Four of Cups | Symbology & Interpretations | Tarot Card Meanings

The Four of Cups is a card of apathy and boredom. It can be a sign that your relationship not moving forward as quickly as you hope, causing you to become dissatisfied with your current circumstance.

Four of Cups Keywords

Upright Meanings	Reversed Meanings
Boredom, apathy, situations moving slower than you anticipated, disappointment, focusing on the negatives, refusing acceptance, opportunities you do not see, all the focus is on one thing, unable to focus, 'the grass is greener on the other side's thinking.	Feeling content and enlightened, emotional growth, acceptance of the present, moving forward, making a change, and seeing the positives, Unstable emotions, acting out emotionally, being pessimistic.

Imagery & Symbolism

Four of Cups

Bohdi Tree: The 4 of Cups portrays a young male sitting underneath a Bohdi tree, representing the Buddha contemplating his current situation.

Three Cups: Three cups stand upright on the grass, this can reflect the idea that there are still positives to the situation, however, he is focusing on the negative.

Cloud: A cloud is presenting a cup to his right side, which can mean that there are opportunities in front of him, but his mind is clouded by judgment he isn't willing to accept or even look at the opportunity.

Crossed Arms and Legs: His arms and legs are crossed, which can suggest he is not open-minded to new ideas and conversations and is closing himself off by keeping his eyes closed in concentration.

Outfit: He is wearing an orange and yellow outfit, which can represent the solar plexus and sacral chakras. This can present itself as emotions and confidence in willpower about his situation.

Four of Cups Tarot Card Meanings

UPRIGHT

The Four of Cups in a general reading indicates a lack of excitement in your general life. This is because your present is moving slower than you anticipated. It can suggest that you are focusing on the negatives of the situation, rather than noticing the positives.

The Four of Cups can also represent that something unexpected has happened that made a situation not go as it should, which can represent great apathy in figuring out why this situation happened. When supported by the Two of Wands, the reading will signify seeking change due to boredom, but needing the motivation and courage to make a change.

REVERSE

The Four of Cups has a bit more of an optimistic perspective on life. This card can symbolise that you have the ability and energy to move past the idea that things are moving slowly, and you will begin to accept things as they are. You will become more mindful of your situation, and gain more clarity and perspective on what you must do next. You understand that the lack of excitement and boring consistency is only temporary, and will change with effort.

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

UPRIGHT

The Four of Cups is a neutral card when it appears in a relationship-related reading. It can suggest a period of boredom and lack of energy in your current relationship, which can cause you or your relationship to become apathetic and slow-moving. Although this is not a bad thing, it may be time for you to try something new in your relationships to bring back the spark of energy.

However, too much energy can indicate too much drama, so the Four of Cups can also be a positive sign of a well-needed relaxed period in your relationship. You may be bored of your relationship being consistently the same, with no changes - it may be time to try something new. Alternatively, you may be dissatisfied with your current relationship status.

REVERSE

The Four of Cups in a relationship reading can indicate a period of enlightenment after contemplation. It is likely you have gone through a deep meditative period, and are now beginning to understand what goals and ambitions you have for your relationship. Your relationship may need a temporary break, due to the lack of excitement and energy it brings. Therefore, it is important to rethink your situation and status and move forward with a solid plan.

CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS

UPRIGHT

When the Four of Cups is pulled in a career, job, or business-related reading, it can signify dissatisfaction with your job, career, or the position of your business. It can suggest that the environment or work you are doing is not what you expected it to be, or that the job itself is moving a lot slower than usual.

You may feel that your work is too consistent and lacks excitement, passion, and energy. This can cause it to become boring and repetitive. It may be a good time for a change of pace, or work from a different angle. When supported by the Four of Swords, it can signify a lack of energy and exhaustion from being overworked, causing you to feel discontent.

REVERSE

The Four of Cups can indicate that changes and adjustments are being made in your work that will reignite some excitement and energy. These changes are positive and will allow you to move forward with more passion. You may come to conclusions about your career and are able to assess situations with clarity.

FINANCES & MONEY

UPRIGHT

When the Four of Cups is pulled for a financial reading, it can suggest that your finances are not as you want. You are dissatisfied with your finances, even though there is nothing to worry about. However, this can also suggest that you have the finances you need to be able to pay the bills and necessary things but may overexaggerate the situation by wanting or expecting more. To some, this may come across as greedy or ungrateful.

REVERSE

The Four of Cups signifies that you are thinking more positively about your finances. Your finances were never anything to worry about in the first place, and you understand that dwelling on the negativity will just hinder your progress toward achieving your financial goals. You now have more energy and willpower to achieve your financial goals and are more grateful for every penny you receive.

WELLNESS

UPRIGHT

In a health reading, the Four of Cups can suggest the solar plexus or sacral chakra is unbalanced. It can also mean you are focusing too much on the negative parts of your health, instead of the positives. Sometimes, the Four of Cups can symbolise an individual who is too shiftless to put effort into balancing their health and expects good health to come to them.

REVERSE

The Four of Cups can indicate that your energy and motivation to improve your health are returning. You can see more clearly and set achievable and realistic health goals that do not exceed your expectations.