Four of Cups Tarot Card Meanings

Four of Cups Keywords

Upright

Introspection, meditation, re-evaluation, contemplation, soul-searching

Reversed

New perspectives, awakening, action, realization, outer-world focus

Four of Cups Description

The 4 of Cups in the Rider-Waite deck depicts a youth under a tree sitting with his arms crossed. He is unhappily gazing at three cups placed before him.

There is a strange hand emerging from a cloud, presenting a fourth cup, but he does not notice or does not care.

The card symbolizes apathy, reflection, and withdrawal of emotions. The posture of the figure conveys dissatisfaction or boredom even when there are new options on the table.

It tends to emerge when a person feels lonely or trapped emotionally. They may be brooding over past disappointments or caught in a state of stagnation.

The fourth cup offered by the divine hand represents an unseen potential or spiritual consciousness that can only be accessed by shifting one's perspective.

The 4 of Cups encourages us to see beyond our present emotional state and open ourselves to what is being presented. It may be healing, inspiration, or an opportunity to reconnect with purpose.

It can also indicate the necessity to withdraw temporarily to sort through feelings or get back in touch with one's true desires.

But it cautions against remaining closed off for too long, as it can result in lost opportunities.

In general, this card calls for introspection and invites a gentle opening to new emotional possibilities.

However, in if you look at the image of the 4 of Cups in the Tridevia deck, it reveals something much more different. Here is what you will see:

The woman sitting in the lotus pose symbolizes serenity, and she is seen meditating and resting from all senses and feelings.

The two empty cups facing up and two others facing down mean that not everything has to function all the time; there will be times when we have to break free from emotions.

At the top of the card, there are images of the sun and light, as a sign of daytime.

At the bottom, there are images of the moon and the stars, as a sign of night. Both denote that we need to work and then rest for a while, like the universe with its alternation of day and night.

The open eye symbol at the top symbolizes consciousness, and the closed eye at the bottom symbolizes rest.

Let's discuss the various associations with the 4 of Cups:

Astrology: Moon in Cancer
Chakra: Heart chakra.
Letter: D.
Element: Water.
Crystal: Amethyst.
Numerology: 4.

Let's elaborate this more:

Astrology: Moon in Cancer

The Moon in Cancer is the experience of deep emotional sensitivity, withdrawal, and introspection for protection. The 4 of Cups replicates this energy. The individual there withdraws emotionally, sorting things out by themselves.

Like the Moon in Cancer, there's a need for emotional safety, but it becomes too self-protective or sulky. The card marks the Cancerian need for meaning. However, the danger of becoming bogged down in emotional loops or trapped in memories.

Reflect: Asking yourself where you where you retreat emotionally instead of feelings your feelings. What part of you longs for emotional security. Dig deep and see if you are nurturing yourself or building walls.

Chakra: Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional receptivity. There is a blockage here in the 4 of Cups. That is a shut heart that refuses to open to new emotional experience.

Healing this chakra is inviting the person to release pain or disillusionment and allow love, gratitude, or connection to flow again.

When the heart is closed, as in this card, even divine gifts may go unrecognized.

Letter: D

The D letter in esoteric tarot practice (like Kabbalistic correspondences utilized by some readers) can apply to structure and grounding, akin to the four's stabilizing vibration.

Decision or discontent, "D" herein, can thus apply to inner turmoil of the 4 of Cups. It explores the value of remaining stagnant versus the necessity of embracing change.

Element: Water

Water controls the emotions, intuition, and subconscious. The 4 of Cups is emotionally profound but passive, like stagnant water.

The image is submerged in a contemplative, even dreamy, frame of mind. Water in this case is an inner tide: feelings building, yet still not expressed.

It indicates potential for emotional cleansing and renewal, if one again opens up.

Crystal: Amethyst

Amethyst will ease emotional healing, spiritual realization, and an unclouded mind. That is all the figure in the 4 of Cups needs.

Amethyst will liberate one from emotional stagnation and make one more spiritually receptive.

Numerology: 4

The number four represents structure, foundation, and stability, but stagnation if it's resisted.

In the 4 of Cups, the number indicates emotional foundations that are too fixed or unsatisfying. It's a stable emotional spot, but an unsatisfying one.

The message is to build on this emotional foundation instead of remaining stuck in it.

Amethyst promotes the quest within, which challenges one to convert apathy to understanding and spiritual renewal.

