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Five Of Wands Tarot Reading
The Three of Wands
5 Cups Tarot Card

Card reading

The Five of Wands

 
 
 

The Five Of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

When you see the Five of Wands in a reading, be ready for some friction or competition in your life. It can represent friendly rivalry or it can be a deeper conflict that is arising around you right now. The good news is that this is not a dire situation in your life, but it does indicate to you that you have to bring your ‘A game’ and keep on your toes in order to come out on top. Often this card will represent a need to be diligent in your actions at this time and make sure to cover your backside.

The combative nature of the Five of Wands indicates that there is strife in your physical world as well as your emotions. The people fighting on the front of the card indicate that there are multiple individuals in your life that you are at odds with. While there is usually one main person that comes to mind when this card is present, often there is also an overall sense of being overwhelmed or being attacked. It is a time of stress and needing to pull together all of your resources. You need to be sure that the people you bring close to you have your true intentions at heart.

The background of the card reveals a dull-looking sky – often interpreted as sunset or sunrise. This card can represent the beginning or the end of the strife in your life. Depending on the other cards around it, you may be headed for rocky waters. To know which aspect of this card is being represented a turn to the future and the past cards of your reading and you should get a clearer idea of where you stand regarding this issue.

The same can hold true in relation to whether this card is a good or bad omen for you at this time. When paired with any cards concerning expansion or if you happen to have a lot of fire in your reading then it is likely more positive and indicates moving past conflict in order to make you grow stronger. Be wary of cards indicating stagnation, often seen with emotional cards like the Cups suit, because it can mean that you are deadlocked or that growth is limited right now.

The Five of Wands in Love

With the Five of Wands in a reading concerning love, it can be a negative sign for a relationship. It doesn’t denote breaking up necessarily as it is more about a struggle than an ending. Sometimes we must have difficult times in order to strengthen and gain resolve. All relationships are tested and at this time you are likely feeling the full force of that. Avoid running away or shutting down when conflict arises in a relationship that concerns love, friends, or family.

You are likely to find that right now you are being challenged by your partner and often the card will be seen when a couple has entered into a new phase of a relationship but the rules haven’t been established. Ponder on what ways your relationship is being tested and focus your attention of meeting conflict head-on with a healthy and well-discussed solution. Snap-judgments are going to be a big problem with your relationships in this time. You can’t control the actions of your partner, but you can be responsible for yourself. Make an extra effort at this time to be a bigger person even if your partner is acting out, being emotional, or irritable.

Consider ways in which your own values are being challenged in regards to love. If you are looking for love understand that right now may not be the best time. Rather than fighting your path, try to realize what areas of your life need attention and care. This is likely a time for you to straighten out your own problems in your life or emotionally so that you don’t drag them into your next relationship. You want to be able to enter your next relationship with open arms and an open heart. Love will find you when you are truly ready, not when you think you are.

The Five of Wands As Feelings

If you drew this card asking about someone's feelings for another - then this can mean that they are feeling quite invisible in the relationship, it could possibly be that the attention of the person’s affection is taken by something else non-love related. Equally, it can also signify that the person who has feelings has a security issue. They don’t think you like them that much!  The card can also appear in a reading when there is a game that is being played - who is the player?

Look at how the two figures on the card reach out for each other. It can indicate that there are going to be friends and challenges - and something new or exciting will come from this. The five of wands can also signify fighting and standing out. It could mean that the person doesn’t want either of these things to happen - because they think you’re special. Additionally, this card can indicate that they are conflicted about feelings about you. It can often appear when somebody is taken in a relationship or that they feel the other person has too many admirers!

The Five of Wands Love Reconciliation

The five of wands indicates possible seduction. The more desperate you seem to your ex indicates that you may be focused on begging and pleading and acting desperately can be ultimately turn off. If you are finding yourself emailing, calling or texting loads then think about the fact that seductive is not always desperation. Drawing this card in the upright position can mean you do have a chance of building better relationships. If you want somebody back badly then try not to be too obsessive. Reversed the card can mean that you need to pause when it comes to the relationship for your own sanity for a while. Really think about what you need.

The Five of Wands Yes Or No

Genuinely this is a “No” card. The card itself signifies not only obsession but also a struggle between conflict and battles. Sometimes it can represent that despite everything conflicts can be overcome, becoming a “Yes” card in the future. There is such an aggressive stance in the card that it represents “No.” Sorry!

