TAROT CARDS: FOUR OF CUPS
If you are depressed, you are living in the past, if you are anxious, you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.”
Lao Tzu
DESCRIPTION
A man is sitting under a tree with his arms and legs crossed. Three cups lay in front of him, while another is offered by a hand emerging from a cloud. He doesn’t seem to care about the gifted cup or the ones he already has.
The Four of Cups depicts apathy. It is one of those times when you feel there is something missing in your life yet lack the motivation to go after it. In the imagery, the man is too wrapped up in his own head that he doesn’t notice the fourth cup being offered.
Whenever you are bored and uninspired in your day-to day life and you draw this card, remember: Gratitude will not only fill your present moment with joy and fulfilment, but also will allow you to go from where you are to where you want to be in life.
On a positive note, the Four of Cups shows a period of self-reflection and isolation when life gets too stressful. If this is the case, be prepared to let go of your attachments and things that weigh you down, so that you can freely explore your imagination and open yourself to infinite possibilities.
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Number 4 represents safety, security and groundedness.
Four of Cups Keywords
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- Apathy
- Contemplation
- Alone time
- Daydreaming
UPRIGHT
REVERSED
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- Closing the heart
- Pessimism
- Lack of action/effort
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Upright Four of Cups
Guidance: The Four of Cups shows that you’ve been feeling unsatisfied, unmotivated or bored in some aspects of your life. The result can be overlooked or missed opportunities. Everybody has a passion and purpose in life, sometimes you just need to recapture that spark which keeps you going forward. Take some alone time to re-evaluate your course if you need to.
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Love: Whether you are in a relationship or single, the Four of Cups can often suggest discontentment in your current emotional state. This is when you dream about having a different life, you don’t share much anymore, or you think there is no better option. If you feel unhappy and worn out in your relationship, you need to be honest with yourself when it comes to your wants and needs. If you are single, re-discovering your confidence can help you see the love opportunities that already in front of you. It could also represent your interest not being returned by the person to whom you have declared your love.
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Work/Finances: The Four of Cups talks about a personal roadblock. Maybe you are unhappy with your work, stuck with feelings of regret and weariness. What you need to remember is, change doesn’t come if you don’t allow it. This card shows that there are new and exciting opportunities for you right now, in terms of both finances and work. So, before you instantly dismiss an offer, carefully consider it. Having a gratitude mindset brings happiness, and ultimately the success you desire.
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Health: The Four of Cups often hints to negative mindset, stressful life and tiredness. If you feel drained all the time, pay close attention to how you sleep, eat and manage stress in your daily life. Don’t ignore the signs from your body. Alternatively, it can indicate lack of motivation and effort to improve your wellbeing.
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Spirituality: Instead of feeling hectic and scattered, the Four of Cups invites you to take a deep breath, slow down your mind and enjoy the present moment. Only you know what is in your heart, what your purpose is. Now it is time to connect with that and bring it to surface. Whenever you feel empty, sad or confused; come back to that peaceful present again.
Guidance: This reversal shows up when something didn’t turn out as planned, and your reaction is to be mentally checked out in life. But life will keep piling on unless you take control. The Four of Cups invites you to be more proactive in your life. You have the driving force in you to act, not merely to be acted upon.
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Love: The Four of Cups reversed represents emotional withdrawal. After a disappointing situation, if you are taking some time to contemplate on what’s best for you, that’s great. However, if you are dwelling on the past, worrying for the future, and ignoring the present; now it is time to pull yourself out from this mindset. Only you can take the necessary action to live your happiest life. If you are single, let go of resentments and open up yourself to love, especially to your own. Unrequited or one-sided love can be other interpretations.
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Work/Finances: You felt displeased and disappointed with the way things have turned out. After a period of introspection, now it is time to but your ideas into action. This reversal advises you to act on your own initiative but be prepared to assume full responsibility for your decisions. If you waste time on past regrets, you won’t be able to see the opportunities in the present.
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Health: Now it is time to be proactive with your health. When it comes to healthy decisions, every small change makes a big impact. Get more active, take care of your body, do joyful activities to nurture your emotional health. Spending quality time with yourself is another way to increase your energy and happiness in your life.
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Spirituality: When you are displeased of where your life is going, your initial instinct can be closing the doors and shutting down emotionally. Yet spiritual growth accelerates when you are open to all possibilities, without fear and regret. If you feel stuck in your life, listen to your intuition and your heart for guidance: they will always tell you your truth.