Affirmation: I open my heart to new possibilities and trust that what I need will come at the perfect time.

Let's now put the 4 of Cups to use. Let's begin by asking reflective questions after pulling this card. They are:

What am I currently ignoring or overlooking that could be a blessing in disguise
Am I protecting my heart, or am I shutting myself off from meaningful experiences?
What emotions or thoughts am I avoiding that need gentle acknowledgment and healing?

Let's now discuss how to meditate with the 4 of Cups This card is not merely about working the work but being the work. Meditation with the 4 of Cups serves to:

Reclaim presence and awareness
Recognize emotional numbness or detachment
Create space for divine insight
Reconnect with your heart’s true desire

How to Meditate with the 4 of Cups

Set the scene. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed
Sit comfortably or lie down, whatever helps you feel grounded yet open.
Light a candle, burn incense, or place a crystal like amethyst or rose quartz nearby to deepen emotional clarity.

Bring out the 4 of Cups. Gaze at the card (Rider Waite version or your chosen deck).
Notice the body language of the figure. Observe the cups: what's being offered, and what's ignored?
Ask yourself: What emotions or messages does this image stir in me?

Ground and breathe. Close your eyes.
Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale through the mouth.
Repeat for 3–5 rounds. Feel your body settle. Feel the Earth beneath you.

Enter the energy of the card. Visualize yourself as the figure under the tree.
Feel the breeze, hear the stillness.
Notice the three cups in front of you. What do they represent? What’s no longer fulfilling?
Then, see the mysterious fourth cup being offered.
Ask silently: What am I not seeing right now? What am I being invited to receive?

Stay and listen. Sit in stillness for 5–15 minutes.
Let thoughts and feelings come and go like clouds.
If your mind wanders, gently return to the imagery of the card.
Trust that what needs to rise will rise.

Journal your experience. After meditating, write down anything that came up: images, feelings, memories, insights.
Ask: What do I now see differently? What is my heart quietly craving?

Let's now discuss the 4 of Cups upright and in reverse in love, career, finances, soul searching, and manifestation.

Tridevia Tarot Deck is designed with 156 beautifully crafted positive affirmations in our guidebook ,uniquely aligned to both upright and reversed meanings of each card, to not only guide your readings but also help you manifest your dreams and awaken the divine Goddess within you.

Upright Four of Cups Meaning

If you’re considering making some changes in your life, you might feel hesitant to make a choice. Take time to meditate and let your inner feelings guide you.

Focus on the positive aspects and trust that your intuition is leading you to the right path.

Don’t think too much, but don’t make abrupt decisions either. Let the solution come to you peacefully and naturally.

Love (Upright)

Keywords: Apathy, Withdrawal, Disconnection

In love, the 4 of Cups suggests emotional withdrawal and dissatisfaction. You feel incomplete in a relationship or disappointed with dating.

There is someone who loves you or an opportunity for love, but you're not emotionally connected, perhaps due to past hurt or fear of vulnerability.

This card may suggest that a partner is emotionally withdrawing or that you are absent in your love life. It's a reminder to tune in and wonder what your heart truly wants.

Are you letting go of love because you're scared, or missing what's right before you?

Career (Upright)

Keywords: Stagnation, Disinterest, Missed Opportunity

The 4 of Cups for work suggests boredom, discontent, or stagnation in a job that no longer excites you.

You may be checked out mentally or simply phoning it in.

Despite the potential for growth, creativity, or change within your grasp, you're not seeing it. That is most likely because you're too caught up in what isn't working.

This card is asking you to reflect on your work life and where you've lost your spark. What will ignite your passion? The answer isn't necessarily to leave it all behind, but to change how you're doing what you're doing.

Money (Upright)

Keywords: Dissatisfaction, Ignoring Resources, Scarcity Mindset

Financially, the 4 of Cups can make you feel unsatisfied or dissatisfied with your current financial situation, even if things are relatively good.

There could be a focus on lack or what you don't yet have, rather than appreciating what you do have.

This kind of thinking can block new possibilities from arising or render you oblivious to them. It's a call to mind how to nurture appreciation and to maintain your sensitivity on the lookout for resources, offerings, or money ideas that might be just ahead of you.

Soul Searching (Upright)

Keywords: Contemplation, Emotional Recalibration, Inner Journey

The 4 of Cups is an inner call. It's a period of emotional readjustment, when you may be reevaluating your desires, path, or principles.

