
Six of Cups: complete tarot meaning
Upright
Nostalgia, childhood memories
Reversed
Living in the past, being stuck
Numerology | 6 | Harmony, Love, Responsibility, Healing |
Element | Water | Emotions, Relationships, Love, Feelings, Family |
Yes / No | Maybe | – |
Astrology | Scorpio | Transformation, Rebirth, Profound Change and Natural Cycle |
Planet | Sun | Vitality, Joy, Clarity, Success, Warmth, Optimism |
Symbols & Imagery
Upright
Children Exchanging Cups | Nostalgia, innocence, and kindness in relationships |
Flowers | Joy, purity, and the blossoming of emotions |
Old House | Connection to the past, memories, and the foundation of one’s upbringing |
Clear Sky | Happiness, clarity, and a peaceful atmosphere |
Bright Colors | Childlike wonder, joy, and emotional simplicity. |
Reversed
Children Exchanging Cups | Struggling to let go of past relationships, emotional immaturity, or nostalgia keeping one from moving forward |
Flowers | Difficulty in moving past past emotional wounds, clinging to past joy |
Old House | Being stuck in memories or old patterns, unable to embrace new experiences |
Clear Sky | Confusion regarding past emotions, struggling to let go of the past |
Bright Colors | Losing sight of the present happiness, focusing too much on what was lost |
General Interpretation
Upright
The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, memories, and reconnecting with the past. It often points to revisiting old relationships, childhood memories, or past experiences that bring emotional healing. This card can indicate reconciliation, finding comfort in the familiar, or healing through revisiting simpler times.
“I give and receive love with an open heart.”
Key Meanings
- Nostalgia and memories: Recalling past experiences or people with fondness.
- Reconciliation: Reconnecting with old friends or family members.
- Innocence and simplicity: Returning to a time of emotional purity or comfort.
- Emotional healing: Finding peace by addressing unresolved emotions from the past.
Advice
- Reflect on the positive memories and lessons from the past.
- Reconnect with people or experiences that bring you joy and comfort.
- Allow yourself to heal emotionally by acknowledging past wounds.
- Embrace the innocence and simplicity of life when you need emotional respite.
Final Message
The Six of Cups reminds you that the past can offer valuable lessons and emotional healing. It encourages you to find joy in simple pleasures and to reconnect with what brings you comfort and peace.
Reversed
There may be emotional baggage from the past affecting your present relationships. This emotional baggage can also impact your emotional well-being. This card can reflect nostalgic longing for a time that cannot be recaptured. It may also point to unresolved issues from childhood or earlier experiences. These issues could be hindering your growth.
“I embrace self-care and set healthy boundaries.”
Key Meanings
- Emotional Baggage: Carrying unresolved emotional issues from the past into the present.
- Nostalgia: Yearning for the past, potentially in an unhealthy or unrealistic way.
- Disconnection from the Past: Struggling with accepting past experiences as they are.
- Inability to Move On: Being stuck in memories or unresolved issues from childhood or past relationships.
Advice
- Address past wounds: Take time to reflect on and heal any unresolved emotional issues.
- Let go of nostalgia: Embrace the present and look forward to the future, rather than idealizing the past.
- Seek closure: If there are relationships or memories holding you back, it’s time to release them.
- Embrace growth: Understand that life evolves, and you must adapt to the present rather than staying stuck in the past.
Final Message
The Six of Cups reversed calls you to confront unresolved emotions from the past. Only by accepting and healing these wounds can you fully embrace the present and move forward.
Love & Relationships
Upright
The Six of Cups upright brings a sense of nostalgia, innocence, and emotional warmth. This card often signifies past memories, childhood love, or a return to simpler times. It can indicate a reunion with someone from the past or the rekindling of old emotional connections. The Six of Cups carries an energy of joy, kindness, and a deep emotional bond. It often brings a sense of comfort and familiarity.
“I embrace the love of the past and allow it to bring healing, joy, and emotional warmth into my life.”
Key Meanings
- Nostalgia and Memory: It is a return to happier, simpler times. It also involves reflection on past relationships, especially those from childhood or long ago.
- Reunion and Reconciliation: This is an opportunity for reconciliation with someone from the past. It could also be a return to a relationship that may have been lost or forgotten.
- Innocence and Purity: A fresh, pure outlook on love. It often reflects the joy and openness that love had in its early stages.
- Healing from the Past: An opportunity to heal old wounds through reconnection, forgiveness, and reflection on how far you’ve come.
