The Six of Cups At the foot of a stone path in a garden leading to a fortress, a child wearing a red hood offers a cup brimming with flowers to a smaller child dressed like a grownup. At their feet are four more cups also filled with flowers, and a sixth cup perches on a pedestal at the base of the path. On the face of the pedestal is a shield with an X inside. In the background we see a figure walking back up the stone path – that of a guard or a watchman perhaps - carrying a spear.
Six of Cups

Time and again we reconnect.  Its like the universe nudges us to give it one more chance.

Nikki Rowe

Overview and common meanings of The Six of Cups 

When the Six of Cups shows up, it is an indication of memories and ties to old friends or lovers being renewed.  This is a time of nostalgia of a happy childhood and the “good old days.”  This is a great invitation to get in touch with your inner child and embrace a sense of the wonder, discovery, and playfulness that children bring to the world.  Alternative names in varying decks are Six of Shells, sentiment, joy, pleasure, and contentment. 

Common Meanings

Six of Cups tells us that sometimes, by revisiting your past, you can gain perspective on your path going forward. Other times the card can indicate the children that are around you. 

In a career related reading, Six of Cups can indicate that you will return to an old job that you once loved, or it could just be a sign of increased harmony and cooperation in your workplace.  If you are curious about finances, Six of Cups can be a sign of a surprise financial gift or an inheritance.  In love, the Six of Cups can be a sign of reuniting with an old lover.  If you have recently ended a relationship, the Six of Cups serves as a gentle reminder to shift your focus from the way a relationship once and see what it evolved (or rather devolved) into. 

The Many Faces of The Six of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the Six of Cups can indicate being stuck in the past.  Sometimes this being stuck in the past is a coping mechanism to avoid being present and moving forward in life.  Other possible shadow indications are regret, the need for forgiveness of self and/or others.  It also serves as a reminder that no person is an island, and there is a need to let walls down and let people in. Sometimes the shadow side of the Six of Cups is a reminder to not take yourself so seriously and remember to bring playfulness to your life. 

Description

At the foot of a stone path in a garden leading to a fortress, a child wearing a red hood offers a cup brimming with flowers to a smaller child dressed like a grownup.  At their feet are four more cups also filled with flowers, and a sixth cup perches on a pedestal at the base of the path.  On the face of the pedestal is a shield with an X inside.  In the background we see a figure walking back up the stone path – that of a guard or a watchman perhaps – carrying a spear. 

Themes of The Six of Cups

  • Allegiance
  • Bonds of friendship, love, history 
  • Contentment
  • Harmony
  • Love
  • Nostalgia
  • Past and Present
  • Playfulness
  • Reconciliation
  • Reuniting with old friends
  • Teamwork
  • Themes of your life
  • Youth

The Number 6

The embodiment of the heart and love.   Emotional relationships, compassion, empathy, and support. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Child with red hood – intended as a reminder of childhood and the past
  • Child dressed as an adult – a nod to fairy-tales
  • Flowers – spiritual blossoming and love
  • Watchman and Fortress – protection and safety

Herbs for The Six of Cups

  • Calendula – uplifting moods, restoring well-being, promotes relaxation
  • Damiana – enables us to be more open, and connected within ourselves and with others
  • Heliotrope – Cheerfulness, gaiety, prosperity, and protection
  • Lavender – love, devotion, purity – the innocent state of the soul
  • Sweet Pea – Bliss, love, harmony, thankfulness, and loyalty

Questions that the Six of Cups asks us

  • How can you embrace the enthusiasm of a child in your everyday life, and what would that bring to your present state of adulthood?
  • What lessons from your past are showing up for you to learn again?

That is the Six of Cups.  Wishing you a week of happy reunions and the lightheartedness of your childhood.  Please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for The Seven of Cups!