Five of Cups (Upright) | Tarot Card of the Day
“Don't drown in regret; focus on the blessings that remain.”
Five of Cups (Upright) | Tarot Card
The Five of Cups symbolizes the trance-like state of focusing only on the negative, even when all is not lost.
The figure on the card gloomily stares at three spilled cups. He fails to notice the two perfectly upright cups still standing behind him. Behind the two standing cups is a bridge. This bridge symbolizes that the way over your obstacle will be made clear when you focus on what is working and what is positive in your life. This card also reveals that just because everything in your life isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean that you need to feel bad about it all day.... month...........year...................decade!
The Five of Cups is a clear message about perspective. It's easy to become consumed with regret, disappointment, or grief, but it's essential to recognize that not all is lost. Life has its ebbs and flows, and sometimes we need a gentle nudge to shift our attention. While it's okay to mourn our losses, it's equally important to cherish what remains. Don't let past disappointments cloud your vision of the potential that the future holds. Embrace the silver lining, look around for blessings in disguise, and remember to cross that bridge when you come to it. After all, new opportunities often arise from past challenges.
In moments of despair, it's natural to become fixated on what's gone wrong. But the Five of Cups prompts us to acknowledge these feelings without getting lost in them. By confronting our sorrow and releasing it, we free ourselves to see the bigger picture and the opportunities that still lie ahead. The universe always has a way of balancing things out, and every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
It’s essential to understand that our feelings, while valid, are not always the final truth. Feelings are fleeting and can change based on numerous factors. Instead of letting transient emotions determine our fate, we can choose to harness them, learning from each experience and using them to grow stronger and wiser. The future holds endless possibilities, and the Five of Cups reminds us that we have the power to shape it based on the lessons we've learned.
Is it difficult to see all the blessings you have because you can't stop focusing on the negative?
Does your mind ever feel hypnotized with problems? Does ruminating rob you of countless hours in your day?
If you’ve ever experienced this sort of hypnotism you know it seems very difficult to snap out of. It usually occurs when the mind is idle. "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop," or so the saying goes. If you are traditionally a problem solver, it can be difficult to be at peace when there is no task to do. The mind immediately shuffles through its memory banks to drudge up something that we should have anxiety about. Then the mind says “Here’s a doozy! Remember this horrible time? What if it happens again?” The trance begins, and soon twenty minutes have gone by, leaving you feeling hopeless about yourself and your prospects.
A nice strategy for shifting focus from negative thoughts is to remember the details of your favorite place. This may be a park you visit, or a particularly beautiful place you traveled to. What is your happiest memory of a place? Close your eyes and remember each of the details of the place. The sounds, sights, smells and sensations of being there. When the anxiety interjects just keep seeking the details of the place. Details are key.
When the Five of Cups appears in a reading, it is often a sign to snap out of any negative emotions or feelings of loss and move on with life.
If you’ve ever seen the television program “The Dog Whisperer,” the host Cesar Millan is asked to fix the behavioral problems of dogs. The dogs “get stuck” mentally on behaviors like barking at the mailman, dragging the owners on a leash, chewing things, etc. There is a visible shift in the dog’s body language the moment it transitions from being at peace to getting stuck on the negative behavior. Cesar Milan watches for this shift and makes a sharp “SSSSKK!” sound. This breaks the dog’s trance, allowing it to refocus on a positive behavior instead.
If dogs can snap out of trance you can too! However, you need to catch yourself as you’re slipping into it. When we were children and started pouting, our guardians (hopefully) snapped us out of it. As adults we must step in on our own behalf. If you slip into negative ruminating you must redirect your thoughts.
I think of a river I used to visit. I remember how the sound of its rushing waves took my anxieties with them. I remember the beautiful light that sparkled over her surface like a thousand diamonds. I remember the feel of the large cool rock I sat on. I recall the majestic blue herons that flew overhead, and the deer that came to drink the clear waters at dusk. I remember feeling completely relaxed and at peace. These were my calmest days of my youthful summer.
There! I snapped out of the negative trance! Now quick give me something constructive to focus on! Perhaps all the things that I can do, and that are still possible. Snapping out of negative trance gives you the opportunity to do something constructive toward your future.
Today shift your focus to break trances when they start. The more positive details you can remember the better you’ll feel. Ruminating doesn't help anyone solve anything, so knock it off! Place your focus on something that makes you happy or restores your faith in yourself instead.
You deserve to enjoy goodness in life, even when everything isn't perfect.
The Five of Cups in a Love Reading
New Relationship
The Five of Cups can symbolize a person who continually disappoints you. They may keep you waiting or not keep their word. People will usually show you their “best” at the beginning of a relationship. If you are feeling more sad than happy at the start of this partnership, then it’s not a good sign for the future. This card can also signify a person who suffers from depression.
Long Term Partnership
The Five of Cups often indicates a disappointment. A loss for one or both partners must be accepted and grieved. This card can also represent two people who are stuck in an unhappy marriage. If this is the case, seek out support from a trusted source to ascertain if the union can be salvaged. There may still be hope.
Seeking Romance
The Five of Cups can signify that you are still mourning a past relationship. Although you have experienced a sad loss, all is not lost. There are still many opportunities for joy in your future. Try not to unconsciously wallow in a past relationship. Engage in activities and friendships that encourage you to snap out of the trance of the past.
