Six of Cups in summary
The Six of Cups is a card rich with nostalgia, innocence, and the joys of memories, serving as a gentle reminder of the simplicity and purity of childhood. This card often depicts two figures, symbolizing sharing and kindness, with one individual, typically the taller, giving a cup filled with flowers to a smaller figure, representing the acts of giving and receiving love and joy without expectation.
Surrounding them, additional cups filled with flowers suggest a world abundant in emotional fulfilment and the beauty of reconnecting with our past. Unlike the stark realities presented by other cards in the tarot deck, the Six of Cups immerses us in the warmth of fond memories and the comfort of familiar places and faces. This card is a harbinger of harmony, suggesting a period where one may feel a strong connection to their roots, family traditions, and old friends. It's an invitation to revisit the places of your youth, to rekindle old friendships, and to allow the innocence of the past to infuse the present with warmth and happiness. It represents a moment of respite and comfort, away from the complexities of adult life, reminding us of the importance of simple pleasures and the purity of a child's heart.
Moreover, the Six of Cups encourages us to extend our kindness and compassion to others, sharing our light and love in a way that uplifts those around us. It speaks to the possibility of reconciliations and the renewal of old connections, emphasizing the importance of our bonds with others. In essence, this card is about bringing the positive aspects of the past into the present to create a future filled with heartfelt connections and soulful joy.
Affectionate, loyal, romantic
When the Six of Cups appears in a love reading, it often signifies a period of sweet nostalgia and the rekindling of past relationships or the cherishing of current ones with a renewed sense of innocence and joy. This card suggests a return to the comfortable and familiar, perhaps indicating a reunion with a past lover or the re-emergence of childhood sweetheart connections. It reflects a time of simple pleasures, where love is given and received with purity and grace, untouched by the complexities of life.
For singles, the Six of Cups may hint at the arrival of a love that feels both new and strangely familiar, as if reconnecting with a soulmate from a past life. It encourages openness to love that brings out one’s inner child, fostering relationships that are joyful, playful, and nurturing.
In a committed relationship, this card symbolizes a phase of harmonious bliss, reminiscent of the early days of romance. It invites couples to share in the joy of mutual memories and create new ones, reinforcing the bond with kindness and affection. However, it also advises maintaining a balance between nostalgia and the present, ensuring that looking back doesn’t hinder the growth and evolution of the relationship. In essence, the Six of Cups in a love reading brings a message of pure, joyful, and heartfelt connections, urging individuals to embrace love with the innocence and excitement of youth.
Cooperative, supportive, creative
In the workplace, the Six of Cups symbolizes a period of harmony and goodwill among colleagues, reminiscent of simpler times. It may indicate working on projects that bring a sense of nostalgia or reconnecting with former colleagues and industries. This card suggests that your work environment is pleasant, fostering creativity and mutual support. It could also hint at opportunities arising from past connections or projects that had been shelved but are now being revived. Embrace this time to rekindle your passion for what you do and strengthen bonds with your team.
Regarding finances, the Six of Cups may suggest a time of stability rather than significant growth. It hints at receiving gifts or financial support from unexpected sources, possibly linked to past actions or relationships. While this period may not bring substantial financial gains, it emphasizes the importance of appreciating and wisely managing what you have. Consider sharing your wealth, however modest, through acts of kindness or donations to causes that resonate with you. This card encourages a mindset of gratitude and generosity, reminding you that true wealth often comes from non-material sources.
Warm, inviting, sociable
When the Six of Cups appears in a social and friendship context, it signifies a time of warm, nostalgic connections and the rekindling of old friendships. This card suggests that past relationships may resurface, bringing joy and a sense of familiarity back into your life. It's a reminder of the innocence and purity of childhood friendships, where connections were formed simply and sincerely. The Six of Cups encourages you to reach out to those with whom you've lost touch, as these relationships can bring a sense of comfort and belonging.
