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The Six of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Six of Cups is a pleasant little card that can indicate that there are a lot of positive energies surrounding you at this time… so long as they are balanced.

First we will talk about the good of the card and then we will discuss the pitfalls. This card represents nostalgia and ideal times of your life. Often the card will come at a time in your life when you need solace or healing because it represents the need to focus your energies on more simplistic outlets. It’s an excellent time to center your energies on clearing out the messes in your life that are unnecessary.

If you are feeling that there is a lot going on in your life and you are being sucked in by a whirlwind of events or stressors understand that you have the power to slow things down. It can be difficult to separate out what needs your attention right now and what you can let go. The Six of Cups can tell you to go back to the basics and rather than working on cutting aspects out of your life completely reworking areas of your life so that they aren’t taking out so much from you personally.

The imagery on the card shows a boy handing a younger child, seemingly a female, flowers. There is no hint of monetary exchange and it is often interpreted as a loving or childish gesture. The colors of the card are all indicative of spirituality and emotional strength. It is also a pleasant card in regards to the fact that there is no real downside to this card. Generally it shows the positive nature of universal love. The love in the card is represented as that between families and because of this it is a good omen for fertility and childbearing – as well as a great card involving familial bonds.

On the darker side of this card it can be a warning. Too much of a good thing sometimes is a bad thing and in this card that is the case. Depending on what other cards in your reading the Six of Cups, it can be showing that you are focusing too much on the past or reverting to childish behaviors. Be wary of this card paired with many reversed cards, specifically the 2 of Cups or the Lovers card reversed. If you see this card in your reading you may want to consider ways in which you could be possibly acting immature or childish in your own life to be sure that the card is not a negative omen for you.

The Six of Cups in Love

The Six of Cups in Love can indicate problems in a relationship when there are disagreements or arguments going on that one or both people in the relationship are not being mature. They are not meeting in the middle as they should and usually there is an indication of being selfish. While the card is positive and in certain aspects because it can show positive leanings toward family and children, when dealing with relationships specifically between people it usually reverts to the simpler meaning and simple isn’t always good regarding love.

The Six of Cups in Health

When the Six of Cups comes up in health usually there is a need to slow down or to “stop and smell the roses”. There may be ongoing health issues as well that flare up or illnesses from childhood that you are susceptible to and should avoid right now. In the case where you are concerned about another person, the card indicates that that person needs care and that you should be assisting them. They need your help or the help of others in general to get on the mend.

The Six of Cups in Work and Wealth

The Six of Cups in work will usually show a very good and creative time for you. It’s an excellent card when referring to working with a group. Right now your main focus needs to be on the simple approaches and avoid making anything too complicated or overly ornate so that you don’t miss your goal or deadline.

Six of Cups Advice

A tree's roots stretch out long and twisting, while the trunk towers above in a showering of leaves, it is what lies beneath that keeps the tree standing tall. Our past is our legacy, positive energy surrounds the Six of Cups like blossom blowing in the spring air. 

Just like the flower-filled cup being offered on this card, life is presenting you with opportunities for growth and expansion. It asks you to flick back through the past chapters of your life like you’re rereading your favourite book - is there something familiar that could be of use to you now?

Sometimes it is a mentoring figure from your childhood that this card calls upon, a parent or an older sibling. In your past, there is insight and wisdom, lessons which may have since been forgotten and a guiding hand that will bring you to new beautiful places in the future - make sure you utilise these gifts of your history. 

Six of Cups Yes Or No

Reconciliation, reconnection, a new lease of life - these are all qualities deep within the Six of Cups card. Like a full moon reappearing in the night sky, this card honours the cycles of life and the wondrous possibility of forgiveness and redemption. All this is to say, it has a specific and important type of positive energy; its answer to your question is yes. Keep your eyes fixed on the future while carrying the lessons of the past, this affirmative answer may serve you very well. 

Six of Cups Past

The past is thick with nostalgia and precious memories, you may find yourself dwelling more and more in these past chapters of joy. But like a treasured photo album, if you dip into your own history too much the pages will become dogeared and the keepsake will eventually lose its value. It’s fine to mine the past for inspiration and love, but make sure you’re not looking back more than you look forward - if you are, you might just end up missing the new, beautiful experiences right before your eyes. 

