Four of Cups
Four of Cups
The Four of Cups depicts a young man sitting under a tree far away from the city or the commerce of others. His face bears a look of discontent and he is faced with a choice among the four cups before him. His arms are crossed in vexation and indecision and he appears confused and uncertain. The three cups at his feet represent the World and its attractions, the cup appearing from the cloud is the attraction of the Spirit and the inner life. This young man and his predicament suggests the story of the Buddha under the Bodhi Tree, contemplating the state of the Universe and unwilling to rise until he has reached the Truth.On this card, we see a man who is unaware of the cup being offered to him. He misses this gift of love because he's completely tuned within.
We encounter a young man, possibly a young woman, sitting cross-legged and cross-armed on a grassy knoll under a tree. Three full cups sit in front of him and a fourth cup is being offered to him by a small hand coming out the sky through a cloud. He is not taking the cup and indeed appears to be paying no attention to it whatsoever.
The Four of Cups indicates a time of uncertainty and decision and a turning inward to find the Truth for which one is searching. The young man turns his eyes from all the cups, not only the ones representing the World. In this sense, he indicates the need to look deep into our Self to discover the answers we seek. External influences can be distracting and may not lead us to the goal we seek even if those influences purport to be of a spiritual nature. The young man is involved in the difficult process of Individuation which Jung speaks of and which can only occur in the solitude of his own spirit.When you encounter the Four of Cups there is a sense that it is time for a reevaluation of your situation and a need to look deep within your own psyche to find understanding.
You need to re-evaluate things. If you are bored or dissatisfied with the status quo, avoid distractions and examine your heart of hearts to gain clarity. "Crying over spilt milk" or saying, "I told you so" is not attractive.
Those who enjoy kayaking and other river sports know that there are areas of the river where the water flows in a dangerous circular motion. Instead of moving forward, it turns back on itself. Such a spot can be almost impossible to escape from. In the same way, we can get stuck in emotional hydraulics. The Four of Cups represents such periods of self-absorption. If you are self-absorbed, you refer everything back to your own interests and desires - nothing much gets in or out.
In readings, the Four of Cups can indicate that you are caught for the moment in your own reveries. Sometimes you must focus on yourself. When demands are too great, you need to devote time and energy to yourself or you will feel swamped. The Four of Cups can also represent a positive period of self-reflection and renewal. Be careful, though, not to continue this soul-searching for too long. The Four of Cups is sometimes a sign of apathy. You don't care much about anything, and yet you feel discontented too. There is no movement forward. Nothing pleases and nothing satisfies.
In readings, the Four of Cups can show that you're stuck emotionally. You need something to focus on that will so engage your mind and heart that your path down river becomes clear again. Sadly, you will feel least like doing this when you are apathetic. Be aware of this problem, and open yourself to your surroundings. Soon you will be on your way again.
The Four of Cups means disappointment in someone or in a situation. You may become tired of the same old struggle that has been carried on too long in the past. The end result may include disappointment in the final result.
Your business will increase and/or a commission, assignment, or offer of employment is on the horizon. You will be disheartened by some and supported by others, and a member of your immediate family may soon have to travel.
One avenue of interpretation is that of apathy or indifference. That a complete satiation has occurred and the man cannot be tempted no matter how attractive the situation is that the cup is offering. Rather like the bringing out of the loaded dessert cart filled with mouth-watering delicacies, just after an equally mouth-watering full-course meal has just been consumed. The awareness is there that the taste would be fantastic-- but just not at that time. No interest is generated. Not that it would not be of interest at a later time.
Another interpretation is that of defensiveness. This can be noticed in the body language displayed in the crossed arms and legs of the man. He may not be sure of what the cup has to offer. How would it change his life if he accepted it? Possibly he had been hurt emotionally before, as this is the suit of cups, and he is fearful to expose himself to that again. He has not rejected the cup either. This card is therefore saying that a new opportunity, possibly a romance, is being presented at this time. It is the time for contemplation, research and meditation. The cup will continue to be there and the decision to accept or reject it can be made later when all of the answers are in, and it feels right emotionally. No immediate action is required.
The querent wants or needs a job or new source of income, or has an obsessive desire for someone or something. No matter what it looks like now, there is still an avenue for fulfillment.
A Pause. Discontent. Boredom. Tested relationships through negative attitudes. Considers an affair. A difficult situation caused by someone trying to do well. Stability in relationship. Familiarity breeds contempt. A new start needed to renew spark. New interests, activities and friends are needed. Tested relationships.
New relationship now possible. There is a desire for work and accomplishment and new goals.There is a good possibility that an offer will come your way, but you must work hard to go out and get it.
You are missing an opportunity that is sitting right under your nose! Look around you to see opportunities you may have missed.
For purification and to consciously separate yourself before the ritual from who you will be when it is done, prepare a bath. Turn down the lights. Add a cup of sea salt to your bath water. As you bathe, breathe deeply and say this affirmation, "Though I may have lost my way, the light of truth has saved the day. Now every day, in every way, I am getting better and better."