Two cards

The Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

When the Five of Cups appears in your reading, you are going through a transit of emotional disappointment.

The lesson from the Four of Cups is extended to this card, but it also includes an extra layer of regret and loss over a pleasure that you thought you would get a chance to experience. The image of the Five of Cups depicts a person who is wrapped up in the black cloth of despair. Three cups lay on the ground, having spilled the wine of pleasure. He is so focused on the cups that have tipped over that he has completely missed the fact that there are two perfectly good cups of wine still available to him. But he cannot make any move toward realizing they are there, because he is too swept up in his sadness.

In life we also get swept up in what we have lost. Disappointment comes from becoming emotionally attached to something that has not come to fruition as you expected. We become extremely attached to the plans that we make in life, and when something comes through to derail those plans it is extremely difficult at points to get through. This card is referencing matters of the heart, a broken marriage or a loss of a friendship. Any kind of loss that makes you feels regret falls under the umbrella of this card. There is more for you to see, but right now it is exceptionally difficult to do so. You find that life is now no longer what you thought it would be and you are having a hard time feeling the need or want to go on. This card is one that calls out to your sadness and understands it, but the Five of Cups is telling you that there is so much more in store for you if you would only allow yourself to drink the wine of pleasure from the two remaining cups.

In some cases you have only just begun to appreciate what it is that you had now that you have lost it, and that is also a very challenging concept to take in. The process of letting go of a person or a lifestyle takes time. You cannot rush these matters. Going inward makes sense, but remember not to get stuck. True healing can occur only when you let go of the sorrow and begin to have happy and healthy interactions with others in your life who do love you.

To get out of this cycle, you must focus all of your energy on a new endeavor or project. Create some goals that you wish to accomplish but take some time to just flow. Right now it is important for you to let go of any attachment you might have to the outcomes that you have and just take one step at a time. Make a determined choice to pick up the pieces of your broken heart and move forward to your new beginning.

The Five of Cups in Love

The Five of Cups will present itself in a love reading to both honor what you are going through and to let you know what to do about it. If you are currently in a relationship that is having problems, this is going to be the card that will let you know that you must take charge of this situation and do your best to appreciate what you have or you are going to lose it. If the moment has already passed and a separation had to happen, then know that through your sorrow of this change, sometimes change is necessary for you to discover even more about yourself. As adults, we can grow apart. Sometimes we no longer want what you both wanted originally. This is a normal part of life. Spend the time grieving that you need to and then move on. In this there is some form of separation or loss that is transiting you right now, so the best thing you can do right now is hold onto the ones that do love you so that they can help you through the process of grief.

When it comes to single life in the pursuit of love, this card usually signifies a loss that is still affecting you. Perhaps you loved someone a long time ago and you find that you are unlucky in love since then. There is a portion of this loss that you have not yet recovered from, and in order for you to move forward you must. If you are in some way comparing others to that relationship, then you are not looking straight ahead, only backwards, and that is not healthy.

The Five of Cups in Health

The Five of Cups regarding health is expressing a time of your life in which you are becoming completely claustrophobic or afraid to be social. This is an extremely unhealthy place to be, as there is much that you are missing. Your physical health will be improved greatly if you start practicing getting outside here and there, meeting new people and branching out.

The Five of Cups in Work and Wealth

When the Five of Cups shows up in a reading regarding work and wealth, you can expect to be dealing with some losses. This is not the time to make investments, but to make sure that all of your legal matters are in order so that you are prepared should something relating to business change randomly.

Five of Cups Advice

A vault of emptiness, feelings of unfulfillment and sadness abound, it seems the darkest of days hangs in the clouds. Heartbreak is one of the most difficult inevitabilities of life, in the moment, things seem hopeless - but the Five of Cups brings advice for you and there is a reason to stay strong and weather this storm. This card embodies the old maxim, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s true, difficult experiences help to shape you into a better, more resilient person. Remember that no state is permanent and our perception affects so much; is the cup half-full or half-empty? Choosing to see the beauty around you can inspire you to carry on and maintain bravery. See the woman on this card, she may be melancholy but she is also holding a beautiful flower - just as the sunsets, so too it must rise. The message of this card is a battle cry: stay strong, and you will overcome this period.