Six of Cups Present 

Hard work warrants big rewards; sometimes it seems we plant so many seeds, yet so few actually sprout in times of drought.  Good news! A new season of prosperity comes this way; observe this card, see the chalices filled with beautiful flowers and how they’re shared between two kindred souls with free-spirited butterflies surrounding them. 

Now is a great time to make friends, a connection might just spark new streams to hydrate and nourish other areas of your life. All those seeds you planted are about to come into season, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the harvest - beautiful spring and all its new creatures are here just for you. There is so much to enjoy, this is a wonderful card to see in your present position. 

Six of Cups Future and Outcome

Our lives are like towers, sometimes we’re building upwards towards the sky, sometimes we have setbacks and have to take a rest and recuperate. To keep your ascent steady and purposeful, you must recall the lessons and values of the past. After all, you wouldn’t be as high as you are without them. What materials have you used before, what served you best? 

Think of the decisions that worked out well for you and try and understand why. Doing so may just enable you to unfurl your greatest desires and manifest them into reality, like a ribbon coming loose and blowing in the wind. With an equal measure of craft and reflection all your wants and dreams are possible, just make sure you’re putting your full existing experience to use and you’ll sail as smoothly as a yacht on a sunny day. 

Six of Cups Love Reconciliation

A long-lasting love, youthful years that have been spent growing together like two strings of ivy that have become intertwined over time. The Six of Cups frequently appears here when a relationship has been formative and long-lasting, possibly even signifying childhood sweethearts.

For some, this card carries a message of deepened commitment - could now be the time to start a family? But for others, it may be pointing to a lack of maturity that is unbalancing your partnership, or even a wistfulness for a lost romance that is distracting a partner from their current coupling. A steady and responsible interrogation of your romance is in order, be as fair-minded and honest as a judge - sometimes, we must let go of even long-burning romances. 

Single? Perhaps not for long, a long lost love - a figure from the pages of your past - looks set to make an exciting reenterance. Sometimes we think of the past coming back to haunt us, but don’t let prejudice hold you back, sometimes love just needs time to come into full bloom. 

Six of Cups As Feelings

Warmth, heady and intoxicating like nostalgia. These are the feelings of the person you inquire after; to them, you are like an ambient Christmas evening - magical and full of potential. While there may not be sparky passion in this person’s feelings, there is definitely a sense of comfort and maybe even familiarity. The trust they have in you is like that shared between family members, while this might not spell romance, it certainly looks like a beautiful and steady friendship. 

Six of Cups As Friendship

Is there anything sweeter than reconnecting with an old friend? The women on this card demonstrate the beauty of two souls reaching out to one another, their respective joy exploding in a shower of butterflies and stars.

Sometimes we grow apart from friends, only to grow back together again as life’s path converges once more. Pick up that old phone book, dial around - now is the perfect environment for reconnection and it may just lead to a friendship that lasts a lifetime! All bets are off, and hearts are open - what more could you ask for?

The Six Of Cups in the Reversed Position

When you reverse the Six of Cups you are taking the possible mental health concerns – especially from ones that stem from childhood. Also, notice how my cups above are filled with flowers --- when this is reversed the flowers fall out. What is falling out of your cup in life? The innocence of the card is turned upside down and can relate back to past trauma or abuse that you are still working through (or need to) as an adult. The card is a concerning card in the reversed position because it shows there is a need for help but you are likely feeling like you have nowhere to turn or no one to help you. It also can be a bad sign for finance because it shows that there is a level of irresponsibility revolving around money or concern for money. It is also a warning for you to not be too stuck in the past and to be willing to move forward on your path at this time.

Six of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

Dwindling passion, a flame that blows out in the wind - is the oomph gone from your partnership? Commitment is important, but so is joy and love in daily life. Your relationship can’t rely on familiarity alone, if it does, it’s like a recipe missing its seasoning. 

