Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Four of Cups Keywords

Boredom, apathy, disillusioned, discouragement, stuck, unaware, discontent, indifference, contemplate

Four of Cups Numerology

4

Four of Cups Astrology Zodiac

Water: Cancer

Four of Cups Tarot Suit

Minor Arcana, Suit of Cups

Journal Prompts for Four of Cups Tarot Card

– Am I taking my current circumstances for granted? (If so, how can I shift my attitude?)

– How can I make the most of my current situation/options/etc?

Four of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

A youthful, male figure sits cross-legged on a grassy knoll beneath a tree, in a state of contemplation. The tree’s branches of green leaves hang above his short, raven-haired head. He’s wearing a long-sleeved, red blouse with a gray/brown waistcoat; and blue leggings with brown shoes. His arms are folded and his gaze is fixated on three gold chalices, sitting on the grass before him. He doesn’t appear to notice the fourth chalice just off to his right side. It is being presented to him by a hand, extending from a small cloud, hovering in mid-air. 

*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

Four of Cups Upright

The Four of Cups upright often appears in a tarot reading during moments when you are potentially taking your circumstances for granted. You could be overlooking an option, answer or solution that is right in front of you. When the Four of Cups appears there may be a refusal or denial to see a situation/circumstance/etc for what it is. The saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side”, is often associated with this card, so apathy, boredom and/or a sense of dissatisfaction may be influencing you. 

At times, this energy can also be attributed to being over analytical about something during moments when you should be tuning into your gut and/or listening to your emotions instead. Additionally, make sure that you are not overlooking hidden blessings in disguise. 

The upright Four of Cups can be an indication of indifference or even disinterest when it comes to love/relationship(s). If you are single and this energy shows up, it is possible that you are not interested in committing to anyone right now. As a single person, the Four of Cups in an upright position could also mean that there is someone already around you who is interested in dating you. However, you could be dismissing them or you are simply unaware that they are an option. On the flip side, you could be showing an interest in someone who is unaware of it.

When it comes to committed relationships, the Four of Cups in a tarot card reading could mean that you and/or your partner are possibly feeling taken for granted by the other. One or both of you could be sensing and/or experiencing distractions and/or a lack of fulfillment in the connection. At times, this card can simply be a sign that the “honeymoon phase” of the relationship has passed. Things may have become overly settled into a routine that’s lost its excitement and the relationship could use a bit of a boost.

You may be experiencing distractions and/or indifference when it applies to your work aspects and/or career prospects. It is possible that you have not been able to complete tasks effectively or as easily. Your productivity levels may have dropped with the Four of Cups present. Emotionally, you may be feeling as if you are in a job that is going nowhere and/or bores you to the point of being unproductive.

The Four of Cups presenting in your finances may be an indication of dissatisfaction with your current income/resources. This card could even be an indication of envy and/or being distracted by what others have, rather than being content with your own current accomplishments in life. You may also be so fixated on what you lack that you aren’t seeing or taking advantage of the opportunities available to you right here, right now. You may even be disillusioned with money and/or all matters dealing with money and finances in general if this card has appeared in your reading.

Four of Cups Reversed

You are likely starting to notice the opportunities and/or possibilities around you, even if they are not all that you had hoped for. Additionally, this card could be describing someone who tends to “see the glass half full” rather than half empty. When the Four of Cups is reversed, you are encouraged to make the most of your current circumstances and/or options, if you aren’t already. There may even be a shift in perspective with this reversed card present. 

The reversed Four of Cups may suggest that you allow your imagination and intuition to guide you in your process. You have the ability to bring what you want into being by letting your creative mind motivate and inspire you. In other words, the Four of Cups reversed encourages you to start noticing the opportunities already around you and be open to seeing yourself, life, etc from a different perspective–you are ready.

In matters of love, if you are single, the Four of Cups reversed could be a sign that someone currently in your life is realizing their feelings for you. It is also possible that a preexisting love interest is going to make themselves known if they haven’t already. On the other hand, you may be realizing that you have feelings for someone who is already in your life and/or are ready to make a move. If you are recovering from a break up, this card could be an indication that you are ready to open your heart to love again. 

If you are in a relationship, the reverse Four of Cups is a positive sign that the connections is opening up to excitement and flow again. Any potential distractions or areas of disconnect, discontent, etc are also in a position to be addressed. You and/or your partner are excited and ready to turn things around. If there were any feelings of indifference or even disinterest, one or both of you are now open to seeing the possibilities. 

Your career should be gaining some momentum if things have slowed down and/or if you have felt unmotivated around work matters. It is possible that you are becoming more aware; and are starting to recognize opportunities and/or steps needed to make progress in your career. Additionally, you are ready to make the necessary changes to shift your perspective, attitude and/or circumstances.

You are focusing more on your own accomplishments and less on keeping up with or comparing yourself to others. Financially speaking, you are encouraged to not only make the most of your circumstances but to also recognize the blessings in disguise. When the Four of Cups is reversed, it is a sign that not only are you ready for the blessings, but you are able to see it and take advantage of it.