Six of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
- Nostalgia
- Childhood Learning
- Revisiting the Past
Reversed Keywords
- Stuck in the Past
- Refusal to Let Go
- Old Patterns
The Six of Cups indicates a need to revisit the past and learn from childhood experiences. It suggests nostalgia and sometimes revisiting childhood trauma. This card encourages using the past to grow and heal. Reversed, it can indicate a refusal to let go of the past or being stuck in old patterns.
Six of Cups Imagery and Symbolism
The Six of Cups in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck is a card of nostalgia, innocence, and emotional generosity. Pamela Colman Smith’s illustration shows a child offering a cup filled with flowers to another, symbolising kindness, joy, and the purity of memory. The presence of an older figure walking away in the background suggests a transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the contrast between youthful innocence and the responsibilities that come with growing up.
The cups, filled with white flowers, represent the beauty of past experiences and the comfort of familiar connections. The large house in the background conveys a sense of security and warmth, reinforcing the theme of returning to a place of emotional safety. This card often evokes childhood memories, past relationships, or a longing for simpler times, inviting reflection on how the past has shaped the present.
Across different tarot decks, the Six of Cups continues to symbolise themes of nostalgia, kindness, and emotional healing. It can signal a reconnection with an old friend, the resurfacing of fond memories, or a reminder to embrace the joy of the present moment with the same openness as a child. While it carries a sense of sentimentality, it also encourages balancing past influences with the realities of the present.
Six of Cups Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Nostalgia
The Six of Cups symbolises nostalgia, highlighting fond memories and the yearning for the simplicity of the past. This card suggests that you may be reflecting on happy times from your childhood or earlier years, finding comfort in these memories. It encourages you to cherish these moments and to allow them to bring joy and warmth to your present life. The Six of Cups reminds you that nostalgia can be a source of inspiration and emotional healing. Their energy supports you in appreciating your past and in drawing positive feelings from it.
Childhood Learning
Childhood learning is at the heart of the Six of Cups’ message. This card signifies the lessons and experiences from your early years that have shaped who you are today. It suggests that revisiting these childhood lessons can provide valuable insights and guidance for your current situation. The Six of Cups encourages you to reflect on what you learned as a child and to integrate these lessons into your adult life. Their energy helps you to reconnect with your inner child, fostering a sense of innocence and wonder.
Revisiting the Past
The Six of Cups also highlights the importance of revisiting the past to gain perspective and understanding. This card suggests that looking back at previous experiences can help you to make sense of your current circumstances. It encourages you to explore your past with an open mind, recognising both the positive and negative aspects. The Six of Cups reminds you that the past holds valuable lessons that can inform your present and future decisions. Their energy supports you in using your past experiences as a foundation for growth and healing.
See how the themes of Six of Cups could be playing out for you, book a tarot reading with me today.
Six of Cups Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In a love and relationships reading, the Six of Cups symbolises nostalgia, kindness, and shared memories, suggesting a relationship rooted in comfort and familiarity. This card indicates that reconnecting with the past or cherishing shared moments can bring warmth to the relationship. The Six of Cups in love readings encourages a gentle, playful approach, supporting a deep, innocent connection. Its energy reminds you to enjoy the present while celebrating the moments that have built your bond.
Six of Cups Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
In self-care readings, the Six of Cups represents the importance of nurturing your inner child and reconnecting with simple joys. This card suggests that engaging in playful activities or reminiscing can uplift your spirit. The Six of Cups in self-care encourages you to find comfort in familiar routines or hobbies that bring joy. Its energy supports self-compassion, reminding you that reconnecting with innocence and joy can rejuvenate your soul.
Six of Cups Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity readings, the Six of Cups symbolises collaboration, mentorship, and revisiting past projects, suggesting that connecting with previous experiences can bring inspiration. This card indicates that a supportive environment or reflecting on past successes can fuel growth. The Six of Cups in career readings encourages learning from your history, using it as a foundation for future success. Its energy supports you in bringing kindness and creativity into your work, helping you to build meaningful, productive connections.
Six of Cups Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In shadow work, the Six of Cups represents exploring memories, childhood experiences, or past influences that shape your present. This card suggests that reconnecting with your past can offer healing and insight. The Six of Cups in shadow work encourages you to embrace these reflections, allowing them to inform and guide your growth. Its energy supports gentle self-exploration, helping you integrate past lessons with a compassionate, open heart.
