A young man sits under a tree with crossed arms, staring at three cups and ignoring a fourth held out to him by a hand from a cloud. It is apathy, discontent and withdrawal: you do not see the gift in front of you.
Weariness and withdrawal, a gift offered and not seen.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Weariness, disgust, aversion, imaginary vexations; a new gift offered and not seen.
Reversed
Reversed, you wake up: you accept an offer, come out of apathy and re-engage with life; sometimes, you withdraw even deeper.
Waking from apathy, the gift seen at last.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Novelty, presage, new instruction, new relations.
In love
Upright Boredom in love, or ignoring someone who truly cares for you.
Reversed You become open to love again and notice who has been waiting for you.
In work
Upright Lack of motivation; opportunities are offered but you do not want them.
Reversed Renewed motivation; you finally say yes to an offer.
In money
Upright You overlook a financial opportunity because you are unhappy with what you have.
Reversed You notice a chance you had missed; it is not too late.
At home and in the family
Upright Emotional withdrawal at home; you are present, but not really there.
Reversed You reconnect with your family after a period of distance.
On your path
Upright Meditation and turning inward; contemplation that may hide a gift.
Reversed You awaken from spiritual apathy; something touches you again.
Its counsel
Upright Look again at what is being offered to you.
Reversed Accept the gift; stop waiting for a better one.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Cups
- Element
- Water
- Rank
- Fours: stability, foundations and rest
Cups
Ace of Cups · Two of Cups · Three of Cups · Five of Cups · Six of Cups · Seven of Cups · Eight of Cups · Nine of Cups · Ten of Cups · Page of Cups · Knight of Cups · Queen of Cups · King of Cups