Interpretations by Situation
If Single:
- The Six of Cups suggests that you may be reflecting on past relationships. You might also be thinking about old crushes. This could bring a sense of longing or sadness. However, it also offers the possibility of reconnecting with someone from your past. It might be a childhood friend or an old lover.
- If you’re open to it, there could be a chance to rekindle a love that was once pure and uncomplicated. However, it’s important to consider whether you have both grown emotionally. You should also determine if the past relationship is something that can evolve in a healthy way.
- This card also reminds you to be open to new connections. These connections may bring a sense of emotional comfort and familiarity. However, avoid clinging to the past if it no longer serves your present self.
In a Relationship:
- In an existing relationship, the Six of Cups can indicate a time of emotional nostalgia. It can mean reconnecting with the simpler, more innocent aspects of your love for each other. It could mean returning to a time when you and your partner first met. You can bring back the joy and playfulness. This restores the emotional closeness that may have been lost over time.
- The Six of Cups invites you to revisit the positive aspects of your relationship. Remember why you fell in love. Use that as a foundation for renewed intimacy and affection.
- This card also suggests that memories and past experiences are playing an important role in your current relationship. It might be a good time to reflect on past moments together. Strengthen your emotional bond through shared memories and experiences.
Reconnecting or Reconciliation:
- If you are looking for reconciliation, the Six of Cups suggests a possibility for healing old wounds. It also offers a chance to rekindle a relationship from the past. This card signifies gentle, emotional reunions. Both parties may have matured and are ready to approach the relationship from a more healed, balanced perspective.
- Reconciliation may involve revisiting the past and addressing any unresolved issues or unfinished emotional business. It’s about bringing a sense of innocence, forgiveness, and understanding into the relationship as you both move forward together.
Final Message
The Six of Cups invites you to connect with the past in a gentle, healing way. This card emphasizes the power of nostalgia and emotional warmth. It could mean rekindling an old flame. It might involve revisiting fond memories in your current relationship. Or, it might mean reflecting on past lessons. It’s a time to heal and celebrate the innocence and joy of love.
Reversed
When the Six of Cups appears reversed in a love reading, it suggests that you may be holding onto the past, whether it’s nostalgia, old patterns, or unresolved emotions. This card signals that while you may be looking back, you need to release the past. Only by doing so can you move forward. The reversed Six of Cups urges you to let go of emotional attachments. These attachments hinder your ability to live in the present and embrace future opportunities.
“I release the past and embrace the present, allowing myself to move forward with openness and emotional freedom.”
Key Meanings
- Holding onto the Past: You may be looking back at past relationships, memories, or experiences with longing. However, it’s important to let go of these attachments. This will help you move forward.
- Emotional Blockage: There could be unresolved emotional wounds from the past. These wounds may prevent you from opening up to new love. They could also hinder deepening your current relationship.
- Immaturity or Idealization: You might be idealizing past relationships or experiences, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and emotional stagnation.
- Releasing Old Patterns: The reversed Six of Cups suggests it’s time to let go of old habits. Discard thoughts or feelings that are no longer serving you. This allows for emotional growth and fosters new connections.
Interpretations by Situation
If Single:
- The Six of Cups reversed indicates that you are holding onto the memories of past relationships or experiences. These memories are preventing you from fully engaging with new opportunities for love. You might be comparing potential partners to someone from your past. You might also be still emotionally tied to someone who is no longer in your life.
- It’s important to release old emotional attachments. Resolve any unresolved feelings. This allows you to move forward in a healthy, open way.
- Focus on self-healing. Allow yourself to live in the present. Leave behind any idealizations or emotional baggage. These may be limiting your ability to connect with new people.
In a Relationship:
- In an existing relationship, the Six of Cups reversed indicates that past emotional wounds affect your current dynamic. Old patterns might also be causing issues. You or your partner may be holding onto old grievances. These could be memories or unhealed emotions that prevent you from moving forward together.
- It’s important to focus on healing and letting go of the past in order to build a stronger connection. Repeating old behaviors or holding onto past hurts can cause emotional stagnation.
- Work together to address any emotional blockages or unresolved issues, and focus on creating new, healthier memories together.
Reconnecting or Reconciliation:
- If reconciliation is in the cards, the Six of Cups reversed indicates that the relationship may be burdened by past baggage or old emotional patterns that are difficult to release. Both partners may need to let go of past hurts, misunderstandings, or unrealistic expectations. This is essential to move forward and rebuild the relationship.
- Take the time to heal and focus on what needs to be addressed before trying to rekindle the connection. Only by releasing the past can you create a new foundation for the future.