Explore the transformative energy of Six of Cups in your own life—book a tarot reading with me.
Six of Cups Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Stuck in the Past
When the Six of Cups appears reversed, it can indicate being stuck in the past. This card suggests that you may be holding on too tightly to old memories or past experiences, preventing you from moving forward. It’s a call to release the past and to focus on the present and future. The reversed Six of Cups encourages you to let go of what no longer serves you and to embrace new opportunities. Their energy helps you to break free from the past and to create a more fulfilling and dynamic present.
Refusal to Let Go
Reversed, the Six of Cups can signify a refusal to let go of the past. This card suggests that you may be clinging to old patterns, relationships, or situations out of fear or comfort. It’s a reminder that holding on to the past can hinder your growth and prevent you from experiencing new possibilities. The reversed Six of Cups urges you to confront your fears and to release the grip of the past. Their energy supports you in finding the courage to move on and to open yourself to new experiences and growth.
Old Patterns
The reversed Six of Cups highlights the theme of old patterns, indicating that you may be repeating behaviors or habits from the past that are no longer beneficial. This card suggests that you may be trapped in a cycle of outdated patterns, preventing you from evolving and growing. It’s a call to identify these patterns and to take proactive steps to change them. The reversed Six of Cups encourages you to break free from these old habits and to embrace new, healthier ways of being. Their energy helps you to create positive change and to build a more empowering and fulfilling life.
Struggling with the themes of Six of Cups? A tarot reading with me can offer perspective.
Six of Cups Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In a reversed love reading, the Six of Cups may indicate a need to let go of past attachments or outdated expectations within the relationship. This card suggests that clinging to old patterns or memories may be preventing growth. The reversed Six of Cups in love readings encourages you to embrace the present, allowing the relationship to evolve naturally. Its energy supports moving forward, helping you release the past to make room for new experiences and deeper connection.
If Six of Cups feels relevant to your love life, a tarot reading with me could bring clarity.
Six of Cups Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
Reversed, the Six of Cups in self-care readings may indicate a need to move beyond past habits or limiting beliefs that no longer serve you. This card suggests that you might be holding onto outdated views or behaviours. The reversed Six of Cups encourages self-growth and embracing new perspectives. Its energy supports you in letting go of past limitations, allowing you to step into a more empowered and present-focused self-care routine.
Feeling stuck in the energy of Six of Cups? A tarot reading with me might help you move forward.
Six of Cups Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
Reversed in career readings, the Six of Cups may indicate a reluctance to move beyond past projects or work habits, suggesting that holding onto familiar ways may be limiting progress. This card encourages you to embrace change, looking for new paths forward. The reversed Six of Cups in career readings supports growth and adaptability, helping you release outdated methods. Its energy assists you in finding innovation, allowing you to evolve and pursue opportunities that align with your present goals.
Six of Cups Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed in shadow work, the Six of Cups may indicate a need to release attachment to past hurts or memories that hinder your growth. This card suggests that dwelling on the past may be limiting your ability to move forward. The reversed Six of Cups encourages forgiveness and acceptance, guiding you to let go of emotional burdens. Its energy supports creating space for the present, allowing you to focus on self-empowerment and healing.
Facing challenges linked to Six of Cups? A tarot reading with me can help you work through them.
Six of Cups: Harmony and Recovery
Sixes in tarot symbolize harmony, recovery, and moving forward. They often indicate a period of reconciliation and balance after a time of conflict. Sixes encourage you to restore equilibrium in your life and relationships, focusing on healing and moving towards a more harmonious state.
Six of Cups: Emotional Depth and Relationships
The Suit of Cups explores the emotional and relational aspects of life. It delves into the full range of human emotions, from joy and love to sorrow and heartbreak. Cups cards are about relationships and emotional intelligence, encouraging you to foster genuine connections and understand your emotional landscape.
Six of Cups in the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana encompasses the everyday moments, emotions, and actions that shape our lives. This 56-card section is divided into four suits—Pentacles, Cups, Wands, and Swords—each representing different energies and aspects of life. Unlike the Major Arcana, which focuses on grand spiritual journeys, the Minor Arcana offers a more grounded perspective, dealing with the practicalities of daily existence.
Through these suits, you explore personal growth, relationships, and material success. The Minor Arcana provides a framework for navigating life’s complexities, offering insights into the ups and downs we all face. As you journey through this section, remember to connect with the themes in a way that resonates with your unique path.
