Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Four of Cups tarot card from the Rider–Waite–Smith deck: a young man sitting under a tree with arms crossed, three cups before him, a hand from a cloud offering a fourth.

A young man sits under a tree, arms crossed, ignoring a cup offered from a cloud. The Four of Cups is apathy and withdrawal — and the chance you may be overlooking.

Suit:Cups — Water
Keywords:apathy, contemplation, discontent, reevaluation
Reversed:renewed interest, saying yes, clarity
Yes or no:Not yet — look again

What the card shows

A young man sits under a tree with his arms crossed, staring at three cups. A hand from a cloud offers a fourth, but he does not see it.

He is so focused on what disappoints him that he misses what is offered.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Four of Cups shows boredom, dissatisfaction or emotional withdrawal. Reflection is useful, but do not miss new opportunities.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, motivation returns and you are ready to accept something new.

In love and relationships

In love it shows emotional distance or lack of interest. Ask what you really want.

In work and money

At work, boredom or feeling stuck. Look around — an offer may be closer than you think.

As advice

Uncross your arms and look at what is being offered.

In Marseille and Thoth

In the Tarot de Marseille the Four of Cups shows four cups arranged around a flower. In the Thoth deck the card is Luxury — pleasure that can become stagnant.

Questions to reflect on

What am I not seeing because I am disappointed?
What would excite me again?
What do I truly need?

Frequently asked questions

Is the Four of Cups negative?

It shows apathy, but also reflection and a chance you may be missing.

What does it mean in love?

Emotional distance or boredom.