Final Message
The Six of Cups reversed calls for emotional release and growth. Whether you are holding onto past relationships or repeating old patterns, it’s time to let go and move forward. Embrace the present and future with a clear heart, free from emotional baggage.
Career
Upright
The Six of Cups appears upright in a career reading. It signals nostalgia and reflection. There is also emotional fulfillment from the past. This card represents the joy of revisiting past projects or reconnecting with past colleagues.
“I embrace the wisdom of the past, and I allow it to guide me to greater fulfillment in my career.”
1. Revisiting Past Opportunities
- The Six of Cups suggests that you may be returning to a past career opportunity or project. You may find joy in revisiting something you once loved or worked on.
- Consider reconnecting with past opportunities that bring you joy and satisfaction. Revisiting old projects can bring new energy and growth.
2. Emotional Fulfillment from the Past
- This card indicates that your past experiences may provide emotional fulfillment in your career. You may draw strength and satisfaction from what you’ve accomplished in the past.
- Take time to reflect on past successes and what made you feel fulfilled. Use these experiences to guide your current career choices.
3. Reconnecting with Former Colleagues
- The Six of Cups suggests the possibility of reconnecting with past colleagues or mentors. These relationships may bring emotional support and guidance as you navigate your career.
- Reach out to former colleagues or mentors for advice and support. Rebuilding those connections could open up new opportunities for you.
4. Childhood Dreams and Career Path
- This card may indicate that your childhood dreams or passions are resurfacing in your career. You may feel nostalgic for a career path you once dreamed about.
- Explore how your childhood passions or interests can inspire your current career. Don’t be afraid to pursue something that excites you emotionally.
5. Balance Between Past and Present
- The Six of Cups encourages you to find a balance between your past career experiences and your current professional life. Drawing on the positive aspects of the past can enrich your present.
- Use the wisdom and lessons of the past to inform your current career decisions. Finding balance between the two will help you achieve greater fulfillment.
6. Emotional Healing and Connection
- This card also signifies emotional healing and reconnection. You may need to reconcile with past professional experiences or heal emotional wounds from your career journey.
- Take time to heal any unresolved emotional issues from your career. Reconnect with the emotional side of your work to find peace and satisfaction.
Final Message
The Six of Cups (Upright) encourages you to reconnect with your past for guidance and inspiration. Emotional fulfillment from your career’s history can offer valuable insights for the present and future.
Reversed
When the Six of Cups appears reversed in a career reading, it indicates leaving the past behind. It suggests stepping out of comfort zones and breaking free from outdated career patterns. You may be feeling nostalgic for past jobs but need to focus on the future.
“”I release the past and step into new career possibilities.”
1. Letting Go of Career Nostalgia
- The reversed Six of Cups suggests that you may be overly focused on past jobs, colleagues, or career experiences.
- While reflection is good, don’t let nostalgia hold you back from future opportunities.
2. Moving Beyond Your Comfort Zone in Your Career
- You may have been playing it safe, but now it’s time to embrace professional growth.
- Take risks and challenge yourself—growth happens outside of comfort zones.
3. Breaking Free from Old Career Habits or Cycles
- This card suggests that outdated approaches or past career choices are no longer serving you.
- Be willing to adapt and evolve professionally rather than clinging to the familiar.
4. Leaving Behind a Job or Industry from the Past
- You may be considering leaving a career path that no longer aligns with your future goals.
- Trust your instincts—if you’ve outgrown your current job, it may be time for a change.
5. Releasing Emotional Attachments to Work
- The reversed Six of Cups warns against letting emotions dictate career decisions.
- Approach career changes with logic and long-term thinking rather than nostalgia or sentimentality.
Final Message
The Six of Cups (Reversed) reminds you that while the past holds lessons. Your career growth depends on moving forward. Embrace new opportunities for future success.
Finance
Upright
Financial Nostalgia & Gifts
1. Financial Blessings from the Past
- Symbolism: This card can indicate receiving financial help from past connections, family, or childhood sources.
- Accept financial support with gratitude but use it wisely.
2. Nostalgic Spending & Investments
- Emotional Attachments: This card suggests spending money on nostalgic or sentimental items.
- Invest in experiences or items that bring joy, but ensure they fit within financial goals.
3. Warning Against Staying in the Past Financially
- Old Money Patterns: Holding onto outdated financial habits may hinder progress.
- Adapt financial strategies to current economic conditions.
Final Message
The Six of Cups in finance indicates financial support, nostalgia-driven spending, and past connections influencing money matters. It advises using financial blessings wisely while embracing present opportunities.