Six of Cups and the Element of Water
Six of Cups is connected to the element of Water, representing the realm of emotions, intuition, and the subconscious. Water speaks to the depths of our inner worlds, inviting us to explore feelings and the flow of human experience. This element suggests a journey beneath the surface, where dreams, instincts, and emotional currents shape our understanding. Water encourages connection with the softer, more fluid parts of ourselves, embracing vulnerability and compassion.
Six of Cups Journalling Prompts
What memories or past experiences bring me joy, and how can I reconnect with them in a healthy way?
Where might I be holding onto the past, and how can I gently let go to embrace the present?
How can I nurture my inner child, allowing play and innocence to support my self-care?
Frequently Asked Questions about Six of Cups
What does Six of Cups mean in a tarot reading?
Six of Cups represents nostalgia, kindness, and the healing power of reconnecting with positive memories or experiences. It often appears when you’re reflecting on the past or encountering situations that evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort. This card reminds you to find balance between cherishing the past and staying present in the moment. In readings, the Six of Cups encourages you to honour your roots while embracing growth and change.
Is Six of Cups a yes or no card?
Six of Cups is neutral, focusing on nostalgia, kindness, and reconciliation. In intuitive readings or tarot for self-love, it highlights the importance of reflection and emotional healing. This card is relevant in relationship tarot or nurturing yourself, encouraging you to reconnect with positive memories and relationships. In navigating transitions, the Six of Cups offers insight into finding balance and embracing change.
What is the role of the Six of Cups in the tarot deck?
Six of Cups embodies nostalgia, kindness, and memories, providing guidance for self-care coaching or nurturing yourself. It supports uncovering your purpose and fostering emotional balance with empowerment tarot or intuitive tarot. The Six of Cups fosters personal empowerment, aligning with transformation with tarot and clarity for choices. This card inspires you to honour the past while embracing the present.
What does the Six of Cups symbolise?
The Six of Cups symbolises nostalgia and kindness. In the imagery on the Rider-Waite-Smith version of the card, the young figure offers flowers to another, representing innocence and shared joy. The large house in the background conveys comfort and security, while the older figure walking away symbolises leaving the past behind.
What does Six of Cups suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
Six of Cups suggests that life’s challenges can be addressed by embracing nostalgia, healing past wounds, and reconnecting with joyful memories. If you’re experiencing burnout or navigating change, this card calls you to reflect on your past experiences and find comfort in the lessons learned. It aligns with tarot for self-love and self-care coaching, offering guidance on how to heal from past hurts and move forward with grace. The Six of Cups reminds you that your history can provide valuable insight as you face current challenges, encouraging you to reconnect with positive memories and energies.
Is Six of Cups a positive or negative card?
Six of Cups is generally a positive card, symbolising nostalgia, memories, and emotional fulfillment. It represents reconnecting with the past or rediscovering lost joys, which can be particularly helpful when navigating life transitions or healing from burnout. The Six of Cups invites you to embrace your inner child and find comfort in positive memories. In relationship tarot, it suggests rekindling old connections and finding healing through emotional support.
How does Six of Cups align with themes of love?
Six of Cups speaks to nostalgia, emotional connections from the past, and reconciling with past relationships. It can represent a time of reflection on previous love or relationships and how they’ve shaped you. If you’re seeking to understand your past relationships or reconnect with a former partner, the Six of Cups aligns with love tarot or relationship tarot to help you navigate emotional healing and growth.
What are some other names for Six of Cups?
Other names for Six of Cups include Six of Chalices and The Lord of Pleasure in the Thoth Tarot, emphasising nostalgia and emotional balance. Elemental decks may use Six of Water to reflect emotional harmony and memory. Variations focus on the interplay of past joy and present fulfillment.
What other tarot cards often appear with Six of Cups?
Six of Cups complements The Star, reinforcing hope in nostalgic reflection. The Moon adds intuition to past memories, while The Lovers highlight enduring connections. Temperance supports harmony in reconciling the past, and The Empress encourages nurturing emotional roots.
How can Six of Cups guide me in reconnecting with past joys?
Six of Cups guides you in reconnecting with past joys by encouraging nostalgia and emotional reflection. It reminds you to honour your history while embracing the present. This card is ideal for exploring childhood memories, revisiting old relationships, or finding inspiration in the past. By working with the Six of Cups, you can cultivate gratitude and emotional balance. Its energy fosters harmony and kindness.
