Six of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia, innocence, and emotional harmony rooted in the past. It represents happy memories, childhood connections, and acts of kindness. As part of the Cups suit—governed by the element of Water—it focuses on emotional reflection, sentimental experiences, and the comfort of familiar relationships or places.
Symbolism of the Six of Cups
In the Rider-Waite deck, the Six of Cups depicts a young boy giving a cup filled with flowers to a young girl, with other cups around them and a peaceful village in the background. This image highlights themes of generosity, childhood joy, and emotional purity. It evokes a sense of safety, warmth, and returning to simpler times.
Upright Six of Cups Meaning
Upright, the Six of Cups encourages reconnecting with joy, past friendships, or elements of your personal history that bring comfort. It can also indicate reunions, acts of generosity, or approaching life with a sense of emotional openness and playfulness.
Love & Relationships
In love readings, this card often points to a connection from the past re-entering your life or deepening emotional intimacy through shared history. It could be a soulmate or someone who feels very familiar. For couples, it encourages creating joyful memories and nurturing emotional closeness.
Career & Finances
In a career context, the Six of Cups may refer to revisiting an old job, project, or passion. Collaboration with long-time coworkers or returning to roots can be fruitful. Financially, this card supports giving and receiving support from trusted sources or family.
Spirituality
Spiritually, the card invites inner child work, emotional healing, and finding strength in past experiences. Nostalgia can bring comfort and clarity—especially when reflecting on your growth and where you’ve come from.
Reversed Six of Cups Meaning
Reversed, the Six of Cups can point to being stuck in the past, unrealistic nostalgia, or difficulty letting go of what once was. It may also suggest childhood wounds resurfacing or a reluctance to grow. This card calls for healing, release, and embracing the present.
Love & Relationships
In reversed love readings, the card can reflect clinging to a past relationship or idealized memories. It may be time to break free from emotional patterns that no longer serve. It also urges openness to new experiences in love rather than repeating history.
Career & Finances
Reversed in career, the Six of Cups could mean you're stuck in a cycle or afraid of leaving behind what's familiar. Avoid resisting necessary change. Financially, it may warn against sentimental spending or overly depending on family support.
Spirituality
Spiritually, this card reversed highlights a need to revisit the past for healing, not escape. Focus on moving forward while honoring the lessons learned from earlier experiences.
Key Associations
- Element: Water
- Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Scorpio
- Yes/No Meaning: Yes — especially when reconnecting or revisiting the past
- Timing: Within 6 weeks or during a time of emotional reflection
Tips for Working with the Six of Cups
Reconnect with your past without living in it. Use fond memories as fuel for the present. Let nostalgia guide healing—not hinder progress. Give generously, reflect openly, and share joy with those who feel like home.
Conclusion
The Six of Cups reminds us that the past can be a source of strength, healing, and joy. Whether upright or reversed, it speaks to the power of memory, childhood, and emotional renewal. Cherish what was—but always make space for what’s next.