The Four of Cups has several meanings.
This card represents saying ‘no’ to opportunities presented to you for various reasons.
It also can mean boredom, apathy, contemplation, and meditation.
There would be various reasons you would decline opportunities presented to you.
Firstly, you don’t feel the chances are right for you, so you say ‘no.’
You want to make sure that you have room for opportunities in the future that could be meaningful to you.
Or perhaps your plate is complete, so you cannot take anything else on, no matter how enticing it appears.
Or maybe you are afraid to take on anything since you have been hurt or scammed in the past.
Whatever the reason, you are declining an opportunity being presented to you.
The Four of Cups may also mean you are bored and dissatisfied with your current life and position.
You may struggle with motivation and apathy, especially if you are going through the motions in life.
And finally, it may represent meditation and contemplation.
You are going inward to get more clarity as you shut the world off around you.
You may be in a position where you have to retreat.
Before getting into more of the Four of Cups, let's go over the history and appearance of the card.
The History And Appearance of the Four of Cups
The Four of Cups is a tarot card that has been around for centuries.
Its origins are unknown, but it is believed to date back to the 15th century.
When you look at the Four of Cups tarot card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, you will see a young man sitting beneath a tree as he crosses his arms, and you see he is contemplating and meditating.
He is also lost in his thoughts and does not notice someone offering him a cup.
There are three cups at his feet, but he is so lost in his thoughts that he does not even acknowledge them.
Those cups represent opportunities, but he is not paying attention to them because he either doesn't care or doesn't feel he is the right fit for them.
Now, let's discuss the meaning of the Four of Cups in a reading.
The Four of Cups In A Reading
The Four of Cups is a tarot card that typically indicates a time of introspection or boredom.
You may be feeling disconnected from your current situation or like you're in a rut.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing - it can be a sign that you need to take time to figure out what you really want.
If you get that card in a reading, then that is what it could mean.
Getting the Four of Cups in a reading can also signify that you are missing out on something or that you need to pay more attention to your spiritual side.
Either way, the Four of Cups reminds you to stop and take stock of your life and ensure that you are on the right path.
This card can also suggest that you have been neglecting your own needs, and it's time to start paying attention to them again.
Finally, getting the Four of Cups in a reading can also indicate a need for more rest - you may have been pushing yourself too hard recently, and you need to take some time to recharge your batteries.
It can also suggest that you feel lonely or isolated, and it's time to reach out to others.
The Four of Cups can also signify that you are feeling overwhelmed by your current situation, and you need to take a step back and reassess your options.
And finally, this card can indicate that you are bored with your current situation and are ready for something new.
Let's go back to some storytelling.
The four represent stability, manifestation, and structure.
Let's review the new mother who had her baby, representing the Three of Cups.
However, the new mom feels stuck, bored, and tired of having to tend to the baby and misses her work.
That does not mean she does not love her baby.
But if you are a parent, you know that caring for infants is exhausting and not stimulating, and you need outside stimulation.
Others may even offer to help, but she may decline because she believes she has to do everything since she is now a mom!
That is the Four of Cups right there.
And the thing is, many of these moms suffer in silence because they fear others will judge them.
And the danger of keeping those emotions in and not accepting help is that it can increase the chances of postpartum depression.
Now, let's go over the Four of Cups in reverse.
Four of Cups Reversed
The Four of Cups, in reverse, shows that you are retreating due to life being difficult around you and avoiding problems.
You are in denial that there are issues, but the thing is, you cannot ignore them too much.
Those issues will still be there.
Personally, the way I see the Four of Cups in reverse is when you are struggling with a mental illness, and you are keeping it quiet within.
I said I would not talk about Risa Green anymore, but I can't help but think of her when I envision the Four of Cups reversed.
Between unmanaged trauma and depression, not only was she in denial that she had some significant problems, but she retreated.
You can say that the upright Four of Cups resonated with her, too, since she was apathetic and bored, but she made it clear she would rather stay there than do anything about it.
However, if you struggle with any mental illness and are having some challenges at a certain point, you will resonate with the card position-wise.
So let's talk about how to apply the Four of Cups to your life.
How To Apply The Four of Cups To Your Life
It seems strange to want to apply this type of card to your life, but really it is one where you need to sit back and be contemplative.
You need to think about some opportunities headed your way, and you have the urge to pass them up.
Why are you passing them up? Is it fear behind it?
Because that is the most common reason to pass up that comes your way.
Of course, if the opportunity legitimately does not interest you because it does not align with your what you want, that is one thing.
However, if you pass up the opportunity because you don't know if you should take it, you are allowing anxiety and fear to take over.
Even though you are at a job you don't like, the Four of Cups will help you pinpoint why you fear taking it as you must pull back and be contemplative.
Leaving your comfort zone can be scary. I understand that.
But that will hurt you in the long run if you don't go for it. That is one example of how to use this card in your life.
The next card I will go over is the Five of Cups.
Episode 057: Four Of Cups Tarot Card