Five of Cups Yes Or No

Negative energy, swirling like the wind, sporadic like the waves - your question answer is most certainly a no. Few cards carry the heavyweight of negative energy to the same extent as The Five of Cups, but do not allow this answer unsettle you. It is a powerful and definite no, but whether that is good or bad thing really depends on the question and context. If you’re inquiring of another’s attitude, then be aware that this harsh answer is likely due to their own narcissism; it is apt to appear when people are so wrapped up in themselves they leave little emotional capacity for the rest of the world.   

Five of Cups Past

Your mind spins like a broken compass, though you try to redirect your thoughts the Five of Cups keeps seeing them return to a traumatic past event that lives in you like a recurring nightmare. A mistake jolted you, tripped you up like a tree root on an old road; now you suffer the consequences, walking injured and directionless. It seems that a series of unfortunate decisions have stolen possible positive futures from your grasp, and now you can’t let go of this pivotal moment that led to the pain beating through you like a heartbeat. This card reminds you to not dwell too much on what can’t be changed; mistakes become useful not by torturing yourself with them, but as lessons learned to make you a better person. Forgive yourself, open your eyes and try not to let the light of the present be blotted up by the shadows of the past. 

Five of Cups Present 

Stress, chaos, sadness. Just like a natural disaster, something is wreaking havoc with your emotions, blowing through life like a tornado in a small town. Feelings are highly strung, nerve endings are overexposed and suffering as a consequence. In the present, the Five of Cups carries a strong meaning indicating a period of heightened stress and unpleasantness. In such a moment, even the most positive mind is inclined to catastrophising. But this card insists on resilience, react calmly and take action with a level head. Don’t be too hard on yourself, remember that staying still can be considered progress when you’re in a hurricane. Hold on tightly to your morals and have faith in the universe and its plan for you; these are dark days, but many of your happiest days still lie ahead. 

Five of Cups Future and Outcome

Regret is the most bitter of human emotions, it sours life and permeates even the brightest days. Here, the Five of Cups resounds with a warning message; consider your actions in the present, are you about to take a misstep that could lead to regret in the future? These things are not fixed, changing your decisions in the now will lead you down a different path in the future. So tread carefully, think with your heart not just your head and remember when making difficult decisions that it is you who must live with the consequences. Isolation regularly leads to poor repetitive thinking, now is the time to reach out to others for help and make crucial choices with them rather than alone. Like a lifeboat with multiple people, when working together your chances of happy survival are greatly increased. 

Five of Cups Love Reconciliation

Spiralling downwards like a falling autumnal leaf, it seems that what once grew bright and green is quickly falling away into something old and rotten. The woman of the Five of Cups card is dressed in black and all alone, love and romance are unknown to her. 

Here, this card signals worrying things to come for existing partners; this goes beyond compromised harmony and veers into something even darker still. Does your partner treat you with the respect you deserve, and do you return that same respect? The answer is likely no, because mutual feelings are nowhere to be seen here. In such a scenario, clean breaks are for the best. Moving on is a liberation that will allow you to leave a darker romantic chapter behind and ultimately open yourself up to a better one in the future. 

If you are single, this card recalls past wounds that are yet to heal - entering into new relationships now will only deepen the pain you’re currently feeling. Being vulnerable can blinker you to people with dark motives who may want to take advantage of your injured state. Spend sometime healing alone and when you’re recovered you can make more enriching decisions in love and romance. 

Five of Cups As Feelings

You ask of another’s feelings, and the answer that is returned is something of a burden: the bearer of these emotions is embroiled in sadness, possibly grief. Depression cloaks their life and so their usual actions are transformed into something dower and disturbing. If you have a relationship with this person, they may feel let down or betrayed - retrace your actions, has something passed which may have led to this? Whatever the case, the feelings are clear and the person is wounded. Tread carefully before reaching out, the owner of these emotions is vulnerable may easily spiral; they require a kind hand and genuine care. 

