Tarot Card Meanings
The Tarot Suits
FOUR OF CUPS
UPRIGHT KEYWORDS
Boredom, withdrawal, discontent, stale, uninterested, going within, self absorption
REVERSED KEYWORDS
A new outlook, mental breakthrough, inspired, being receptive
THE FOUR OF CUPS TAROT CARD DESCRIPTION
The Four of Cups shows a young man who is sitting on a hill under a tree all by himself. He appears to be contemplating or meditating. There are three cups in front of him sitting on the grass. Another cup is being offered to him by a hand in the air as a gift. He looks down at the three cups, unimpressed, and is unable to see the cup presented by the stretched arm because he is turned within. He has his arms and legs crossed which suggests self absorption.
Attributes:
Symbolizes: Boredom and withdrawal
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Cancer, scorpio and pisces
Element: Water
Represents: Contemplation
Number : 4
Advice: Contemplate your options and course of action carefully
Season: Spring
What you should know: If you are asking about a person, this card could indicate a stubborn person or they are emotionally unavailable.
Yes or No Card: Generally the Four of Cups upright is No. Reversed is a possible yes
General Four of Cups upright meaning:
The four of cups in tarot symbolizes a sense of boredom and discontentment with one's current circumstances. The figure in the card appears withdrawn and introspective, deep in thought as they contemplate their feelings of staleness and lack of fulfillment, not really caring about anything. It represents a period of self-absorption and introspection. The four of cups serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to look inward to find the answers we seek.
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Upright Love Meaning |
Upright Career Meaning |
Upright Finances Meaning |
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Stale love life, boredom in relationship, lost interest |
Unhappy at work, bored with job, unmotivated |
Unbalanced finances, financially stuck |
Upright Four of Cups Tarot Meaning: Love
The four of cups in a love reading often represents feelings of a stale love life, boredom in the relationship, or lost interest. This card suggests that you may be feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied with your current romantic situation. You may find yourself longing for something more exciting or meaningful in your relationship. It could indicate that you are overlooking potential opportunities for growth and connection because you are too focused on what is lacking. This card serves as a reminder to reflect on what truly matters to you in a partnership. If you are single you may have feelings of loneliness or lost the excitement to date, alternatively, it could be a potential suitor lost interest or vice-versa.
Upright Four of Cups Tarot Meaning: Career
The four of cups in a career reading often signifies feelings of being unhappy at work, bored with your current job, or lacking motivation to move forward. This card suggests that you may be feeling unfulfilled or uninspired by your daily tasks and responsibilities. The appearance of the four of cups can serve as a wake-up call to reassess your goals and desires in relation to your work life. Remember that it's never too late to make changes.
Upright Four of Cups Meaning : Finances
When the four of cups appears, it indicates unbalanced finances and feeling financially stuck. It serves as a warning not to become complacent or stagnant in managing one's money, but instead to take a step back and reassess how funds are being allocated.
Reversed General Four of Cups Tarot Meaning:
When the four of cups appears reversed in a tarot reading, it indicates the time of withdrawal and discontent is over and you have a new outlook and mental breakthrough. This card suggests that you are finally opening yourself up to new possibilities and being more receptive to the opportunities that surround you. This reversal indicates a shift in attitude and appreciation.
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Reversed Love Meaning |
Reversed Career Meaning |
Reversed Finances Meaning |
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Pro-active in love, engaging in romance, Making an effort |
New inspiration, new ideas at work, motivated |
Planning financial goals, positive outlook with finances |
Reversed Four of Cups Tarot Meaning: Love
When the four of cups is reversed in a love reading, it signifies being pro-active in love and your relationship and engaging in romance. If you are single, this card suggests that you are not content with just waiting for love to come to you; instead, you are actively seeking out romantic opportunities. You are making an effort to connect with potential partners and show them how much they mean to you. This card can also indicate reconciliation.
Reversed Four of Cups Tarot Meaning: Career
The Four of Cups indicates a shift towards embracing new inspiration and ideas at work. With a newfound sense of motivation and enthusiasm, you are encouraged to think outside the box and approach tasks with renewed creativity. Embrace change with an open mind as it could lead to exciting developments in your professional life.
Reversed Four of Wands Meaning : Finances
When the reversed four of cups appears in a financial reading, it suggests that you are actively planning your financial goals and taking steps to improve your situation. You may have been feeling stagnant or dissatisfied with your finances in the past, but now you are turning things around with a positive outlook and renewed determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
This card often shows up during periods of emotional boredom or disinterest — when life feels like it’s on repeat and nothing is sparking your enthusiasm. Even opportunities that would normally excite you might feel “meh.” The message isn’t that nothing good exists — it’s that your heart may need a reset. The 4 of Cups invites you to check in with yourself: Are you disconnected because nothing aligns with your deeper desires, or because you’ve stopped noticing what’s already around you?
This card often shows up during periods of emotional boredom or disinterest — when life feels like it’s on repeat and nothing is sparking your enthusiasm. Even opportunities that would normally excite you might feel “meh.” The message isn’t that nothing good exists — it’s that your heart may need a reset. The 4 of Cups invites you to check in with yourself: Are you disconnected because nothing aligns with your deeper desires, or because you’ve stopped noticing what’s already around you?
The lesson here is about awareness and engagement. It’s a reminder that tuning out — whether from boredom, disappointment, or emotional fatigue — can cause you to miss meaningful opportunities. The card encourages you to wake up to the present moment, examine what’s really causing your disinterest, and consider whether a shift in mindset (or even a small change in routine) could reignite your sense of purpose.
The lesson here is about awareness and engagement. It’s a reminder that tuning out — whether from boredom, disappointment, or emotional fatigue — can cause you to miss meaningful opportunities. The card encourages you to wake up to the present moment, examine what’s really causing your disinterest, and consider whether a shift in mindset (or even a small change in routine) could reignite your sense of purpose.
Both cards deal with emotional dissatisfaction, but their roots are different. The 4 of Cups is about apathy, boredom, or a lack of motivation — a kind of “emotional pause.” The 5 of Cups, by contrast, is about grief, regret, or loss. One is a sign you may be emotionally checked out; the other suggests you’re mourning what’s gone. Recognizing which one you’re experiencing helps you respond in a way that leads to healing or renewed inspiration.
Both cards deal with emotional dissatisfaction, but their roots are different. The 4 of Cups is about apathy, boredom, or a lack of motivation — a kind of “emotional pause.” The 5 of Cups, by contrast, is about grief, regret, or loss. One is a sign you may be emotionally checked out; the other suggests you’re mourning what’s gone. Recognizing which one you’re experiencing helps you respond in a way that leads to healing or renewed inspiration.