Reversed
Breaking Free from Outdated Financial Beliefs
1. Letting Go of the Past
- Symbolism: The reversed Six of Cups warns against clinging to old financial habits or relying on outdated money strategies.
- Adapt to modern financial opportunities—what worked in the past may not be the best strategy now.
2. Breaking Free from Family Financial Expectations
- Dependency Issues: This card suggests financial reliance on family. It can indicate struggling to establish financial independence. One might also be stuck in old money patterns.
- Work toward financial self-sufficiency. Set personal financial goals separate from family influences.
3. Balancing Generosity with Stability
- Giving Too Much: The reversed Six of Cups may indicate excessive financial giving. You might be lending too much money to loved ones. This happens without securing personal financial health.
- Support others wisely, but ensure your financial needs are met first.
4. Letting Go of Financial Regrets
- Releasing Money-Related Baggage: This card advises moving beyond financial regrets or past financial conditioning that no longer serves you.
- Focus on present and future financial growth instead of dwelling on past mistakes.
Final Message
The reversed Six of Cups calls for financial independence and moving past outdated money beliefs. It warns against excessive giving and advises focusing on future wealth-building.
Health
Upright
Six of Cups (Upright), symbolizing nostalgia, emotional connections, and inner child healing.
1. Emotional & Inner Healing
- Healing Through the Past: Encourages addressing childhood or past emotional wounds that may still impact health.
- Reconnecting with Joy: Engaging in activities from childhood (e.g., playing, art, music) can support mental and emotional wellness.
2. Mental & Physical Well-Being
- Stress Relief Through Comforting Practices: Gentle, familiar self-care routines can help restore balance.
- Family & Ancestral Health Influences: May highlight genetic health patterns or the need to revisit family-based health practices.
Cautions & Balance
- Avoid Dwelling on the Past: While nostalgia can be healing, excessive focus on the past may prevent progress.
- Be Mindful of Unhealthy Family Patterns: Recognize and break cycles that don’t serve your well-being.
Advice
- Embrace Inner Child Healing: Engaging in joyful, playful activities can enhance emotional well-being.
- Acknowledge Family Health Patterns: Learn from family history while making your own informed health choices.
- Create a Safe, Nurturing Environment: Emotional security promotes better overall health.
Final Message
The Six of Cups upright encourages emotional healing through nostalgia, self-care, and reconnection with joyful experiences. It reminds you to nurture your inner child and learn from the past without being trapped by it.
Reversed
Six of Cups (Reversed), symbolizing dwelling on the past, emotional stagnation, and unresolved childhood issues.
1. Emotional & Mental Blocks
- Holding onto the Past: Clinging to past experiences, especially traumatic ones, may be impacting emotional and physical well-being.
- Unresolved Childhood or Family Issues: Past emotional wounds, particularly those from childhood, could be affecting mental health.
2. Physical & Emotional Manifestations
- Emotional Trauma Affecting the Body: Old stressors may manifest as tension, digestive issues, or other stress-related health conditions.
- Struggling to Move Forward: Difficulty embracing change or personal growth in wellness efforts.
Cautions & Balance
- Avoid Living in the Past: While reflection is valuable, excessive nostalgia or regret can lead to emotional stagnation.
- Acknowledge How the Past Shapes Health: Recognizing past influences is the first step toward healing.
Advice
- Let Go of Emotional Baggage: Accept that healing requires releasing emotional attachments to past struggles.
- Reframe Childhood Beliefs About Health: Unlearn unhealthy habits or mindsets ingrained from an early age.
- Focus on the Present: Shift your health goals toward what serves you in the here and now.
Final Message
The Six of Cups reversed signals a need to release past emotional wounds and focus on present well-being. It encourages letting go, embracing personal growth, and addressing lingering health issues from childhood.
Spirituality
Upright
The Six of Cups represents nostalgia, innocence, and emotional healing through memories of the past. It signifies a return to childhood joy, reconnecting with past experiences, and embracing love and kindness. Spiritually, this card reminds you that your past holds valuable lessons and comfort. However, it is important to balance reflection with living in the present.
1. Embracing Inner Child Healing & Innocence
- Reconnecting with Your Inner Child: The Six of Cups encourages you to revisit childhood experiences. Heal wounds that may still influence your present. Are there old fears, dreams, or joys waiting to be acknowledged?
- Rediscovering Playfulness: This card encourages embracing simple joys, creativity, and curiosity—approach life with the wonder of a child.