The Five of Wands in Health

Because this is a card of strife, it is often not a good sign when in a health reading or a position of your reading relating to wellness. Usually, it will appear when you are going through a struggle with your health or as an indicator that you are putting your energy into the wrong areas of your life. If you are having a lot of medical troubles right now that seem to be confusing doctors (such as in the case of fibromyalgia, intestinal pain, or generalized anxiety issues) then you may be well-served to try a different avenue such as homeopathic, chiropractic, or natural medicine.

The card also serves as a reminder for you to stay strong and focus on the positive. If you are heading into surgery or need a medical procedure done, be forewarned that you may have a struggle ahead of you in regards to getting back on your feet. Remember that this is not a card that carries dire consequences. It is not a bad omen or anything for you to be particularly worried about. Rather, do your best to stay positive even through darker times. It is okay to be worried because that shows concern. However, you want to be careful to give into excess anxiety. Over analyzing every symptom or utilizing WebMD like sites where you get too much information is likely to drive you crazy. Reign in your emotions at this time and focus on the end goal. It may be helpful to utilize meditation techniques such as envisioning the healthy outcome you want as a reminder of where you would like your health to be heading.

The Five of Wands in Work and Wealth

The Five of Wands often shows itself in work or financial readings when there is someone or something to be distrusting of. In this area of your life, the strife of the card is usually not as direct as it is in another aspect. Be leery of being given false information especially at work. Now is a time to be on your guard. Likely you have a hidden enemy. This doesn’t mean that you should be paranoid about everyone around you, but you do have to be extra careful about crossing every T and dotting every I. You don’t want to have something come back on you because you were relying on someone else or give them the chance to put the blame on you.

Financially speaking it is also important to be extra careful with your money. The card can be a sign that a company or business is going to be headed for financial troubles and is especially indicative of troubles with bookkeeping or tax issues. Take time to go over your finances and ensure that everything is in order.

The Five of Wands As Advice

If the card lands in the advice position, the five of wands reversed indicates that you need to try to not come across as too needy and desperate (which I have outlined above in a love reading). When you act desperately you are shooting yourself in the foot and sabotaging any chance of happiness.  Upright,  the card can indicate that you need to be able to forgive somebody for their own actions. 

The actionable advice of this card is that you need to try to stop bickering and arguing. Being at odds with others is not healthy in the long term especially quibbling over details. They can be a sense of achievement and desire to go against an opponent even to rise to the challenge and be involved in a game or even a sport. There is also a sense of annoyance and it is important to try to get the balance together that you need in order to move forward in life.

The Five of Wands Past - Upright and Reversed

This is a fantastic card to appear in the past position - upright or reversed. It can mean that you have suffered strife, power struggles, contests, and competition. Look at the picture of two people stretched away from each other - it can indicate a struggle for success. There have been minor difficulties or conflicting interests then this can mean all this strife - is behind you. When you fear your own internal ideas then it cannot be clear of the best course of action. The good news is that the lack of pleasure is long behind you.

The Five of Wands Present - Upright and Reversed

In the present position, drawing the five of wands can mean that you are in conflict with people. It can suggest that you are displaying aggressive and defensive tendencies. This could be in either a love affair or in regards to work. In spiritual journeys, this card often represents being safe from the underworld, despite everything we can all overcome the struggles. In the four of wands, we saw the harmony and ambitions come to life. However, the five of wands we are now focused around one's anger, fighting, and destruction. The thing that really strikes me about this card appearing in your present is that the conflict is playful. Therefore do not take the card or conflict too seriously! Reversed (in the present position) this card can signify a new start after inner conflict. 

The Five of Wands Outcome/ Future Position - Upright and Reversed

The five of wands tarot card appearing in the future or outcome position can suggest that despite difficulties you are generally going to engage in psychic self-defence. This is naturally can help any conflicts you are facing at the moment.  the final ones is quite an interesting card in the future position means that you need to protect yourself against any difficulties or conflicts. Since it appeared in the future position you might also experience some inner conflict possible an animosity. For love in the future, this card showing in the future is a love affair is going to be unstable or simply up-in-th-air. Reversed the meaning indicates that you will face conflict in order to get your own way.