Five of Cups As Friendship

A schism divides your friends. Bad blood has come into play like a disease and things seem fraught and unsalvagable. When pride is at stake, the worst of human emotions can escalate a situation into something acrimonious and scary. The Five of Cups indicates a tearing, here, are you split between two groups of friends? You may feel like a rag doll in a futile tug of war, but ultimately the onus is on you to decide which friends are best for you. Tap into your intuition, remember that deep inner knowledge is built into your bones and runs through your veins; be led by your heart and you can seldom take the wrong step. In matters of friendship, a resolution is more important than winning. In time, you will see that pride becomes unimportant in the grand scheme of things, while love will start to look more and more significant. 

Reversed Five of Cups in a reading

The Five of Cups will appear in a reading in the reversed position to continue to reiterate the feeling of loss that you have experienced. Think before you make any big decision. You cannot fix or change what has happened. Better to just let it go. There is a level of carelessness associated with this position as a result of the grieving period. Make sure to not abuse or mistreat others as a way to process your feelings. It is imperative now that you continue to focus on overcoming obstacles. You have only experienced the feeling of limitation, but that is not all encompassing. There is more available to you once the tears have stopped flowing.

Five of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing, whether for yourself and or another - it is a way of cutting loose the weights that have been holding you back. Perhaps an old lover appears on the horizon, and now is the time reconcile like a dried out plant growing again in a hazy shower of rain. If already attached, this card can bring good news; a recurring problem has finally been overcome and you and your partner are fully reconciled. With a spring in your step and past resentments cut away, your love has a new lease of life and may become even more loving than it was at the beginning. 

​Five of Cups reversed - Family and Home

Few things are as happy as a family functioning as one, emerging from a difficult period, you have now come into the light. Family is complicated, and the stakes are high - but right now you are discovering how truly wonderful it can be to move on from the past. The home glows with the warm orange light of love, where once the house was darkened by negative thoughts and contentious relationships, now it is a safe haven once again. Remember this lesson: resentment solves nothing and hurts much. You are bonded by blood to your family, they should always be your rock and solace. Continue to put these most integral relationships first and you can take on anything that life throws at you. 

Five of Cups Reversed - Work and Finances

Life is like mountainous terrain and work is the sustenance that gives the journey purpose and the soul determination. It seems you veered off-path in your recent past; challenges were hurtled at you like rocks - there may have been job losses or financial difficulties, but now, you’ve overcome these issues. A good mood spreads in its place for not only are you back where you want to be, but you’re also likely to surpass where you were before. Remember that expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to attract more positive energy into your life. Don’t harbour resentment which will only fester and become more and more overwhelming in time, instead try cutting your losses and celebrating your successes. With a little belief, who knows how much further your dream career might take you. 

Five of Cups Reversed - Health and Wellness

This reversed card recognises the innate connection between body and mind; healing happens on an all-encompassing level, and requires both physical and mental changes. Like an injured animal rejoining its pack, you have overcome a period of ill health and compromised wellbeing. Healing energy flows through you like a stream, now that you are able to accept that you deserve full health and positivity more and more of it comes your way. Things are going right, remember to hold onto your gratitude and openness for this will enable you to maintain your spark and keep a grip on the health that currently has you glowing for the better.

Five of Cups Reversed - Personal Spirituality

In recent times your spiritual journey has been blocked by grief that descended like a grey cloud on your life; this may have been a literal bereavement or simply a period of extreme sadness. But now the clouds break, a ray of sunlight shines through - you’re coming out the other side like a train through a tunnel on a sunny day. A fresh start waits for you, and it holds more spiritual significance than ever before. Be ready to open your soul and mind to great revelations that will strengthen your enlightenment and sense of purpose. 

Upright Five of Cups meanings in keywords

• Lost in a mirror of time
• Pouring love away
• Crying and trauma
• Rejecting love
• Hurt of yesterday

Reversed Five of Cups meanings in keywords

• Acceptance of change
• You will be cuddled
• New start and happiness
• Overcoming heartache
• Letting go of the past

The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

Onward it goes, four trusting cats with wide eyes stare into the unknown. Each turn of the chariot wheel is a journey of fate and fortune - leading us closer to our destiny. The old-fashioned chariot progresses further through space & time,... what will be revealed? New beginnings or changes?

