The Four of Cups tarot card represents feeling stagnant or stuck in life. Are you so focused on the things that are going wrong that you can’t see clearly how to move forward?
The Four of Cups not only represents the struggles we feel internally but outside influence as well. If you are having trouble feeling motivated or making big decisions, step back, and look at what’s really important.
Taking a look at the big picture and seizing opportunities to change your situation will make a world of difference.
It’s quite possible that all you need is in front of you. Letting go of fear and doubt will allow you to make a choice and progress.
Four of Cups Key Facts
Before diving deeper into the upright- and reversed Four of Cups tarot card meaning, and its connection to love, career, and life, below you can find a quick overview of the most important facts connected to this Cups card.
| Upright | Depression, missed opportunities, feeling stuck |
| Reversed | Passion, taking action, moving forward |
| Yes or No | Maybe |
| Number | 4 |
| Element | Water |
| Planet | Moon |
| Astrological sign | Cancer |
Four of Cups Tarot Card Description
To fully understand the Four of Cups tarot card meaning, we will first take a look at the illustration, colors, and symbolism of this Cups card.
The Four of Cups tarot card depicts a man sitting below a tree with three cups before him. He sits with his arms crossed and his head down, as if in meditation or deep thought.
Beside him, a cloud offers a fourth cup, resembling the one of the Ace of cups, symbolizing a new start.
Although the cloud is right in front of the young man, he either can’t see it or refuses to do so. Just like the tree that is in full leaf, resembling abundant life going on all around him.
If the man on the card were to stand up, he could also see that the sky is blue and the outlook is bright.
The imagery here calls attention to focusing too much on our own reality, thoughts, and perceptions.
Like the man illustrated on this card, we are often so busy focusing on the three cups in front of us, we never notice other options and possibilities.
Four of Cups Tarot Meaning
The Four of Cups in the upright position represents missing out on opportunities, depression, and losing motivation in life.
Do you look around and feel that where you are and what you have is not enough? Has your life become stagnant, and nothing seems to bring you joy? Or perhaps you’ve been faced with financial problems?
The Four of Cups tells you that to get your stagnant situation moving again, you first have to evaluate your attitude and accept your current situation.
As Eckhart Tolle says: ” Accept, then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your life.”
Although it may be tempting to withdraw inside yourself, you must avoid this. If you open your eyes and look around you, you will be able to find a way through this.
Just like on the Four of Cups card, the solution can be right in front of you, but only if you’re willing to see it. If not, you risk missing the window of opportunity.
Money and Career Meaning
The Four of Cups in a career spread denotes a loss of motivation at work. Are you having trouble focusing on your duties because you are unhappy at your job?
This card encourages you to be thankful for the fact that you are employed and to focus on the positive things. Having a career that you aren’t crazy about is better than being unemployed.
If you use this energy to channel into doing your job better, you could find that you get a promotion or a job offer to do something that interests you more.
The Four of Cups is all about opportunity, so be sure that you are keeping your eyes peeled for the ones that will present themselves to you. Keeping a positive attitude along the way will help you be ready for when they arrive.
Love and Relationships Meaning
In a love and relationship spread, the Four of Cups calls attention to harping on the same negative energy in a relationship. You are spending too much time being angry or arguing with your partner.
If this person has wronged you, now is the time to come up with a resolution or walk away. Try to spend less time focusing on the negative and talk about the good things that happen in your relationship each day.
You will be surprised at what doors open in your relationship when you express gratitude and love daily.
If you are single, the Four of Cups in a love context promises a new relationship is coming your way. You must be mindful, though, of the attention that you are paying to this cause.
If you spend too much time believing that you’ll never meet the right person, you could miss your shot. Be calm and confident knowing that you have many great things to offer in a relationship, and focus on taking care of you.
A happy person who is confident in themselves attracts others who are also secure.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
The Four of Cups in a health reading suggests that you may be feeling down, depressed, or tired as a result of physical or mental issues.
This can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you want to ‘snap out of it but can’t. Although focusing on gratitude may not make you physically whole, it can help you feel better.
