Six of Cups

Upright meaning

An old friend or a happy memory warms your heart today.

Reversed meaning

Living too much in the past makes you miss the present. Let memories stay memories.

Six of Cups: picture and symbols

In a cozy village courtyard, an older child often hands a cup full of flowers to a younger one. Cups packed with blooms sit around them, with an old house and a passerby behind. The number six means harmony and sharing, and with Water it shows innocence, memories and unconditional kindness. Like snacks shared with a friend in a childhood alley, it brings to mind warm, simple joys.

Upright, in more depth

Upright, the Six of Cups is a day when good memories and old ties warm your heart. A former coworker may get in touch, or old photos may make you smile. The card says small kindnesses given without calculation bring big happiness. Hand a coworker a snack today or check in with a friend from your hometown. A song or food you loved as a child may ease a tired heart. It'll be a day of finding joy in simple things.

Reversed, in more depth

Reversed, you're lingering in the past too long. Thinking your old company was better, or replaying a past relationship, may make you miss today's chances. Memories are precious, but you've changed a lot since then. The card says keep the past beautifully and live today. You may also feel let down when an old connection reacts differently than you hoped. Accept that the past relationship had meaning in itself, and put your heart into the people beside you now.

When Six of Cups shows up

• When an ex or old friend comes to mind
  It leans toward keeping it as a good memory. Decide whether to reach out based on how you feel now.
• When a former job or coworker comes up
  A happy reunion or help may come. Let old contacts know how you're doing.
• When you're worn out and need comfort
  Simple pleasures are medicine today. Buy a snack you loved as a kid.

Cards that pair well

Three of Cups, Page of Cups. With the Three of Cups, a joyful reunion with old friends awaits. With the Page of Cups, innocent feelings and sweet news arrive.

FAQ

Does the Six of Cups mean getting back together?

It's often read as reconnecting with an old tie. Reconnecting doesn't necessarily mean returning to how things were, so judge past and present separately.

Is it bad to miss the past?

Not at all. Memories can give strength. But if comparing makes today unhappy, try bringing one good thing from the past into your present.

See the 1909 original art for this card →

About the Cups suit

The Water suit: feelings, relationships, love and comfort. It shows how your heart is flowing.