Introduction: The 5 of Cups is another card which reminds us that where we put our focus in life has a great deal to do with the quality of our lives and how well they work for us. What are you going to choose to focus on?
General: In most tarot decks, most depictions on each card give solid guides toward interpretation, for this card, this is more than usually the case. Most often, a sad or downcast figure is shown, with five cups. Three are spilled, and two remain upright and whole. The implication is extremely clear; are you going to cry over “spilt milk” or are you going to focus on the “milk” you still have, and get on with things? The point is: watch where you put your focus and make sure that the focus is for your highest good.
Work: If you are trying to find work when this card comes up, try not to get too worked up if there are delays. Things with applications, resumes, and such, will likely be moving slowly. Be pro-active but not pushy. When this card appears (and the question is about work…) it can be a signifier that you are actually in the wrong job. Consider what you would like to be doing. Take steps toward making it happen.
Love: A love relationship you are in may have just ended or may be about to start the process of ending. You must realize that “all is not lost.” You are probably not yet ready to move into a new relationship. Give yourself some time and space…then get back out there. There will come a day when you realize that the reason this relationship ended was to get you to the place you “really want to be,” which is in a relationship that really works for you, and works well.
Finances: Worrying too much about money can actually have the opposite effect of what you are trying to “make happen” and that’s having a better flow of financial prosperity – that is, a flow in your favor. The way to get a handle on this worry is actually to be generous. You’re probably not as “bad off” as you think. Give something away, or make a small donation to a cause that you believe in.
Health: It’s critical that you keep a positive attitude. If you just “can’t get over” what someone “did to you” or what happened in your past, now is the time to get help in resolving these issues, before you cause yourself serious damage/pain by dwelling on your past. The past is gone. Focus on the present, and the future.
Spirituality: It’s important now to give some thought to forgiveness. You don’t forgive others for THEIR sake, or because they “deserve it,” necessarily, you do it for your own sake, because holding on to anger and pain is toxic and bad for you. Not only that, while you’re busy being angry and full of pain, the person you’re angry with, is often somewhere having a good time! So, now is the time to let go.