Remember to focus on the now in your relationship, don’t idealise days since past or dwell on loves you’ve had before. If your thoughts are going everywhere but the here and now, you need to seriously consider why that is - perhaps the fire of your love has been snuffed out permanently?

For those without a partner, an even darker message emerges - it could be that a past traumatic experience is impeding you from finding a romantic partner in the present. There is no shame in this struggle, try and focus on self-love. You, like all people, are deserving of love; there is so much beauty in your soul, and with time it will open out to another partner like a small tulip on a hot day. 

​Six of Cups reversed - Family and Home

There is no history like family history, it stretches back and back and back to the beginning of time. It is this that makes it your foundation, but also what adds more complex twists and turns than a crime novel. 

Sometimes past events begin to haunt the family home - there is the exchanging of blame and feelings of bitterness. This card suggests exactly that, emotions are running high and there is a possible danger zone for the most vulnerable members of your family. 

Sometimes, this card even calls to attention abuse that has gone unnoticed. While this is not pleasant to consider, take pains to ensure that everyone within the family unit is safe and comfortable. From there you can work on reestablishing positive bonds and lessening resentment. Forgiveness is truly a gift, especially in matters of small pettiness. Work on swallowing your pride and in reward you will find a happier, healthier family. 

Six of Cups Reversed - Work and Finances

Watching the clock, the minutes ticking away so slowly - why does time pass so agonisingly when you’re bored? This reversed card sees your lack of enthusiasm for your work. The rat race has stalled to more of a crawl...now could be a time for a change of speed. Wallowing is never the answer, but change often is. 

Alternatively, the inverted Six of Cups can also highlight an important but emotionally draining job. This is especially true of roles involving work with the disadvantaged or the vulnerable. Your work is honourable, it brings more good into the universe - but don’t forget to give yourself breaks when you need them. If you burnout it won’t help anyone, least of all yourself. 

Six of Cups Reversed - Health and Wellness

Humans are complex organisms, like beautiful yet confounding machines there are so many processes needed to keep things working, it sometimes feels like occasional breakdowns are inevitable. 

Here, it is the Six of Cup’s relationship with the past and inheritance that can illuminate hereditary illnesses that are passed down genetically. If you know of family ailments possessed by your parents, now may be the time to seek medical advice in these same areas. 

With peace of mind and professional advice, you can take the best and most effective road to full health and vitality. Remember, never beat yourself up about health problems, you are only human and challenges such as this only teach you to be more grateful for the health you do have (just like a rainbow after the rain).

Six of Cups Reversed - Personal Spirituality

Faith can be slippery - it requires a mixture of opposing things: tradition and innovation, solitude and collaboration. It is, of course, important to honour the classic practices of personal spirituality, but sometimes it is necessary to your spiritual development that you reach out and try new things, too. 

Faith should not transform into stubbornness, instead, it is about experimenting with ways of uncovering personal enlightenment in whatever form that takes. Expand your horizons, and who knows what incredible leaps of personal progress you might make with an open heart and mind.  

Six of Cups Meanings in Keywords

Upright

• Old lovers together
• Waters of the past
• Mirror of reflection
• Memories
• Filters of the mind
• Childhood love
• Reminiscing

Reversed

• Change is accepted
• Memories are not blocking
• Childhood problems
• Lack of creativity
• Mirror of time

 

The Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

The Temperance card often comes up in a reading when you need to learn or understand the concept of all things in moderation. It is a card of joining forces, working together, uniting opposites, and spiritual balance with the end result being a harmonious mix of all things. It begs the question: In what ways are you over-extending yourself or being too rigid? Like most cards in the Rider Waite deck, this card is rich in symbolism. Temperance by its very meaning is a bending of one's will to the direction of the almighty. The card depicts this through multiple layers of symbolism. Usually noticed first is how the card shows an archangel (often said to be Michael) mixing water between two chalices as a representation of balance between the elements and the dissolution of the liquids between each other. Both he and the mountains in the background are touched with a halo of gold, radiating understanding that comes with age and time. A commonly missed symbolism is the feet of the angel, one in the water and one upon the land which reinforces the concept of balance and of both body and mind.