The Five of Wands In Friendship

Even though the five of wands are a card of strife, for friendships it could be a card of renewal. The image on the card goes back to our primitive state and needs. For example, you can see two people holding out their hands to each other - joining together. This card often appears when there is a “friendship that has gone wrong” alternatively there is problems in the day-to-day world - it suggests that there is intellectual engagement and stimulation in the friendship but it's taken a turn for the worse and conflict has materialized.

The Five Of Wands Reversed

Reversed Meaning - Five of Wands

In the reversed position the Five of Wands indicates that you are coming out of a period of struggle. Some will say that there are still tensions while others state that the pressures in your life are being dispersed. You are likely to still feel the effects of a stressful time and even holding on to negativity. When this card comes up in the reversed position it is a good time to purge the bad and let go of the negativity that you are holding on to. It signifies the end of strife, which can be good. However, if there was a lack of closure for you – such as in the case that someone broke up with you, you were fired from a job, or something was taken away from you – then you are faced now with the negative consciousness associated with this loss. It is easy to dwell on things that have already happened, to wish that a situation was different, or focus on what you could have done differently. It doesn’t help though as what has happened has already happened and we can’t change the past. Learn from your own mistakes and work on forgiving others of their own shortcomings. No one is perfect and even from huge blunders in our life, there is often a lesson to be learned.

Love And Relationships - The Five of Wands Reversed

The five wands reversed in a love reading can simply indicate that you are holding on to emotions and conflicts.  If you pulled this card reversed in a love reading it normally represents that you are trying “too hard” in a relationship and it seems like an uphill battle.  Always remember that battles can be won. It can also suggest you are coming across as being rather needy. Maybe you want somebody to focus on your positive aspects rather than negative ones? The advice in a love reading means that you need to not come across as too desperate!

Health and Wellness - The Five of Wands Reversed

The reversed five of wands card is focused on conflict and disruption of health matters, therefore, the five of wands as revealing some minor health concerns. There is much conflict that is going on within the card and the question about health means you need to look after yourself. This could be the message from the divine. There was also an emphasis on disagreements and competitions when this card appears so look after your mental health.

Family and Home - The Five of Wands Reversed

We all know that the five of wands is associated with competition and disagreement and can often suggest family disruption. Disruption can take on many different forms but is always brings out a feeling of worry and despair. When we break the family bonds that bind us whether that is emotionally or mentally we can sometimes feel a sense of uneasiness within. If you're feeling like this then it is important to step away and think about the overarching picture but ensure that you remain strong.

Personal spirituality - The Six of wands reversed

The five of wands indicates a complex time. Facing not only conflict but also competition. It could mean that you need to be selfish and defensive in order to succeed spiritually. 

This can be a trying time for anyone in the most important piece of advice is to remain faithful and be at peace internally. Often, in live readings, the five of wands reversed can represent having a rival or up somebody else has something more to offer. It is very difficult to grow on a spiritual plane when there is so much conflict in daily life. The most important takeaway from this card is that you need to give yourself space and meditation time required to overcome your current obstacles.

The Five of wands Card Keywords Upright

  • Rivals
  • Competition
  • Taking risk
  • Making decisions
  • Taking action
  • Long battle
  • Anger
  • Hatred
  • Jealousy

The Five of wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

  • Sweet pain
  • Liveliness
  • Playing games
  • Manipulation
  • Lots of sex
  • Opportunity
  • High ambitions
  • Bitterness
  • Closure

The Three of Wands

 
 
 

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Wands in your reading indicates that you have gone the distance and have found your reward.

The cards of the Tarot tell a story and where the Two of Wands indicates a need for planning before the adventure begins, the Three of Wands indicates that you are closer to your destination and that the end is in sight. Often it will represent being at the last leg of a journey in your life or completing something and now being able to move forward to the next aspect. Think about ways in your life where you have worked hard and now you are starting to feel the benefits. It could indicate a project at work being completed, being ready to commit further in a relationship, or fixing to be in the final stages of making a large purchase.