2. Healing Through Nostalgia & Past Connections
- Revisiting Positive Memories: You may be drawn to reconnect with old friends, childhood places, or comforting traditions. These can provide emotional healing and grounding.
- The Power of Kindness & Love: This card signifies generosity and the importance of giving and receiving love without expectation.
3. A Karmic or Past-Life Connection
- Soulmate or Spiritual Reunion: The Six of Cups can indicate a connection from a past life. It might also suggest a karmic relationship returning. If someone from your past reappears, it may hold spiritual significance.
- Patterns from the Past Resurfacing: Are you repeating an old cycle? Reflect on past lessons to ensure growth rather than stagnation.
4. Finding Comfort in Simplicity & Tradition
- Returning to What Feels Familiar: If life has been overwhelming, this card suggests grounding yourself in familiar practices or traditions. It may also be helpful to seek environments that bring comfort.
- Homecoming & Emotional Security: You may feel called to revisit your roots—whether through family, cultural heritage, or personal traditions.
Spiritual Warnings & Balance
- Beware of Living in the Past: While nostalgia is healing, don’t let it become an escape from present reality.
- Avoid Romanticizing Old Experiences: Be mindful of seeing the past through rose-colored glasses. Growth comes from embracing both past lessons and present opportunities.
Actionable Practices
- Inner Child Meditation: Visualize meeting your younger self, offering them love, reassurance, and healing.
- Write a Letter to Your Past Self: Express what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come.
- Engage in Childhood Joys: Play, create, or do an activity you loved as a child—rekindle that sense of wonder.
- Reflect on Past Patterns: Consider whether an old relationship, habit, or belief is returning for healing or closure.
Final Message
The Six of Cups upright is a call to reconnect with innocence, nostalgia, and emotional healing. It teaches that while the past holds wisdom and comfort, true growth comes from integrating these lessons into the present. Honor your memories, heal old wounds, and embrace the joy that exists both in your past and your present.
Reversed
The Six of Cups reversed signifies detachment from the past. It also represents inner child healing. Additionally, it indicates a shift toward the present and future. This card suggests releasing old memories, patterns, or relationships. These no longer serve your spiritual growth. Avoid clinging to nostalgia.
1. Letting Go of the Past & Moving Forward
- Breaking Free from Nostalgia: The reversed Six of Cups suggests that you may be holding onto the past too tightly. Are you idealizing old memories instead of embracing the present?
- Releasing What No Longer Serves You: It’s time to step forward into new experiences rather than staying stuck in past emotions.
2. Inner Child Healing & Emotional Growth
- Healing Past Wounds: Childhood experiences, old traumas, or unresolved emotions may be surfacing for healing.
- Reclaiming Your Inner Child’s Joy: This card encourages you to heal the past. Doing so allows you to fully embrace playfulness, joy, and creativity in the present.
3. Detachment from Old Relationships & Karmic Ties
- Outgrown Friendships or Past Loves: The reversed Six of Cups may indicate that a person or situation from the past no longer aligns with your current spiritual path.
- Ending Karmic Cycles: Are you repeating old emotional patterns? If so, this card asks you to break free and move toward healthier connections.
4. Focusing on the Present & Future
- Leaving Behind Emotional Baggage: This is a time to create new memories instead of dwelling on past experiences.
- Embracing Your Growth: You are evolving spiritually, and your new path requires leaving behind outdated versions of yourself.
Spiritual Warnings & Balance
- Beware of Emotional Avoidance: Moving forward is important. However, ensure you are not suppressing unresolved emotions. Healing requires facing the past before fully releasing it.
- Avoid Romanticizing the Past: The past may seem ideal, but you have changed—trust that the future holds even greater possibilities.
Actionable Practices
- Journaling on Past vs. Present: Write about what you’ve learned from the past and how you can apply those lessons to your present life.
- Inner Child Meditation: Visualize your younger self and offer them love, support, and the reassurance they may have needed.
- Release Ritual: Write down what you are letting go of. Burn it or bury it. Do this with gratitude for the lessons it brought.
- Engage in Joyful Activities: Rekindle your sense of play by engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you happiness.
Final Message
The Six of Cups reversed urges you to release the past. Heal your emotional wounds. Embrace the present with openness and joy. It teaches that while memories and experiences shape us, true fulfillment comes from living fully in the now. Honor where you’ve been, but don’t let it hold you back—your future is waiting.
Personality
Upright
A nostalgic, kind-hearted individual. Someone who cherishes memories and values past connections.
Reversed
Someone clinging to the past or idealizing old relationships, struggling with nostalgia.