Uncertainty may fill us but courage must never falter for it bids us stay true amid new possibilities; embracing life's unpredictable surprises! The timeless image on my tarot card reminds: Regardless of how far we travel, there will always be this steadfast force pushing us forward. The Chariot calls all travelers and adventurers! This is a card of exploration and expansion that guides you on a journey that you are about to take or one that you may possibly be started on already. It is not an easy ride as a chariot is not a modern vehicle of comfort. It is a time to think about getting back to the basics, lessening your load, and simplifying your life before you engage on the road ahead. Now is an excellent time in your life to consider what you can do to cut back. Rather than thinking of your journey as one for vacation, the chariot usually indicates something a tad more active – a journey of the spiritual sense or even one for work and finance. Whatever struggle you are going through in your life right now, do not worry that it is going to be all for nothing. The Chariot assures you that you are definitely going places!

In the my tarot deck, the Chariot has symbolism present is often interpreted as balancing out opposite forces. There is much duality in the colors of the card which state that you need to make sure that you are rationing out your efforts at this time. Pulling ahead too quickly will fatigue you and you will become too tired to complete your task. Approaching your challenges with a slow or delayed speed will cause you to not reach your intended destination.

For those on the Fool's journey, a crucial decision lies ahead: The Lovers card previously -- was an omen of choice. But with the Chariot comes action - it is a reminder that one must fight to get what they desire in life.It's a very powerful card when you draw this --- to me, it can represent a major victory or breakthrough. The traditional meaning of the Chariot card if you read numerous tarot books on Kindle  is conquest, triumph, and willpower. But it can also be interpreted as a need to take control of your destiny and steer your own course through life. My message to you, when you draw this card is whatever challenges you're facing in your life right now, know that you have the strength and determination to overcome them. Just keep moving forward and don't give up!

Also depicted in the card is the lady with a crown on top of an enclosed carriage. We can only view the top half of the rider, and she is ready for battle. She is prepared for challenges that lie ahead. The colors are rich in symbolism reflecting thought and emotion. While this is a card of action, often that action is an internal struggle. It is either a battle of wills or a personal dragon that must be slayed. Whatever it is that you are facing right now, the Chariot says, “Don’t stop. Don’t give up.” As you persevere and move forward on your path you will engage in many obstacles. These hurdles that you encounter are ones that you will learn from. You are about to receive a life lesson of sorts and while you may feel that you are going through a rough patch understand that it is through experience that we all learn.

The Chariot in Love

Often a card that comes up after a relationship has ended or during an exceptionally difficult time, the Chariot reminds you that this too shall pass. Things are being set in motion regarding matters of the heart and what you feel right now is only a temporary hurdle. You need to strengthen your resolve and protect your emotions. You are likely to find that you either want to run from your relationship or that you already feel alone.

Love is an adventure and like all adventures, there is a climax where everything comes to a head. Imagine yourself not alone right now, but facing a path ahead of you leading into the mountains. You do not have to choose to go this path alone. You are able to bring others with you, but you must make sure that they have the same goals and end destination in mind. Do not waste your time on relationships at this time that are going nowhere or settle just because you feel you should. Avoid allowing comfort to guide your relationship. It may be a good time to spice things up in the love department.

The Chariot as Love Reconciliation

Love is a journey, ever-evolving and bringing us closer to our destiny. Let's take pause for a moment - this card holds the promise of reconciliation in its shining chariot, transporting us on an endless cycle through love and redemption. Those wheels of fire blaze a trail forward as we begin to learn that by understanding we become reconciled with one another. He or she is saying “I see you and I understand.” Our journey is never ending as we become more awake and purposeful in this unending chorus of love and conflict. We must run towards our future together hand in hand, hearts open wide to unite the world in oneness and harmony.

The Chariot As Feelings

As someone's feelings, it can mean a struggle between one's mind and a shadow side in life. The Chariot is a cancer card and is a “moving on.” The two horses are pulling in two different directions so it also means indecision. One person still has not decided what to do. But there is one thing, the reins are in one person's hand. This card can mean moving on and effort is being put into someone else. It is not a good card for love I am afraid. 

