Five of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

A cloaked figure mourns three spilled cups, not yet noticing the two still standing behind. The Five of Cups is grief and regret — and the hope that remains.

• Suit:Cups — Water
• Keywords:loss, grief, regret, disappointment
• Reversed:acceptance, healing, moving on
• Yes or no:No — grieve first

What the card shows

A figure in a black cloak bows over three spilled cups. Two cups still stand behind, and a bridge leads across a river to a house.

Loss is real, but not total.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Five of Cups shows sadness, disappointment and regret. Allow the grief, then turn to what remains.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, healing begins: acceptance, forgiveness and moving on.

In love and relationships

In love it describes heartbreak or regret. Healing is possible.

In work and money

At work, setbacks or a lost opportunity. With money, a loss that can be recovered from.

As advice

Mourn what is gone, then turn around and see what still stands.

In Marseille and Thoth

In the Tarot de Marseille the Five of Cups shows a central cup among four. In the Thoth deck the card is Disappointment.

Questions to reflect on

• What still remains for me?
• What do I need to grieve?
• What would help me cross the bridge?

Frequently asked questions