No matter how bad our lot in life, there are always others who are struggling with more or worse. If you have clean water, a home, and money to feed yourself, you are doing better than millions.
To improve your physical, mental, and spiritual outlook, consider gratitude journaling instead of focusing on negative thoughts.
Four of Cups Reversed
In this paragraph, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Four of Cups tarot card in the reversed position (upside down).
The Four of Cups reversed tells a story of overcoming obstacles. You have pushed yourself outside of the box, and you are now able to see solutions you never noticed before. The feelings of being trapped are about to come to an end.
Because you have decided to move forward and effect positive change in your life, you will gain freedom from what has ailed you for so long. If you have been struggling to find joy in life, keep pushing forward and smiling – you have everything you need already.
Four of Cups: Yes or No
The Four of Cups tarot card in a yes or no reading also signifies being held back by negative emotions such as defeat or frustration. It tells us that you have been feeling stagnant and you may have trouble seeing the path you need to take to be happy once again.
Are you ready to take a leap? Go for it! Just make sure that you’re embracing the right ‘cup’ if you say yes.
Four of Cups and Astrology
The Four of Cups is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer – just like the Ace, Two, and Three of Cups. The Cancer personality is loyal, protective, intuitive, and caring, but can also be overly sensitive, moody, and vindictive. Just like the man depicted on the Four of Cups card.
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the planet that governs our emotions, our feelings, and the things that make us feel comforted.
Important Card Combinations
The Four of Cups doesn’t always represent feeling stuck. Combined with other cards, the meaning of this cup card can change and is more about change, connecting with your Higher Self and setting goals.
Below, you can find the most important Four of Cups card combinations.
Four of Cups and the Fool
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and unable to control the situations you are in? If the Four of Cups and the Fool appear in a spread together, consider focusing more on meditation as a way to restore joy in your life.
Meditation offers a way to get away from the negativity you feel and ruminating thoughts. This is valuable time that you can set aside to spend time in ‘no thought’ and will help restore inner peace.
Four of Cups and the Emperor
The Four of Cups and the Emperor signify being bored with routine. It is time to change things and try something new. Try waking up thirty minutes earlier in the morning to go on a short walk or setting more time aside each night to do things you enjoy.
What hobby have you always wanted to explore? Is there a place nearby that you would like to visit?
As you start to focus more on what you want to do versus what you have to do, you will notice the sadness and worries melt away as a result.
Four of Cups and the Chariot
This duo confirms the desire for a better life. Now is a great time to consider making a move for the benefit of yourself and your family. The Four of Cups together with the Chariot promises that once you make this move, you will be in a better mental state, as well.
This might be a physical change of scenery or connected to a relationship or job. If you take time to connect with your Higher Self, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Four of Cups and Eight of Swords
When the Four of Cups and the Eight of Swords appear in unison, you need to stop doubting yourself.
Perhaps you have felt that you aren’t smart enough to get that job you want, or you don’t feel qualified to move up in the one you have.
Banish these thoughts from your mind and remember: you are capable of anything that you set your mind.
What is your greatest desire? Set your focus on this thing and make a list to accomplish your goals. The sky is the limit!
My Favorite Four of Cups Cards
Although I write all the descriptions based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, it doesn’t mean that I use other decks too.
And there are so many beautiful decks out there! I can lose myself browsing and searching the web for beautiful tarot cards.
Below you can find a small selection of beautiful Four of Cups tarot cards.
The Modern Way – Order via Amazon 
Pietro Alligo 
Matilda Marin 
World Spirit 
Tricia Newell 
Hansrudi Wascher 
Hanson Roberts 
Druid Craft
Four of Cups in a Reading
That’s all for the Four of Cups tarot card meaning. Although the card represents feeling stuck and stagnant, it also tells you that sometimes all you need is in front of you.
Just remember to look at the big picture and let go of fear and doubt. This will allow you to make a choice and move forward!
If you’ve pulled the Four of Cups in your tarot reading, I’m really curious if the meaning made sense to you. Just leave a comment below.
Wille says
Hey, I really can’t say what the combination of these cards means for you! However, I get the feeling that there is something exciting coming your way….
Wille xxxx
Wille says
Thank you 🙂