A dejected-looking figure stands before three Cups that have been overturned, spilling their contents. Behind him are two other Cups, upright, their contents still contained in them.
In the background we see land and a river; in the distance, we see a town. There is a bridge that crosses the river and leads to the town. The bridge offers a way for this figure to move on from where he is. However, he is not yet ready to move on; so he sadly regards his missed opportunities and remains where he is – at least for now.
This image shows someone who is focused on the negative facts of his life, while disregarding or even being unaware of the blessings he still has. He is unnecessarily miserable because of focusing on what’s missing. He may be wallowing in self-pity. Perhaps he suffers from an unhealed wound. Certainly he isn’t prepared to let go and move on just yet.
Contrast this with Eight of Cups, where the figure has eight filled Cups, yet still decides to move on. The Eight of Cups has crossed the water and is moving. The Five of Cups isn’t ready to do that.
Despite its sad theme, the card offers hope. All the figure has to do is turn around and see what he still has. Maybe it’s not all that he wants; maybe it’s not enough. But it’s better than nothing at all, and could be the beginning of healing.
Also, the figure can decide to move on, use the bridge to cross the water. Nothing is keeping him where he is, other than his own reluctance to look around. He’s just not ready now.
Keywords: Regrets. Focusing on what is missing. Failing to recognize what remains. Dejection.