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Six of Cups

Cups · 6 of 14

Six of Cups: tarot card meaning

The Six of Cups is the sixth card of the suit of Cups in the Minor Arcana of tarot. In a reading, the upright card is read as nostalgia, childhood and reminiscence, and the reversed card as severed connection, profound isolation and diminished capacity for joy. In the Rider-Waite deck, we see two children exchanging cups, with one child offering a flower to the other.

Upright
nostalgia, childhood, reminiscence, gathering, joy, the past, returning to one's roots
Reversed
severed connection, profound isolation, diminished capacity for joy, detachment from one's origins, unresolved childhood trauma, lingering resentment, existential alienation

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The meanings follow the Rider-Waite-Smith deck Vrachka editorial team Editorial Policy

The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia, memories, and innocence. In the background, houses are visible in the distance, symbolizing home and the past. The card is infused with a sense of joy, purity, and guilelessness, reminding us of childhood, carefree days, and moments of shared happiness.

In the foreground, six cups are neatly arranged, suggesting harmony and balance. Cups, in general, symbolize emotions, relationships, and intuition. The Six of Cups invites us to return to our roots, to those memories that bring us comfort and joy. It is a card of connecting with the past, whether that involves specific people, places, or experiences.

The Six of Cups reminds us of the importance of friendship, family, and community. It encourages us to cherish our bonds with those who know us best and love us unconditionally. The card often speaks of reunions with old friends or revisiting familiar places.

Six of Cups upright

This period of your life is filled with emotional fulfillment and joy. The card suggests it is a good time to look back at your past and draw useful lessons from it. You may find an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, return to a place that holds special significance for you, or revisit cherished childhood memories.

The upright card encourages you to pay attention to your relationships with family and friends. It calls upon you to appreciate the people who have been by your side throughout your life. The Six of Cups urges you to release negative emotions and focus on the positive aspects of the past. This is a time for inner healing and finding solace in nostalgia.

Another meaning of the upright card is related to giving and receiving. It encourages you to be generous with others and share your joy. You may receive unexpected help or support from someone from your past. The Six of Cups reminds you that you are not alone and that there are people who love and value you.

Six of Cups reversed

There is a risk of getting stuck in the past. Memories might take such a strong hold on you that moving forward feels difficult. The card cautions against idealizing the past or trying to recreate it exactly. It is important to learn the lessons of the past without allowing it to limit your future.

The reversed card can indicate issues in relationships. It is possible that unresolved conflicts from the past are surfacing. You may also feel disconnected from your family and friends. The Six of Cups advises you to attempt to mend these bonds and overcome these challenges.

Another meaning of the reversed card is related to a lack of emotional maturity. You may be acting like a child in certain situations or expecting others to take care of you. The Six of Cups calls on you to take responsibility for your emotions and learn how to navigate life's challenges. You must release past traumas and focus on the present and future.

Love and relationships

In a romantic context, the upright Six of Cups predicts the revival of old relationships or the reappearance of a past love. If you are single, you may meet someone with whom you share a history or common memories. If you are in a relationship, the card may indicate that your bond will become stronger and more intimate. You may return to the memories of your relationship's beginning and rediscover the joy within it.

The upright Six of Cups can also mean that you are ready to let go of past connections and focus on the present. It encourages you to forgive former partners and move forward. This is a time for emotional healing and discovering new love.

In the reversed position, the card warns of problems in your love life. You may have unresolved issues from past relationships affecting your current situation. You might feel insecure or have difficulty trusting your partner. The reversed Six of Cups advises you to face your issues and work through them; otherwise, you risk losing the person by your side.

If you are single, the reversed card may indicate that you are stuck in the past and not ready for a new relationship. The Six of Cups advises you to release negative emotions and focus on yourself. Only then will you be ready for new love.

Career and finance

In the realm of career, the upright Six of Cups may foreshadow a return to old projects or working with people from your past. You may receive a job offer from a former colleague or return to work you have done before. The card encourages you to utilize your past experience and apply it to your current work.

If you are looking for a new job, the upright Six of Cups may mean you should reach out to people from your past. They can help you find a position or provide valuable advice. The card also indicates that your work may be related to children, education, or caring for others.

In the reversed position, the card warns of career challenges. You may have difficulty adapting to new working conditions or experience conflicts with colleagues. The reversed Six of Cups advises you to be careful and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Financially, the upright Six of Cups may signal receiving money from the past. You might receive an inheritance, compensation, or see a debt repaid by someone. The reversed card warns of financial problems. You may have difficulty managing your money or risk being deceived. The Six of Cups advises caution and warns against making impulsive decisions.

Health and well-being

This is an interpretation in the tarot tradition. For your health, ask a doctor.

In the context of health, the Six of Cups encourages you to connect with childhood memories and recall moments of joy and carefreeness. This can help you manage stress and improve your emotional state. The card advises you to take care of yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy.

The reversed Six of Cups may indicate that you need to release negative emotions that are affecting your health. You may be experiencing issues with digestion or your immune system. The card advises you to consult a specialist and take care of your physical health.

The Six of Cups encourages you to focus on your emotional well-being. Tend to your inner child and learn to manage stress. Connect with friends and family who support you and make you feel good.

Yes or no

The Six of Cups generally answers "Likely Yes," especially if the question is related to the past, friendships, or emotional fulfillment. The card suggests a positive outcome if you connect with your roots.

A yes or no answer with one card

Combinations with other cards

The Six of Cups and Two of Wands: This combination suggests planning for the future while drawing inspiration from the past. It may involve a new project based on old ideas or returning to an old dream.

The Six of Cups and The Chariot: This combination speaks of a journey connected to the past. You may be planning a trip to a place that has special significance or returning to old habits.

The Six of Cups and Eight of Swords: This combination shows that you are trapped in the past and cannot move forward. You may have negative thoughts or fears that are limiting you.

The Six of Cups and Queen of Cups: This combination speaks of a strong emotional connection with a woman from your past: perhaps your mother, grandmother, or a close friend.

The Six of Cups and The Sun: This combination is exceptionally positive. It signifies happiness, joy, and a return to childhood innocence. Everything related to the past will bring positive results.

Six of Cups

Frequently asked questions

What does the Six of Cups mean in love?

In love, the Six of Cups often predicts a return to past relationships or an encounter with someone from your history. The card indicates an opportunity for renewing feelings or finding a new love based on shared memories and experiences.

What is the meaning of the Six of Cups as advice?

As advice, the Six of Cups encourages you to connect with your past and extract lessons from it. It also advises you to cherish your bonds with family and friends.

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The cards on this page are from Vrachka's deck; the descriptions of the pictures follow the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.