The 5 of Cups (Mars in Scorpio) is a card that usually represents loss, disappointment, and emotional turmoil in a reading. The 5 of Cups as feelings in a love and relationship Tarot reading often shows up around or shortly after a break-up. When this happens, it’s a stark visual representation of the sense of loss we feel when a love relationship is ending. The classical Waite Smith Tarot depicts a figure cloaked in black, mourning over three spilt cups while two full cups stand behind them. This imagery symbolises the tendency to focus on what has been lost rather than appreciating what remains.
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In today’s in-depth article about card meanings for the 5 of Cups as feelings and for all aspects of the love relationship, we also look at how to use the 5 of Cups in an angelic love Tarot ritual for transmuting loss and grief. Finally, we use the 5 of Cups-inspired Tarot Spread for heart healing and new beginnings in love.
5 of Cups as Feelings of a Love Interest (Upright)
When the 5 of Cups appears upright in a reading about a love interest’s feelings, it suggests they may be experiencing deep emotional pain or regret. They might be dwelling on past hurts or failures in the relationship or a previous relationship, unable to see the growth potential. This aligns with the concept of rumination, leading your love interest to fixate on negative experiences.
5 of Cups as Feelings when Reversed or Ill-dignified
Reversed, the 5 of Cups can indicate a shift towards acceptance and healing. Your love interest may be starting to move past their grief or disappointment, recognising the value in what remains. This resonates with the recovery phase in Duck’s Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown, where individuals begin to rebuild their sense of self and hope for the future.
However, when the 5 of Cups appears ill-dignified, it often amplifies feelings of regret, disappointment, and pessimism. This card can indicate a tendency to dwell excessively on past losses or failures, leading to a sense of stagnation and an inability to see the potential for new opportunities. It may also suggest false starts or unrealistic expectations, where one might feel overwhelmed by anxiety or a sense of being trapped in negative emotions
5 of Cups When Single and Looking
For singles, the 5 of Cups suggests you may be holding onto past heartbreaks, preventing you from fully embracing new opportunities for love. It’s a reminder to process your grief but not let it overshadow potential new connections. This relates to the concept of comparison levels in Social Exchange Theory, where past experiences influence expectations for future relationships.
5 of Cups As Your Attachment Style in the Relationship
The 5 of Cups can indicate an anxious-preoccupied attachment style. You may be prone to focusing on negative aspects of the relationship, fearing abandonment or loss. This can lead to behaviours that create a self-fulfilling prophecy, potentially pushing your partner away.
5 of Cups As the Attachment Style of Your Love Interest
If representing your partner’s attachment style, the 5 of Cups suggests they may struggle with trust and emotional vulnerability due to past hurts. They might exhibit avoidant behaviours, keeping emotional distance as a form of self-protection.
5 of Cups As the Energetic Connection
The 5 of Cups in this context indicates a relationship clouded by unresolved grief or resentment. There may be a lack of emotional intimacy as both partners struggle to move past previous disappointments. The commitment component may be weakened by lingering negative emotions.
5 of Cups As the Potential Outcome
As a potential outcome, the 5 of Cups warns of the risk of letting past hurts dictate the future of your relationship. It encourages addressing and healing emotional wounds to prevent them from sabotaging potential happiness. While a break-up is likely, there is still a chance that working through difficulties can strengthen the relationship if surrounding cards indicate that both parties are willing to do so.
5 of Cups in a Relationship Breakdown
In a relationship breakdown, the 5 of Cups represents the grieving process. It may indicate a period of mourning the loss of the relationship and coming to terms with change. This corresponds to the grave-dressing phase in Duck’s Model, where individuals process the end of the relationship.
Angelic Love Tarot Ritual with Archangel Gabriel for Transmuting Loss and Grief
To perform this ritual, you’ll need:
- The 5 of Cups tarot card
- A blue candle
- A quiet, comfortable space
- Begin by creating a sacred space. Light the blue candle, symbolising the healing waters of emotion.
- Hold the 5 of Cups card in your hands and close your eyes. Take several deep breaths, centring yourself.
- Invoke Archangel Gabriel by saying: “Blessed Archangel Gabriel, ruler of the Element of Water, I call upon your healing presence. Guide me through the waters of emotion and help me transmute my grief into wisdom.”
- Visualise a soft, silver light emanating from the card, enveloping you in peace and comfort.
- Reflect on your loss, allowing yourself to feel the emotions fully. As you do, imagine the silver light transforming your pain into understanding and growth.
- When ready, open your eyes and gaze at the flame of the blue candle. See it as a beacon of hope and new beginnings.
- Close the ritual by thanking Archangel Gabriel and affirming: “I release my grief and embrace healing. I am open to new love and joy in my life.”
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
5 of Cups Tarot Spread for Heart Healing
- Your current emotional state
- The lesson to be learned from your past relationship
- A hidden strength you possess for healing
- An action to take to release lingering grief
- A way to open your heart to new love
- The potential for love in your near future
How to use this spread:
- Begin by shuffling your deck while focusing on your desire for healing and new beginnings in love.
- Lay out the cards in the pattern described above.
- Interpret each card in relation to its position:
- Card 1 gives insight into your current emotional landscape.
- Card 2 reveals an important lesson from your past relationship to carry forward.
- Card 3 uncovers a strength you may have overlooked that can aid in your healing.
- Card 4 suggests a practical step to help you process and release remaining grief.
- Card 5 offers guidance on how to prepare yourself for new love opportunities.
- Card 6 provides a glimpse into the potential for love as you move forward.
- Reflect on how the cards interact with each other, looking for patterns or themes that emerge.
- Consider journaling about your insights from this spread, focusing on actionable steps for healing and growth.
This spread aims to help you process your past, recognise your inner strength, take concrete steps towards healing, and open yourself to new possibilities in love. Remember, healing is a journey, and this spread can be revisited as needed to support your progress.
Love Tarot Card Meanings + Rituals Index
