TarotCraft Lesson 203.05: The 5 of Cups

The 5 of Cups Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

When the 5 of Cups appears in a love reading, a romantic loss or setback is indicated. Other cards will need to be drawn to see if the situation can be resolved. A lover could be testing your loyalty and devotion, but only you can decide if this painful test is worth the prize.​

Image Description

A grey-haired figure shrouded in a black cloak looks at three Cups spilling red and green liquid onto the ground before them. Unnoticed behind them are two upright Cups with their contents intact. The land they stand on is barren, just dirt with no grass or plant life. Across the river is a castle surrounded by trees and plant life. A bridge is in the distance, behind the figure.
 
Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: Maybe
 
Amplified by: Death
Amplifier for: Death
 
Zodiac/Element: Mars in Scorpio
Dates: 23 October to 1 November
 
Traditional Name: Loss in Pleasure
Traditional Meaning: It is a card of loss, but something remains over; three have been taken, but two are left; it is a card of inheritance, patrimony, transmission, but not corresponding to expectations; with some interpreters it is a card of marriage, but not without bitterness or frustration. Reversed: News, alliances, affinity, consanguinity, ancestry, return, false projects.  
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

When this card appears, you may be reluctantly leaving something behind. It can denote loss and betrayal. You may be focused on what has been lost and not the upright cups that remain. Perhaps you are feeling tired and out of emotional reserves?
 
In a love reading, a romantic loss or setback is indicated. Other cards will need to be drawn to see if the situation can be resolved. A lover could be testing your loyalty and devotion, but only you can decide if this painful test is worth the prize. Note that if Death or the 10 of Swords comes up with the 5 of Cups, the relationship is definitely over, or won't get off the ground. 
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

When reversed, warm feelings and positive emotions begin to return. A way forward can be found. 
The bridge in the distance suggests there IS something to be salvaged in this situation (a bridge is a symbol of connection between two places or two states of being). It's not hopeless or over, but change does need to occur.
When pulled in a one-card "yes or no" draw, the 5 of Cups is a "maybe". All of the 5's of the Minor Arcana indicate a crossroads. There isn't a concrete path to be discerned yet. Pull another card for advice on how to move forward from this uncertain state. 
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge
 
Gift 
 
The Gift of this card is that what comes from the heart stays in the heart.  All is not lost. A way forward can be found.
 
Invitation 
 
The Invitation of this card is to accept and embrace that there are new opportunities and possibilities available to you now. 
 
Challenge 
​
The Challenge of this card is to move away from things that no longer serve you, no matter how comfortable and familiar they are. 
 
Go forward to Lesson 203.06 The 6 of Cups
 
Go back to Lesson 203.04 The 4 of Cups