Minor Arcana · Cups · No. 40
Upright · loss, regret, disappointment
Reversed · recovery, acceptance, moving on
A figure in a black cloak stands with head bowed, staring at three spilled cups, while two cups remain standing behind. The black cloak represents grief and mourning, and the spilled cups lost hopes and relationships. The two cups still standing symbolize the hope and possibility that remain. The bridge and house across the river show there is still a place to return to beyond the loss.
“Dwelling on what was lost”
lossregretdisappointment
Lingering in regret and sadness over what was lost. It’s easy to forget what still remains.
This card shows the ache that follows disappointment, a breakup or dashed expectations. Your gaze may be stuck on what you lost, with regret and self-blame on repeat. In daily life it can look like replaying past choices or feeling drained as you think back on a relationship that has ended. Letting yourself fully feel the sadness matters, but remember that if you turn around, precious things are still right there beside you.
Advice · Don’t just look at what’s gone. See what still remains.
✓ Try · look at what still remains
✕ Avoid · blaming yourself over and over
A question to ask yourself
What do you still have?
“Rising above the pain”
recoveryacceptancemoving on
You’re accepting the pain and slowly recovering. The strength to get back up is returning.
Reversed, this card marks a turning point from the tunnel of grief toward healing. As you accept and forgive the past, you begin turning toward the two cups that remain. But if you forced the sadness down, unresolved feelings may resurface in another form. Reaching out for help and sharing your heart will speed your healing.
Advice · Accepting the past gives you the strength to move forward.
✓ Try · write down what you learned
✕ Avoid · staying stuck in the same sadness
A question to ask yourself
What has this experience taught you?
Your past was a time of dwelling on what was lost. Read it as the background that shaped your current situation.
Right now is a time of dwelling on what was lost. Read it as the strongest force at work right now.
Ahead lies a time of dwelling on what was lost. Read it as where things are heading if they continue as they are. If reversed, it can signal that this flow may be blocked or delayed.
Upright leans toward yes — Dwelling on what was lost
Reversed leans toward no — Rising above the pain
As a Minor Arcana card, treat it as a lighter answer about an everyday choice.
Here loss is not an ending but part of a transformation that opens a new chapter. When you admit what needs to go, the next door opens.
This pairing soothes emotional loss with practical security. It means solid ground and dependable people are nearby to steady a shaken heart.
A breakup or disappointment is weighing on your heart. Your wounds are slowly healing.
You’re accepting the pain and slowly recovering. The strength to get back up is returning. Reversed, this card marks a turning point from the tunnel of grief toward healing. As you accept and forgive the past, you begin turning toward the two cups that remain. But if you forced the sadness down, unresolved feelings may resurface in another form. Reaching out for help and sharing your heart will speed your healing.
Upright leans toward yes, and reversed leans toward no. As a Minor Arcana card, treat it as a lighter answer about an everyday choice.
loss, regret, disappointment / recovery, acceptance, moving on