The Three of Wands card shows a man who is overlooking the ocean. He stands alone, yet for some reason, there are three staves present. As he leans against one stave the other two appear firmly planted in the ground. There is a sense of stability in his location now and it is often interpreted that he had to climb over mountains and is now enjoying the view. This is a card of independence and going your own way. You are in a place in your life where you have worked hard but now are ready to share your rewards with others or to celebrate. You may have even learned a trade or new way of doing things and with your knowledge, you are able to share with others.

This card leads the way to leadership and cooperation. Take the knowledge that you have gained and allow others to benefit from your own trials and errors,  at this time you are likely to be looked to for advice. You may be in a position to guide or lead others. Be patient with those around you at this time and realize that you did not get to where you are today by perfection.

You have made your own mistakes and those mistakes did not mean failure. Understand that those around you, especially people who are younger than you or on an earlier leg of their own journey are going to make mistakes and do not judge them for false starts or faltering. Remember when you were just starting out and think of the times in which you had to ask for help or how you could have done things easier. Offer your advice but understand that it is not personal if the other person does not take heed your warnings.

The Three of Wands can also indicate that you need to rally your own forces or that you need to ask for help when needed. There is no shame in asking for direction or help in the next steps of your journey. Just as you offer your advice from others, take in that which is given to you. Because you have found some success in your own right does not mean that your journey has ended. Lives are constantly changing and new experiences will come to you. Allow for your most recent successes to further your own foundation and do not be resistant to growth or change that is coming your way.

The Three of Wands in Love

Often the Three of Wands in love will represent a still budding relationship where ideas, experiences, and emotions are being intermingled. You may be getting to know someone or coming to a point in your relationship where you find out something new about your partner. The card is also about building and growing from past success. It is a good time to open up to your partner about your feelings and what you want out of the relationship. If you want your relationship to grow rather than stagnate, you need to offer emotional support and be open about your expectations. This is not a time to be taking it easy or just seeing where it goes. You are likely past that point and there needs to be more energy put into the relationship if you want to see it blossom.

The Three of Wands As Feelings

If you are asking the question of how somebody feels about another or an overarching card of somebody’s intentions romantically, this card is all about passion but waiting for something better to come along. I often find this card is a conclusion style card. In that, the cycle of the relationship has passed and there will be a decision that will be made. Either commitment or fading away from a relationship.

Often, this is a card about anticipating the future and making the effort to build the right foundations. There is also an element of this card which features minor dishonesty. Whenever I pull this card for a relationship, I often question whether the other person is sincere. In an upright position, the card represents travel and moving forward with plans with a lover. As someone else's feelings, it could mean that a lover is looking for greater possibilities. They are not ready for commitment. Therefore, waiting for something better to come along sums up this card from a feelings perspective.

The Three of Wands Love Reconciliation

Unity by inclusion happens naturally, the card upright can mean that even though there was arrogance or indifference in the past - then you are likely to get back together. Do you need to think about why did it end? What role did you play in the split up? By analyzing the relationship to understand why it ended can give you the answers to making it work again.  Try not to only focus on what the other party did also examine your actions and reactions. The main reason why many relationships normally fail is that one of the parties does not value the other. The wands are a passionate suit of cards, and this is positive to pull in love readings. If reversed the card can mean that yes you will get back together but there is a big question on if this is the right decision?

The Three of Wands In Health

The Three of Wands is a sturdy card showing strength in health and is a good sign for healing. Often it will be a reminder that you need to check in on your own health or that you have been taking your health for granted. With any wands card coming up in a health reading there can be problems with circulation or the heart but for this card the areas of most concern are the pelvis region and overall body circulation. It can indicate an issue in pregnancy or getting pregnant.

The Three of Wands In Work and Wealth

In work, the three of Wands represent the future. We see the man standing on the cliff looking across the sea, to the ships of trade. In work, this is a card of vision, of trying to focus on immediate work decisions. The most important element is that a new job is predicted. You need to take a step back in life and consider all the possibilities. The card indicates work and strength, dreaming beyond the possibilities in life. Essentially, he stands there watching his ships come in. He knows the ships will bring goods and a sense of reward and it urges you to look at career areas that you have not thought of before.  This card is also about returning your own happiness in work, you have put in the effort and it is time to think outside the box. Those ships will come back empty if you do not put in the last bit of effort. Don’t expect that suddenly overnight you will have sudden success, you have done all you can to move forward now is a time to wait, taking a long-term view.

