The Four of Cups. Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed At his feet is a neat row of three cups. A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him.
Four of Cups

You must have a level of discontent to feel the urge to want to grow.

Idowu Koyenikan

Overview and common meanings of The Four of Cups

When The four of cups shows up, it is often to magnify restlessness and disenchantment, but it also reminds us that there is support for us and that others see our light even when we cannot. A time of reflection and meditation is called for.  This can also herald a time of new opportunities appearing in your life, that you are allowing to pass without taking advantage of – whether because you are too busy, or just don’t have the energy. 

This is a great time to tap into your inner knowing and identify what is truly important to you.   It can also indicate a possessive sort of sentimentality – not wanting to let go of what we have, regardless of whether it brings us joy.   It is a gentle suggestion to take the time to see the world around you and how much good there is in it.  Some other names, in varying decks are soul searching, re-evaluation, abundance.

Common Meanings

In relationship readings, if you are seeking one, Four of Cups gently reminds us that oftentimes we need to do the work of healing past relationship trauma before we are truly able to open to another in a fulfilling relationship.  If you are currently involved, it can indicate a time of boredom and emphasize the need to shake things up and inject some romance into your relationship.  It also serves as a caution against staying in relationships out of habit.

In a reading regarding work and home, Four of Cups may highlight feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction; the need to make a positive change.  Often you will find that these are small shifts to change the narrative of your perspective and it will feel like new life being breathed into the situation.   

The Many Faces of The Four of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal- of the Four of cups is much like the upright meaning, only magnified.  It is a good time to really take stock of what you want in your life and what changes you need to implement to make that happen, and oftentimes the only way to accomplish this is through a time of retreat and introspection.  Reversed, the crossed legs of the figure in the four of cups is reminiscent of the Hanged Man, and much like the hanged man holds the key to his own freedom, so, too, does the man in the four of cups.  Dig deep and figure out how to release yourself from self-imposed bondage of boredom and dissatisfaction. 

Description of the Four of Cups

Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed   At his feet is a neat row of three cups.  A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him. 

Themes of The Four of Cups

  • Boredom
  • Detachment
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Introspection
  • Meditation
  • Reflection
  • Restlessness
  • Weariness

The Number 4

Four is the number of stability, practicality and pragmatism; efficiency and strength; conservative development.  It denotes creativity, but the kind that builds a solid foundation.  In association with cups, the suit of emotions and feelings, number four can also indicate inertia and stagnation. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Male with crossed legs and arms – dissatisfaction, focus on lack, but also introspection and meditation
  • Tree – life and strength
  • Hand emerging from cloud – symbolic of new beginnings and hope
  • Cups – emotions, that which we feel and have. 

Herbs for The Four of Cups

  • Ashwagandha – calms the mind and lowers cortisol levels.  Helps with mental fatigue, stress, and exhaustion
  • Chamomile – gentle relaxant and nerve restorative for exhaustion
  • Licorice root – supports adrenals, which helps manage stress
  • Lemon Balm – calming and promoting trust, psychic/spiritual development.
  • Peony – for becoming receptive, opening to your spiritual gifts and intuition

Questions that the Four of Cups asks us

  • Are you so focused on what is imperfect in your life that you are missing out on the good?
  • How can you take advantage of this time of introspection and growth so that you emerge from this chrysalis as a glorious butterfly?

That is the Four of Cups.  If you have been feeling the need for change and growth, wishing you a week in which you find time to tap into your intuition and vision for your own highest and best good.  As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading if you feel so called.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Five of Cards!