The Five of Cups is a card of loss, disappointment, and the lingering pain of emotional setbacks. It reflects the moments when something precious is gone or when expectations have fallen short, leaving behind grief or regret. This card asks you to confront these feelings rather than avoid them, as acknowledging loss is the first step towards healing and renewal.
Known as ‘Disappointment’ in the Thoth deck, this card focuses on the emotional void that arises when things do not go as planned. However, it also carries an important lesson: while loss is inevitable, it does not define your future. The Five of Cups urges you to shift your perspective, reminding you that what remains—whether a lesson, resource, or relationship—can still serve as the foundation for recovery and growth.
The imagery often shows a figure standing before three overturned cups, with two upright cups behind them. The spilled cups symbolise what has been lost, while the upright ones represent opportunities and support that still exist, though they may be overlooked in the moment.
On Grief and Letting Go
The Five of Cups often appears during times of emotional pain or disappointment. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the failure of a goal, or the loss of something you valued, this card reflects the human experience of mourning what might have been. It encourages you to fully process these feelings without becoming trapped in them.
The card’s focus on ‘Disappointment’ reminds us that loss often carries unmet expectations. This card invites you to reflect on what you’re truly grieving—was it the thing itself or the vision of what you hoped it could be? By facing these emotions, you can begin to release the weight of regret and open yourself to new possibilities.
Regarding Relationships
The Five of Cups can signal heartbreak or feelings of emotional disconnection. You may be mourning the loss of a connection or struggling with the disappointment of unmet needs. This card encourages you to examine the situation honestly. Is there an opportunity to heal and rebuild, or is it time to let go and move forward?
The name ‘Disappointment’ also speaks to the expectations we place on relationships. Sometimes this card serves as a reminder to approach connections with compassion and realism, rather than holding onto ideals that may not align with reality.
For those recovering from past wounds, the Five of Cups asks: Are you still carrying grief that prevents you from embracing new opportunities for love or connection?
In Career and Practical Matters
Professionally, the Five of Cups may reflect setbacks or frustrations. You might feel disheartened by a failed project, a missed opportunity, or a lack of recognition for your efforts. While it’s natural to feel disappointed, this card reminds you to focus on what remains. What lessons can you take from this experience? How can you use what you’ve learned to move forward?
Financially, the card can indicate losses or missed opportunities. It asks you to evaluate how you’re handling these challenges and whether you’re focusing too much on what’s gone instead of finding ways to rebuild.
On the Spiritual Path
The Five of Cups reflects the shadow of grief and disappointment that can cloud your connection to your higher self. This may be a time when you feel disconnected from your path, questioning your purpose or struggling with feelings of failure. The card encourages you to lean into these emotions without judgement, allowing them to pass naturally.
The name ‘Disappointment’ takes on a deeper meaning here, urging you to explore how spiritual growth often comes from unexpected losses. Painful as it may be, these moments force you to confront attachments and illusions, clearing the way for a more authentic understanding of yourself and your journey.
Questions to Consider
- What loss or disappointment are you holding onto, and how can you begin the process of letting go?
- Are you focusing too much on what’s gone, rather than appreciating the opportunities or support that remain?
- How can you reframe your experience of disappointment as a stepping stone for future growth?
Exercise Ideas
- Write a letter to the source of your disappointment, expressing your feelings fully and without judgement. When you’re finished, either keep the letter as a way to process your emotions or symbolically release it by burning or burying it.
- Alternatively, practise a gratitude exercise. Take a few minutes to focus on the upright cups in your life—the people, opportunities, or lessons that remain. Write down three things you’re grateful for, even in the midst of your current challenges.