There is no need for that merchant to walk down the hill this point, he is just waiting patiently but knowing that results will come with time. This card brings with it the message of re-evaluating career or business plans, becoming a visionary leader rather than an employee. The threes are connected to teamwork and this in work can imply that you will become a leader pulling together a team. The threes are also associated with opportunities to grow, but it will take time and longer than expected. In work, this card means progressing, teamwork, creative endeavors, being inspired and long-term plans. To some degree the Three of Wands indicates a new job, working with others and capitalizing on your own skill-base.

Regarding everyday work, now may be a good time to bring on some new team members or seek help and assistance. A project that has taken full focus in your life may a bit too much to handle on your own and you want to consider seeking outside resources to get the job completed correctly. Again, there is nothing wrong with asking for help and by bringing in some fresh energy the work you are doing right now is likely to be infused with needed creativity or innovation.

In the case that you are struggling to find work, the Three of Wands can indicate a need to revamp your resume or change the way you are approaching your search. Also try looking in new avenues for work such as different papers or internet sites, expanding the search area that you are looking in, or looking in a different field than you generally would not consider. This is a time for expansion and exploration. This card is all about sending something out and gaining success in return. Such as if you apply for a job you will get an interview. If you start a business you will gain success. In regards to wealth, the Three of Wands is a positive card indicating that hard work will pay off.

The Three of Wands Yes Or No

The Three of Wands is quite an adventurous card,  if you pulled this card for a yes or no question then the answer is definitely “yes.” This tarot card is associated with looking towards the future and having a sense of responsibility then this card is a positive omen.

The Three of Wands Friendship

If your tarot question relates to friendships then the Three of Wands card is connected to spiritual and earthly personalities. It can mean you did feel limited in a friendship/relationship or felt frustrated in someone’s decision-making process. It could also indicate that you feel restricted by a friend's personality. There is also an element of jealousy within this card.

The Three of Wands Past - Upright and Reversed

Appearing in the past position of a tarot spread, this card shows that you have encountered either psychic or clairvoyant foresight. It is not uncommon for those with “psychic talents” to see this particular card in the past position. If you’ve been struggling the past with a work-related task then this is a card that foretells you’ve kept on going and reaped the rewards.

The Three of Wands normally show up when patience is required. It can also suggest that efforts that have been made have not gone unnoticed. The Three of Wands can signify a business venture and leadership in the past. In a reversed position the Three of Wands can mean there have been business problems or worries and that has affected you.

The Three of Wands Present - Upright and Reversed

In the present position, the upright Three of Wands tarot card can indicate boldness and self-confidence. It is also related to enterprises and bringing either two or three people or ideas together. In the previous card (two of wands) we’ve seen a decision that needs to be made,  in the three, we are seeing the wheels put in motion. The ship needs to “set sail” and the card is focused on internal forces being at work. 

There is also a focus on long-term planning and visions of the future. This card is positioned in the present context (in the spread) it’s important to understand that you need to gain the bigger picture in life,  additionally trying not to overlook minor details. There is also a possible need to travel or moving towards a goal. In the reversed position, there could be a fear of treachery or feeling isolated from other people. There were specifically setbacks but situations are likely to improve going forward. I often see this card in the reversed position when there is either a delay or loss of friendship. 

The Three of Wands Future and Outcome - Upright and Reversed

The Three of Wands is a journey and this is a lucky card to land in a future/ outcome position if upright. The number "three" suggests that the ship is coming in. Drawing the Three of Wands in a love reading is positive. Emotions (if a relationship reading) are equal and that you are getting "a move on" with what you really want. In a friendship or relationship, two people will go well together but it may not turn into a full-blown romance. 

The three is also about getting told the truth, so one can work on the options that present themselves. The Three of Wands as a love outcome can indicate that two people want the same thing and are trying to work together to figure out what they want. The “love” is set in motion. In regards to other parts of life, the three in future positions can mean a new project, money or wealth. The card is also about patience because it can be a slow process and a waiting game. Reversed as future/outcome this card can mean that there is planning required and that waiting is important. 

The Three of Wands Advice - Upright and Reversed

In terms of advice, the Three of Wands indicates that you need to focus on finalizing business decisions, booking travel or making sure that goals are set. There is a need to focus on the future rather than keep looking back on the past and in relationships either finish the relationship or move on. Reversed the advice is to think about your hopes and dreams and follow them. Normally reversed meanings are adverse but not in this case. It means to listen to your inner voice when you need to make a decision.