This card also speaks to the joy found in simple, heartfelt interactions and the importance of cherishing the people who have been part of your journey. It may indicate gatherings or reunions that evoke fond memories and strengthen bonds. However, while it's valuable to look back and appreciate these connections, the Six of Cups also reminds you to remain present and open to new relationships. Embrace the old but also welcome the new, as fresh connections can bring unexpected happiness and growth into your social circle.
Protective, nurturing, dependable
When the Six of Cups emerges in a family context, it often heralds a period of harmony, joy, and nostalgic reminiscence within the family unit. This card reflects a time when family bonds are strengthened through shared memories and experiences, perhaps through revisiting places of significance or through family gatherings that recall the warmth of childhood. The Six of Cups suggests an environment where past conflicts can be healed, and relationships are nurtured with mutual affection and understanding.
This card can also indicate the joy of children, either through new additions to the family or simply enjoying the innocence and joy they bring into the home. It encourages the cultivation of a supportive and loving family environment where each member feels valued and connected. However, if the Six of Cups appears in a reversed position, it might hint at being stuck in the past or an inability to move forward due to unresolved family issues. It calls for an examination of these ties, encouraging open communication and the resolution of old grievances to foster a healthier, more cohesive family dynamic.
Soulful, introspective, connected
From a spiritual perspective, the Six of Cups signifies a time of inner harmony and the rediscovery of your inner child, urging you to reconnect with the pure, simple essence of your being. This card encourages you to explore your past to understand the roots of your spiritual journey, suggesting that the keys to your spiritual growth may lie in the innocence and curiosity of your younger self. It's a call to embrace nostalgia, not as a means to escape the present, but to find wisdom in the simplicity and unguarded moments of childhood.
The Six of Cups invites you to ponder on how your past influences your spiritual path and to integrate those lessons with a heart open to joy and wonder. It's a reminder that spiritual enlightenment often comes through embracing the simplicity and purity that life offers.

When the Six of Cups appears upright in a reading, it symbolizes nostalgia, happiness, and the joy of giving and receiving love and kindness. This card signifies a time of sweet memories, childhood innocence, and a return to simpler times. It may indicate reunions with old friends or lovers, a revival of past relationships, or the rediscovery of a forgotten hobby or passion that once brought you joy.
The Six of Cups invites you to embrace the present moment with the purity and openness of a child's heart. It suggests that happiness and contentment lie in appreciating the small gestures and the simple pleasures life offers. This card encourages you to share your love and happiness with others, fostering connections that are genuine and heartwarming. For women, the Six of Cups may also represent a time to cherish and honour your inner child, allowing yourself to be playful, free, and truly expressive. It's an opportunity to heal past wounds by reconnecting with your essence and finding joy in your authentic self.
Ultimately, the Six of Cups is a reminder that to move forward, sometimes we must look back, not with regret, but with love and appreciation for the journey. It's a card of happy endings and new beginnings, suggesting that what lies ahead is coloured by the richness of your past experiences.

When the Six of Cups appears reversed, it signifies a disconnect from the past, either through clinging too tightly to memories or struggling to move beyond old patterns. It suggests a period where nostalgia may cloud your present judgment or hinder your progress. This card inverted points to the challenges of growing up and the reluctance to step out of your comfort zone, indicating a possible fear of facing the responsibilities and complexities of adulthood.
The Six of Cups reversed also highlights issues with letting go, whether it's past relationships, experiences, or childhood traumas that still influence your current life decisions. It may signal that you are stuck in a time loop, unable to fully embrace the present or plan for the future because you are too busy looking backward with either rose-tinted glasses or unresolved bitterness.
This card invites you to examine your attachments to the past and consider how they are impacting your ability to move forward. It calls for a healing process, where acknowledging and releasing these ties can open the door to new experiences and relationships. Embracing change, seeking closure, and finding joy in the present are essential steps to overcoming the stagnation represented by the reversed Six of Cups. It's a reminder that to truly appreciate the sweetness of life, one must be willing to grow, evolve, and occasionally, let go.
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Card meanings
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The Major Arcana
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The Minor Arcana
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