Five of Cups is about losing. In this Letter, we see a figure dressed in dark color and covered with pain. He dominates the card so much that it is difficult to look beyond him. The Five of Cups refers to the moment when the pain of a loss is sharpest. This woman just looks at the cups overturned in front of her. For now, he cannot recognize the cups that are still standing. Later, when you've healed a little, you'll be able to see all that's left.
In the readings, the Five of Cups can alert you to the possibility of a loss and its associated emotions: sadness, repentance, denial. The loss can be large or small. It can be tangible (money, possession, relationship, work) or intangible (dream, opportunity, perspective, reputation). You may already know what this card represents, but if not, use it as a warning to help you avoid a loss, or at least reduce its cost.
You may feel discouraged by this card, but it has a positive side. Each loss opens up new possibilities for growth because each loss initiates change. The loss hurts because it is our emotional resistance to change. No matter how much we intellectually accept that we must go with the current, if that current separates us from what we love, our feelings say, “No!
The Five of Cups represents our dependence on others. On this card we tend to hold on too much to people's promises or words. It also embodies the disappointment suffered when reality does not match the expectations created.
When people fail to fulfill their commitments, we feel disappointed or betrayed. People are not perfect, they often promise more than they can give, but that doesn't mean they don't love him. That's why this card encourages us to look forward instead of lamenting or relying on those broken promises.
Disillusionment, disappointment, sadness, live in the past.
Lost, Grief, Lament, Trust too much in others, affectionate, be more rational.