Minor arcana · Cups (Water)
Five of Cups
Mourning what was lost and forgetting what remains.
- Keywords
- Loss · Grief · Regret · Mourning · What still remains
- Yes or no
- No
- Element
- Water
AdviceGrieve, and then turn towards what is left.
What it means
A figure in a black cloak looks at three spilled cups, with their back to the two that are still standing. The Five of Cups is grief and regret. The loss is real and deserves mourning, but the card reminds you that not everything is lost: there are still two cups behind you and a bridge to cross.
In love
Sadness, disappointment or a break-up to come to terms with. Something can still be saved.
At work and with money
A setback or a missed opportunity. Learn from it and turn to what remains.
Do you have a question for the cards?
Choose a reader and a spread: one card, three, or the full Celtic Cross.
Frequently asked questions
What does Five of Cups mean in tarot?
Mourning what was lost and forgetting what remains. Grieve, and then turn towards what is left.
What does Five of Cups mean in love?
Sadness, disappointment or a break-up to come to terms with. Something can still be saved.
What does Five of Cups mean for work?
A setback or a missed opportunity. Learn from it and turn to what remains.
Is Five of Cups a yes or a no?
In a yes or no question, Five of Cups usually says no, or not now. Mourning what was lost and forgetting what remains.
The illustrations come from My Daily Oracle’s own deck, drawn with the help of AI from the symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Tarot is a tool for reflection and self-knowledge, not for predicting the future.
Other cards of Cups
Ace of CupsTwo of CupsThree of CupsFour of CupsSix of CupsSeven of CupsEight of CupsNine of CupsTen of CupsPage of CupsKnight of CupsQueen of CupsKing of Cups