The Meaning of the Six of Cups in Tarot

The Six of Cups in Tarot embodies themes of nostalgia, childhood memories, innocence, and a return to simpler times. It often depicts an exchange between two children, symbolizing the giving and receiving of joy, comfort, and the gentle lessons of the past. This card speaks to the security and warmth found in familiar experiences, encouraging us to connect with our roots and appreciate the foundational aspects of our lives.

At its core, the Six of Cups is about finding solace in what was, revisiting the places, people, or feelings that shaped us. It suggests a period of reflection, sentimental reminiscence, and the potential for a gentle reunion with aspects of our past, be it through old friends, familiar surroundings, or a renewed sense of child-like wonder and generosity.

Keywords

Upright: Nostalgia, childhood, innocence, past memories, comfort, familiarity, reunion, generosity, sentimental, safety.

Reversed: Dwelling on past, stuck in past, unresolved issues, immaturity, reluctance to move on, loss of innocence, disillusionment.

Curious how this card's energy is showing up in your life right now? Explore its personal meaning for you with a reading from Celeste.

Six of Cups Upright

When the Six of Cups appears in an upright position, it signals a gentle invitation to look back. This isn't about regret, but rather a comforting journey into your personal history. You might find yourself reconnecting with old friends, revisiting childhood places, or experiencing a strong sense of nostalgia for a past era. The card speaks of innocence, warmth, and the security found in familiarity. It can represent acts of kindness, giving or receiving small gifts, or the simple joy of shared memories. This card suggests a period where lessons from the past provide comfort and guidance for your present, helping you appreciate the foundational elements of your life and rediscover a sense of childlike wonder and trust.

Six of Cups Reversed

The Six of Cups reversed indicates a more challenging relationship with the past. Instead of healthy reminiscence, you might be stuck in bygone days, unable to move forward. This reversal can point to an excessive idealization of the past, preventing you from engaging with your present reality or embracing future opportunities. It might also highlight unresolved childhood issues or past traumas that are now surfacing and demanding attention. In some cases, it can suggest a loss of innocence, disillusionment, or a reluctance to grow up and take responsibility. The reversed Six of Cups urges you to release outdated patterns, confront lingering issues, and create new, positive memories rather than being held captive by what was.

Six of Cups in Love

In love readings, the upright Six of Cups often signifies a rekindling of an old flame, a reunion with a past partner, or a deep appreciation for shared history within an existing relationship. It speaks of comfort, familiarity, and a strong foundation built on cherished memories. This card can also suggest a relationship with a significant age difference or one where a partner brings a child-like joy and innocence. For singles, it might mean reconnecting with someone from your past. Reversed, the Six of Cups in love indicates an unhealthy attachment to a past relationship, preventing new connections. It could point to unresolved issues from childhood affecting current relationships, or an unwillingness to mature in your approach to love. It's a call to let go of old hurts or unrealistic ideals and move forward to build genuine, present-focused connections.

Six of Cups in Career & Finance

For career and finance, the upright Six of Cups suggests a return to a familiar role, industry, or even an old workplace. It can indicate a career path involving history, education, childcare, or areas where nostalgia and tradition are valued. You might find joy and security in a job that feels like 'home' or provides a sense of continuity. Financially, it can represent an inheritance, a gift from family, or benefits derived from past investments or relationships. When reversed, the Six of Cups in career warns against being stuck in an outdated job out of comfort or fear of change. It may point to a resistance to learning new skills or adapting to modern practices. Financially, it could indicate repeating past mistakes, an inability to let go of old spending habits, or unresolved issues from a past financial decision that are hindering current growth. It encourages you to break free from stagnation and embrace new opportunities.