Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does the Four of Cups tarot card mean?

The Four of Cups often appears in a reading when you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated. Maybe you feel there hasn’t been any way to build momentum.

This sense of stagnancy can permeate your whole life. Chances are it relates to both your internal feelings and what your life looks like to an outside observer.

But the Four of Cups tarot card reminds you that mindset is everything. A dour point of view may be affecting your ability to recognize opportunities that are standing directly in front of you.

Is it possible that you’ve been saying no to things that would be good for you? If that’s the case, take stock of what’s in your life right now and what’s showing up. Make sure you’re saying “yes” to the things you want and “no” to what you want to (and can) decline.

What is the Four of Cups zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of the Four of Cups is Cancer

Four of Cups Tarot Guide

Keywords for the Four of Cups: Apathy, missed opportunities, feeling stuck, depression, boredom, regret

Yes or No: It depends

Planet of the Four of Cups: Moon

Element of the Four of Cups: Water

What does the Four of Cups card mean in a love reading?

The Four of Cups has a tendency to show up in a love reading when you’re stuck in negative feelings. You may be unconsciously choosing to stay in this emotional spiral, whether you’re currently in a relationship or not.

When you focus on past mistakes or dwell on relationships that didn’t work out the way you hoped, you can find yourself gridlocked in disempowering feelings and thought patterns. While revisiting the past can be an important part of healing, at some point, you must let go so that you can move forward. The Four of Cups encourages discernment. Make sure you’re processing the past in a way that supports your long-term happiness.

If you’re coupled, you may feel as if your connection has grown stagnant. Does it feel like you or your partner may be taking the relationship for granted? The Four of Cups encourages you to put effort into revitalizing the flow of energy. That could mean things like planning more romantic activities. Or, taking the initiative to communicate about any upset feelings that could be blocking your ability to feel safe and intimate.

Perhaps you have outgrown this relationship. If you suspect this might be the case, take time to explore those feelings. A change may be coming. Though not necessarily a breakup, you might require space or greater autonomy in order to revive your mojo.

What does the Four of Cups tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

The Four of Cups can be related to feeling bored or stuck in your career.

Do you feel uninterested in your current projects or dissatisfied with your workplace? The Four of Cups may serve as a wakeup call to make some changes instead of coasting—and potentially making yourself redundant in the process.

Take a moment to consider whether there have been projects or ventures that have popped into your sphere recently, but that you dismissed without much consideration. Can you give any of them another look? If not, at least take these missed opportunities as a reminder to be open to the next ones that may arrive for you.

The Four of Cups reminds you to practice gratitude for what you have experienced in this area of your life. The more you do that, the more you’ll be able to open your eyes to the opportunities that are available to you. You don’t necessarily have to search for a new job. See what happens if you tackle your current tasks with a creative approach. Since Cups are the emotional suit, make an effort to connect to your coworkers and build a gratifying team approach.

What does the Four of Cups tarot card mean for health?

The Four of Cups is a card with some negative mental health associations.

If you’ve been feeling rundown or exhausted, you’re reminded to focus on what you can control. If you’ve been pushing through stress, prioritize rest. You may need to shift some timelines or expectations, but that’s far better than burning out.

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, you’re encouraged to seek the support you need. This includes working with a mental health professional.

Four of Cups Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

While the upright Four of Cups denotes feeling stuck, when it arrives in reverse it represents you pulling yourself out of that pit and overcoming the obstacles that are holding you back.

It could also indicate that you had been feeling trapped in a negative situation, often an emotional one. But you’ve put in the work to move through it and can start coming out the other side.

This card can show up in reverse in a love context when you’ve been recovering from heartbreak and are finally reaching a point in your healing where you’re beginning to feel possibility and hope again.

Maybe you’re not all the way back to feeling like yourself yet. But you’re on your way.

Is the Four of Cups tarot card a yes or no?

As the Four of Cups is about feeling stuck. Whether it’s a yes or no depends on the question you’re asking. It’s generally a slight nudge to take positive action for yourself.

What does the Suit of Cups mean?

Cups are associated with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), which rule emotions and connection. Water signs carry a romantic, artistic, and intuitive energy, and people with those signs love to create and connect.

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Feature art by Diana Hlevnja