While it may feel like a sense of being stuck or an emotional low, this period of withdrawal is sacred, providing space to reflect on what matters most.

It's asking you to sit with your feelings, even the yucky ones, and observe what arises. What does it require healing?

What is it that you truly want from life? Don't rush the answers; they come from quietness.

This card advises you to attend to the interior quiet voice and to find value in the stillness.

Manifestation (Upright)

Keywords: Blocked Receptivity, Shift Perspective, Hidden Gift

When we're talking about manifestation, the 4 of Cups warns that your energy can be out of whack.

You could be praying to the Universe for something, but at the same time pushing away the very opportunities it brings to you.

The card tends to appear when you're dwelling on what's missing, which blocks you from receiving.

It's a reminder to shift your mindset. Sometimes the gift doesn't arrive in the way you imagine, but it's exactly what you need.

Keep your mind and heart open. Be receptive. Your manifestations are likely happening in subtle ways.

Cultivate gratitude and trust that even in subtle ways, something worthwhile is coming.

Affirmation

My intuition and my gut feelings are leading me to the right path.

Reversed Four of Cups Meaning

Your past may have been filled with negative emotions which left you feeling unmotivated.

In order to take your life back, you should stop living in the past.

Focus on the present moment and do the things you enjoy, in order to create a better future!

Be open for new experiences and release the old, repetitive actions which made you feel stagnant and stuck in life.

Love (Reversed)

Keywords: Emotional Reawakening, Openness, Second Chance

On the other hand, the 4 of Cups for relationships means a change of energy.

You may have just emerged from withdrawal from your feelings and begun to open yourself up again, to a current mate or the new beginnings.

If you have recently experienced heartache or a bout of indifference, you are now better equipped to engage with your emotions more actively.

This card also represents second chances at love, perhaps recognizing someone in a new way, or appreciating the beauty of something you once took for granted.

There is a new willingness to connect, mend, and love more consciously and with more openness.

Career (Reversed)

Keywords: Renewed Motivation, Fresh Start, Opportunity Seized

The 4 of Cups means rejuvenation in your job if reversed. You might be waking up to fresh possibilities, returning to work, or finally accepting an offer that was previously unappealing.

Where stagnation or boredom once existed, curiosity and motivation now prevail.

It may also indicate brightness, helping you identify areas that require transformation, prompting you to take proactive action.

It does not matter if the action you must take involves career transitioning, starting a side business, or realigning your purpose.

You no longer crave creative or emotional numbness in your work and are ready to move towards a more purposeful direction.

Money (Reversed)

Keywords: New Awareness, Financial Gratitude, Resourcefulness

In the reversed position, the 4 of Cups in finance signifies a turning point in which you begin to appreciate and notice your financial resources.

Perhaps you've been in a state of lack, but now you're seeing possibility again. It can indicate that you're more open to new financial opportunities, new income streams, or even assistance from others.

There is also a summons to be more innovative and proactive with your finances, making better use of what you already have.

By shifting your attitude toward money from one of scarcity to one of potential, you make yourself more available to abundance. You also leave room for unexpected financial growth.

Soul Searching (Reversed)

Keywords: Awakening, Breakthrough, Emotional Renewal

The 4 of Cups reversed indicates that you are emerging from a period of spiritual disconnection or inner fog.

If you've been feeling emotionally numb or stagnant, a breakthrough may be just around the corner.

You may have an "aha" moment regarding what's been blocking your joy or clarity.

A new desire to discover your soul's path and reconnect with what truly inspires you emerges.

Emotional healing is now possible, and you are more capable of engaging in your spiritual or inner work.

The card signals the end of a withdrawn, quiet period and the beginning of a more emotionally connected one.

Manifestation (Reversed)

Keywords: Energetic Shift, Alignment, Open to Receive

The 4 of Cups reversed suggests you're becoming more attuned to the current of manifestation.

You're beginning to understand what was holding you back. It is often your resistance or attitude holding you back.

Now, you're now more open to what the Universe can provide. You may have shifted your attention from what's missing to what's possible, which is powerful fodder for attraction.

This card may also suggest a willingness to act on intuitive urges and embrace the unusual forms your passions will assume.

Your vitality is building, and you're drawing more affirming possibilities by saying "yes" to life again.