The Chariot in Health

In Health the Chariot says that you have a long road ahead of you. Often it can represent health issues of the feet and issues with diabetes or digestion. Overall health shows that you are strong enough for a journey ahead and while there can be standard health issues associated with the card, rarely is it a sign of a deeper concern. The Chariot is an omen of vitality and youth.

The Chariot in Work, Money, Business, Career, and Wealth

In the way of work, most often the Chariot is seen when one is seeking a change in a job either due to unemployment or stagnation of a current career. It signifies that it is a great time to explore options of expansion and promotion. You also may find when this card is present that work will require unexpected travel that will also come with prestige and increased revenue. Strictly financially speaking, the Chariot says you need to hold on to your money and it is a time of saving. While the work front may be offering more opportunities, do not forget that this is a card talking about a journey beginning. There are likely unexpected expenses coming your way that you need to be prepared for.

The Chariot As A person

As a person, the Chariot is a symbol of the characteristics that hold immense power, independence --- sheer will power at its best. This person teaches us to evolve, to use spiritual energy, and how our choices can gain momentum and twist into a path of strength, determination and progress. The Chariot is so much more than a card: it's an inspiring reminder of sheer resilience and the sheer joy that comes from following your own path.

The Chariot In the Past Position

Reaching into our past, drawing the Chariot in the past position brings out the storied chariot of old - a glimmering symbol of spinning energy and powerful potential. The passing years have made it no less precious. From this age-old vehicle we find the strength to summon our own power and reach beyond what we thought was possible. Our vivid imaginings, unrestrained ambition, and extraordinary journeys all sit perched atop this faithful chariot from times long gone by. Re-opening its doors sets us free in ways we could not have dreamed but shows you have ensured many journeys to find out the right path of life and choice. A great deal has been accomplished by you recently! Your present state is the result of this victory, which spurs you on to achieve even more success. This successful past can serve as a reminder that indefatigability, courage, and persistence has led to success.

The Chariot In The Present Position

The Chariot, resolute and strong in its present position, is compelled to march forward with determination. Galloping onward, across fields of green and through skies of celestial blue, it takes on a poetic life of its own. The power that erupts from within allows the chariot to break free from the tethers that once held it in place. With a determination that never seems to waiver, the chariot will make its way into whatever destiny awaits for it without fail. Its place in history is secure and it proudly displays its courage in the present -- and in my view provides “determination” to push forward in what you chose to do. Remember that the card previous to the chariot was the lovers “the choice” card, here you are making your choice and riding on the path of accomplishment.

The Chariot In The Future Position

Drawing the Chariot in the outcome position, means the shadow of the future beckons you forth on this invisible chariot. You are pulled along by two powerful steeds; two mustangs: Faith and Fortune. Freewheeling, you will cast off the dreary burdens of your past self and blaze a trail towards a better horizon. I always like to feel that those that draw this card in the future can expect a journey. Can you feel the carriage swaying beneath you? It’s creaking wheels ever onwards to push your limits ever higher. On your windowsill right now stand grains of life’s learnings; each one a tiny reminder that you have occupied this same space before. Together, with the four-legged force gallops ever forward into a better tomorrow - your chariot will keep on running, always!

The Chariot As Friendship Or Family

I like to think of this card in family or friend spreads as a metaphor for friendship or family-- your group which propels towards eternity no matter what course the setting sun takes. While the horses may sometimes pause of their own accord, they will continue together towards a shared destination. No one is scared when moving towards that final destination because each of us rests in the confidence of the strong bonds between us, never alone on the journey is my normal interpretation of this card.

The Chariot Yes or No

The Chariot “Yes or No” in my view is a “maybe” this is because it’s perched between two opposites, coaxing you to choose one path. Moving down a winding road, the chariot pulls its two horses forward - but what lies ahead? Choosing the right direction feels like a challenge yet the journey remains full of possibility and promise. A new destination awaits behind whichever option you take! The Chariot Yes or No will lead you there.

