Six of Cups: Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Cups is the card of nostalgia, childhood memories and simple kindness. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck two children in a sunny village courtyard exchange a cup filled with flowers, surrounded by five more cups of flowers and a guardian in the background. It is a gentle picture of innocence and the comfort of the past.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Cups brings warm memories, old friends and acts of generosity. A person or place from your past may reappear, or you may find comfort in what is familiar. The card values kindness and playfulness. Enjoy the nostalgia, but remember that it is a visit, not a place to live.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, you may be stuck in the past, idealising what was or struggling to move on from childhood or an old relationship. It can also mean refusing to grow up or being unable to let go. Take the lesson from the memory, and bring a little of its warmth into the present.
In love
In love, the Six of Cups suggests a sweet, gentle romance, a reunion with someone from the past or a bond rooted in friendship. Reversed, it points to being stuck in an old relationship or comparing everyone to the past.
In career
At work, it points to a friendly environment, revisiting an earlier project or a former colleague returning. Reversed, it warns of resisting change or relying on old ways.
As a yes or no answer
As a yes or no answer, the Six of Cups leans yes when upright, because kindness and familiarity support you. Reversed, it becomes a maybe, so be careful not to let nostalgia cloud your judgement.
Advice from this card
Reach out to an old friend or revisit a happy memory, then ask what from it you want to carry forward. Nostalgia is a good visit and a poor home.
At a glance
- Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Cups
- Element: water, linked with emotion, relationships and intuition
- Number theme: harmony, generosity and moving forward
- Yes or no reading: Yes when upright, Maybe when reversed
Explore more cards
Continue with Five of Cups or Seven of Cups. You can also compare it with the Six of Wands, Six of Swords and Six of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.