Many querents will be reactive to this card, because often it is shining light on a flaw within them or within a relationship that they are seeking to develop. Temperance calls to question your true priorities in life and requires that you be sure that you are not the one blocking your own success by stretching yourself too thin or unwilling to meet in the middle on a significant issue. Try hard to see things from the universe’s perspective and understand that the tarot is not pointing a finger at you directly, but merely trying to guide you to lessen your load. Taking on too much or too little can be detrimental to your purpose at this time.

Temperance in Love

When seeking advice from the tarot about love and relationships, the Temperance card indicates a need for balance in either the relationship your relationship. If you are currently single then the card is more direct and states that there is likely something blocking you from love in your life and usually represents the fact that you are giving too much in another area. For example, you are looking for love but are you really ready for it? Are there other commitments in your life such as work or family that are holding you back and taking too many resources and creating a situation where you are unlikely to be successful?

Temperance As Feelings

In a relationship reading for feelings, the temperance card will show a need for balance between both individuals. This card is drawn when compromise and compassion are needed between two people. It can represent fighting and strife. Remember that you are in the relationship with your partner for a reason and when this card comes up it is apparent that there is a true emotional connection. It is a positive card that tells you that this relationship is worth the extra effort at this time.

The Temperance tarot card can also signal a delicate balance between fire and water. It reflects that we all have the power to control our emotions, even when things around us seem chaotic. It speaks of suppressed feelings and holding back on expressing people in order to maintain peace.

The card often represents the need for patience and understanding as it relates to our feelings –--- the idea of controlling ourselves rather than letting others control us. We tend to mirror others' behavior, which can lead to feeling like we are walking on eggshells when those around us are unpredictable or volatile.

Temperance also speaks about reality versus fakery, sometimes being too trusting or naive that literally leads us into a web of lies, where everything is surface level with no depth at all. It’s important to stay balanced and grounded while still experiencing life’s joyous moments, feeling secure enough in ourselves that we don't have anything to hide or prove from anyone else's perspective.

This tarot card contains a message about trust – with yourself as well as with those who mean something special in your life -and how allowing yourself the freedom of expression within these relationships can bring harmony into every aspect of your life.

Temperance in Health

In regards to health and wellness, the Temperance card is an omen that you need to either take it back or turn it up a notch. Both ends of the spectrum can be bad for one’s health – being slothful or being too lax with your health can be just as bad as overexerting yourself or doing too much. We usually see this card when health issues are on the rise and it is likely that you have already noticed deterioration in your wellness in some way. The positive news is that it is not too late to do something positive and see improvement. Think of this as a warning to take a keen look at your own mind and body and see where additional care needs to be taken. The answer will be quite obvious as rarely ever does someone in peak physical condition pull this card. If you feel however that physical health is not a problem, it is also indicative of mental health and can do not ignore signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or overindulgent behavior.

Temperance in Work and Wealth

Right now you need to take your money and put it under your mattress and be careful of taking risks. While the card itself means balance, more often than not when it comes to money and career it is a sign to take a step back and be more conservative with your income. It’s a touchy time for you to be taking huge risks in either avenue of your life. You need to be very careful with actions you take and possibilities that seem to arise at this time are not as good as they seem. Often this card will show that it is a good time to wait on an opportunity that arises, stating that with patience you will see a better one down the road that will pan out more fruitfully for you. A rule of thumb with the Temperance card and financial aspects be it money or work is: If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.

 

Reversed Temperance in a reading

In the reversed position indicates a personal balance is needed and the card is usually more internal than external. Rather than looking around and pointing fingers at others, now is an excellent time to see where you personally can scale back, create harmony in a rough situation, or literally suck it up. With the reversal of Temperance we see an even wider swing of negativity around as well. Health problems you have require more attentive care, financial problems need to be curbed immediately, and in relationships you need to seek the truth of the matter before making a decision. Often this card is drawn when a person is in a downward spiral situation and is unable to see the rational side of the problem. You need to stop and ask yourself where you could use assistance in your life to get back on track and possibly consider seeking advice from others to turn your perspective to a more productive and healthy outlook.