (Reversed)

The Four of Cups reversed is a sign that you're finally ready for a positive change. After a time of feeling isolated and down, you're now opening your heart to new people, places, and experiences. Instead of being lost in your thoughts, you're beginning to focus on the incredible opportunities the world has to offer. You’re finding joy and abundance in the present moment. Embrace the new chances coming your way—you never know where they might lead.

Even if you've been feeling disconnected, trust that everything will fall into place at the right time. You're now seeing the world with a fresh, new perspective, and this shift will be incredibly beneficial for your future.

Love and Relationships (Reversed)

If you are single, then you are looking at new partners with a fresh perspective. If with the upright Four of Cups you were nitpicking faults in potential partners, now you are appreciating and looking for a positive side in the people you meet.

You have healed your relationship with yourself and are now trusting and opening up to new people. Now you have realised the role your partner plays in your life. You are appreciating their presence and the love they bring into your life.

Finances (Reversed)

Your finances are improving as you look at them from a fresh perspective. Being grateful for what you already have is attracting more abundance into your life. Do not compare your financial situation with others, as it will only leave you feeling discontent and unsatisfied. Learn to spend money wisely and responsibly. You are open to learning new methods of increasing your wealth. And rather than spending money, you are learning to invest it for your long-term goals.

Career (Reversed)

Rather than avoiding new opportunities and challenges at work, you are now choosing to take these challenges head-on. You may feel a surge in your energy. You are actively trying to work on new and creative projects. You are no longer taking a back seat at your workplace. You have gained clarity on the goals you wish to achieve and how to pursue them. You are breaking out of the cycles of stagnation.

Health (Reversed)

You are letting go of the guilt and shame that you have been holding on to from the past. Seeing life from a new perspective significantly improves your mental health. You are not delaying treatment or feeling hopeless about it. Actively taking actions to improve your health, no matter how small. You may have started investing in your health by joining a new fitness program or adopting a new diet.

Four of Cups Tarot: One Card Pull

In a one-card pull, you start by asking a specific yes or no question. And then shuffle the deck to pull out a single card. Whenever the Four of Cups card shows up in a one-card pull, in general, the answer is no.

• Upright: You are not willing to engage with the situation at hand. Instead, you want to withdraw and hide yourself behind closed walls. It’s a reminder to open up and focus on the new opportunities coming your way.
• Reversed: It’s a positive sign that you are going to see a way forward. If you maintain a positive attitude and work with enthusiasm, then there is a possibility of the events turning out in your favour. Try to be more social and embrace new opportunities.

Four of Cups Tarot Card for Timing

The four of cups represents a situation where you are resisting change and new ideas. In terms of the particular event, it is likely to be delayed until you are ready to see the world from a new perspective.

When upright, the event is most likely delayed, as you are feeling unmotivated and disconnected from your surroundings. The event will happen once you stop ruminating on the past and open your eyes to the opportunities around you.

The reversed four of cups suggests that the event will happen soon. You are coming out of a period of withdrawal or emotional stagnation. You are shifting your focus to what is possible and are ready to move ahead. Thus, expect the event to happen soon, as your energy is changing.