The Three of wands Reversed

Reversed Three of Wands in a Reading

A bad decision has normally been made when this card appears reversed. That is, the consequence of someone else and the sense of guilt often comes as part of this card. Perhaps you are feeling a reduction of self-respect and negativity which has impacted your own self-image. When you feel yourself feeling guilty or you want to remove yourself from negative feelings this card normally appears reversed. It could nee something as simple as over-eating or facing problems with others. When dealing with loss or the feeling you have made a “bad decision” comes helplessness associated with sadness. We normally fight against the feeling but eventually, this will catch up with us. But remember, a loss is part of life. Without it, we cannot make good choices!

The reversal of the Three of Wands can be a card of warning and reminds you that you need to look in on yourself rather than having a focus on the world or everyone else. Sometimes it can indicate that you are being too nosy or stirring up trouble. It can also tell you that you need to work on centering yourself because you are getting distracted and allowing yourself to be pulled in too many directions. When the Three of Wands has reversed the positive power from the card is tipped upside down and whereas you would normally be reaping the rewards of success, you are likely floundering amidst chaos and turmoil in your life. To set your life back on the right path you need to get back to the basics. Focus on the foundational aspects of your relationships, finances, and health. You will know what areas are causing you the most concern and it is up to you to set them right. Be especially mindful of your own negativity and blaming others when you are responsible.

The Three of Wands Reversed - Love and Romance

Drawing this card reversed in a love reading can suggest that there is going to be communication and commitment in the future. Upright the card indicates putting in foundations, therefore when it is reversed can mean that something is not finished or you are unsure of which way to turn in love.  In regards to going forward, the reversed card means you need to think outside the box perhaps you need to close a life chapter.

Family and Home - The Three of Wands Reversed

This card suggests you are being audacious, daring and confident when it comes to family matters. You may feel you have taken on more than you would like to and family members keep on placing demands. At one extreme, you display arrogance but also fear of deceit which is causing you to feel cut off and isolated.

Work, money, and finances - The Three of Wands Reversed

The Three of Wands card appearing reversed for family life is connected to our own unconscious assumptions and expectations that may cause problems. When projected on to others (such as immediate family) this card means that you may find engagements or new social situations when it comes to work. If you have been struggling work-wise this card can indicate that happiness will soon be yours. There could possibly be something that is lacking money wise. 

The card in the reversed position can indicate that you have made a decision but it might not have been the right one, it means channelling ones energy into making the wrong choice. This can also imply that creativity and money could be squashed because of problems. The most important aspect is to learn to ride this out. Don't spend too much money and work on your career.

Health and Wellness - The Three of Wands Reversed

In regards to medical procedures, the reversed Three of Wands is positive. It can mean good health. There may be difficulties in putting plans in place or possibly that you may be experiencing blockages of creative inspiration. The Three of Wands reversed also suggests that there might be more to something in life than you had hoped. Such as taking risks or problems.

Personal Spirituality - The Three of Wands Reversed

In regards to spirituality, this card can indicate that a decision was made - but not the right one. This could possibly impact upon your own spirituality and happiness. We all make difficult choices in life and bad decisions can often lead to extended problems. Maybe you have married the wrong person? Or you’ve gone down a dangerous road? Perhaps you’ve made a life choice whereby you’ve fallen out with others?  We all behave in various ways that we don’t want to. For example,  We can overeat, smoke cigarettes, gamble, or stay in a relationship that is no longer healthy for us. 

The most important takeaway of this card (appearing reversed) is that we must recognize our bad choices. It’s not rocket science or difficult for one to say. The card has appeared in the reversed position because problems need to be resolved and one's perspective and beliefs need to be reviewed. Perhaps true wisdom means developing one's own personal belief system in the universe in a peaceful way without frustration or anger.

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Keywords Upright

  • Curiosity
  • Exploring
  • Traveling
  • Self-evaluation
  • Development
  • Fast progress
  • Lonesome

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

  • Teamwork
  • Cooperation
  • Unity
  • Fame
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Acceptance

The Five of Cups

 
 
 

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. 

5 Cups Tarot Card Reversed

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