 

The Chariot in the Reversed Position

As the shadows stop and the stallions stand still, the chariot, in reversed position, holds, I feel much intrigue. The reins dropped and the whip of life left behind, one begins to reflect on its symbolism for their own situation. While the wheels might have turned endlessly on cobbled grounds before this moment, much can be gleaned from such a pause: as if time has stood still for us to contemplate our life's purpose, to heed a lesson that rushing about (yes we do in our daily life) will compel us to choose good over bad and light over dark. In a game of tug-and-pull we must act before inertia sets in once again; this is where the chariot’s reversed position can remind us that shadows stop so we may carry on.

The Chariot in the reversed position is showing that what you are doing in your life right is as about as effective as trying to make a horse run backwards. You need to take a look at your life and see in what ways you are trying to move mountains when you should be going around them and what aspects of your life are pulling you down. The movement of the Chariot card is still present but if you are fighting against it you are likely to find that resistance is futile. Life will continue to move forward with or without you.

Love and Romance - The Chariot Reversed

Love and romance readings that draw the reversed Chariot can often feel like a carriage being pulled in two different directions: the soaring heights of beauty and bliss can give way to ghosting, swiping left on Tinder, or becoming blocked by darkness. The Chariot reversed is a gentle reminder that with love and romance sometimes needs to be paused; just as the horses tethered to the reins turn away from their destination, so too should we take notice of the tugging between needs and wants. We must pause, reflect, and choose if the journey onward is worth it - if we are courageous enough to keep going - no matter how the chariot may sway along its tumultuous path.

Family and Home - The Chariot Reversed

When the Chariot is reversed it can represent a lack of direction when it comes to family and home, which can be a difficult situation to face. Knowing what is important and understanding one's worth are keys to navigating any troubled waters. A sense of security and belonging can help guide us while providing a foundation of strength, courage, and understanding. No matter the situation, we must remember that family and home provide an opportunity for growth; being held accountable by those closest to us encourages us to honor our promises, value our time, and strive towards creativity. With these foundations in place, difficulties become manageable tasks on the path toward the better versions of ourselves.

Work and Finances - The Chariot Reversed

The Chariot Reversed is a cautionary lesson about taking care of our work and finances. When I draw the Chariot reversed for such readings, it can mean ambition has taken us too far down the wrong path—away from morals and values. Ultimately, it encourages one to take stock of what they are doing. My advice to you is to evaluate where you are heading. Are you going in the right direction? If not, make any necessary adjustments now before it’s too late. 

We must always be mindful of how far we are willing to push ourselves in pursuit of success without losing ourselves along the way; Work and Finance can too easily become a slippery slope towards avarice. Let us use this reminder to stay on course so that the life journey will remain true to who we are, living with both financial stability and an inner peace that comes from staying true to our purpose and beliefs, but I always feel that this is a time to stop and think rather than make any quick moves. What do you really want?

Health and Wellness - The Chariot Reversed

The chariot reversed serves as a powerful reminder of how essential it is to nurture our physical and emotional wellbeing. It encourages us to slow down and take the time to really listen to our body, understanding the things that make it feel energized and healthy, and honoring this balance so we can thrive in life. 

Let me remind you that a healthy mind and body gives us better guidance for our moral compass, allowing us to approach difficult decisions with clarity, resilience, and serenity. Taking time to pause and consider the invaluable insight into our bodies strengths and weaknesses - granting us wisdom as we spin through the chariot wheel of life with ease.

Personal Spirituality - The Chariot Reversed

My belief is that when the Chariot reversed appears in a spread, it is not necessary to go into lament. Instead there is an opportunity to look at how personal spirituality—a growing spiritual awareness—can be used to guide navigation through any obstacles that stand in your way. This reflects the key journey, which is symbolic of the courage, dedication and commitment needed to pursue any meaningful endeavor. Having a moral compass gives us the power and courage to forge ahead confidently. 

Personal spirituality allows one to always remember their own internal guidance system, gently reminding us  of our true purpose, so that no matter what turns life throws in our path we have the tools to gracefully accept and act upon each difficult problem when they appear before us.

In my view, the Chariot is a powerful card, and it can represent many things in a reading. Love, reconciliation, friendship, family - all of these are represented by the cats looking at the chariot in my tarot cards. Chariots can also represent strife or conflict, but I must admit that they can also be positive. The Chariot may represent some problems in one's life when reversed.