FOUR

of CUPS

This is a card of…

Stagnation

Boredom

Stillness

Pouting

Stubborness

“Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know in a universe so full of wonders they have managed to invent boredom?”

-Terry Pratchett; Hogfather

As an actual element and as an analogy for our emotional and spiritual lives, water is healthiest when it flows. Unlike fire, it doesn’t initiate it’s own movement so there are inevitable still pools that form. If left in that state too long those still pools become murky swamps.

The Four of Cups is a card of emotional ruts, snits and pouting, as well as resentment and grudge-holding. The figure in traditional illustrations doesn’t like what he sees in front of him, but he won’t look anywhere else for opportunity. Perhaps this person has come to enjoy stewing in their own dissatisfaction. Movement and new experiences are needed, perhaps even just the curiosity and open-mindedness to notice what we’re missing when we focus on the negative.

This card can also imply that lesser form of dissatisfaction: boredom. Is a universe as interesting as ours boredom shouldn’t last long, unless a person is clinging to it. Get interested.

There is an alternative meaning to the Four of Cups: the containment and control of deep introversion, meditation and self-exploration. While these pursuits are certainly more edifying than pouting, there is still an implication in this card that an outer opportunity is being missed due to our inward focus.

The Suit of CUPS:

  • Emotions
  • Empathy
  • Relationships
  • Spiritual life
  • The Unconscious

The FOURS:

  • Containment
  • Control
  • Foundations
  • Traditions

Meditations/ Questions for a Four of Cups Day

Are you holding on to a past painful moment, turning over in your mind to keep the resentment alive?

What environments inspire you? Are there places where you are never bored?

Is an opportunity being offered that you are ignoring?

The longer we spend in a disinterested state, the less interesting we become.