Four of Cups: Tarot Card Meaning

Four of Cups tarot card, Rider-Waite-Smith deck

The Four of Cups is about apathy, contemplation and missed opportunities. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a young man sits under a tree with his arms crossed, staring at three cups in front of him, while a hand from a cloud offers a fourth. He is so absorbed in his own thoughts that he may not notice the gift.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Four of Cups points to boredom, discontent or withdrawal. You may feel nothing on offer is interesting, or you are turning inward after a disappointment. A period of reflection can be healthy, but the card warns that you may be missing something good. Look up from your thoughts and consider what you have overlooked.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, you are waking up to new possibilities. Interest returns, and you start to see what you have been ignoring. It can also mean pulling yourself out of a slump or finally accepting an offer. Take the opportunity in front of you, and stay open to what is on offer.

In love

In love, the Four of Cups suggests emotional withdrawal, dissatisfaction or ignoring a partner’s efforts. Look at what you are really feeling. Reversed, it points to a renewed openness to love, or noticing what a partner has been offering all along.

In career

At work, it points to boredom, feeling unmotivated or overlooking an opportunity. Reversed, it suggests renewed interest in work, or recognising a chance you almost missed.

As a yes or no answer

As a yes or no answer, the Four of Cups leans no, because apathy or distraction is getting in the way. Reversed, it is also a no for now, though your interest is beginning to return.

Advice from this card

Look again at one offer or opportunity you dismissed, and ask what you might be missing. A short walk or a change of scene can help you see it fresh.

At a glance

Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Cups
Element: water, linked with emotion, relationships and intuition
Number theme: stability, structure and rest
Yes or no reading: No when upright, No when reversed

Explore more cards

Continue with Three of Cups or Five of Cups. You can also compare it with the Four of Wands, Four of Swords and Four of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.