Seven Of Cups Description
In the Seven of Cups, a man stands before seven cups filled with various gifts. Some cups bear desirable gifts such as jewels and a wreath of victory. But others hold gifts that are not gifts at all; instead, they are curses, such as the snake or dragon. The clouds and the cups symbolise the man’s wishes and dreams, and the different gifts inside suggest that you need to be careful what you wish for as not everything is as it seems. Choices need to be made, but in doing so, you must go beyond illusion and allure, and instead focus on what’s right for you.
NOTE: The Tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider Waite cards.
Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meanings
UPRIGHT: Opportunities, choices, wishful thinking, illusion.
Upright Seven Of Cups
The Seven of Cups is a card of new opportunities, choices, and at times, illusion. When the Seven of Cups appears in a Tarot reading, you have many options and opportunities from which you can choose. But be careful! You are prone to illusion and unrealistic ideals. An opportunity with promises of more money, more fame, or more power may sound appealing, but as you look deeper into what is on offer, you may realise it’s not everything it’s cracked up to be. Your ego may pull you in a specific direction, but it’s important you check in with your Higher Self first. Evaluate your options and dig below the surface to discover what’s involved with each choice.
Often, the Seven of Cups can be a sign of wishful thinking and projecting into the future about what you would like to create, rather than taking action here in the present to make it happen. For example, you may wish for a fitter, healthier body, until it's time to get out there and exercise. Or you might wish for a successful business fuelled by passive income, but you’re not ready and willing to put in the hard work now to enjoy the fruits of your labour later. If you spend most of your time wishing but not doing the work, then it’s time to choose just one thing and make it happen.
You may find that your ideas are not grounded in reality. Your plans might sound fabulous in your imagination, but when it comes to implementing them, you may realise they do not work in the real world.
The Seven of Cups may be a sign of ‘shiny object syndrome’, where you keep finding the ‘next big thing’ but fail to see any of those new opportunities through to the end. When you are constantly in the idea phase, you miss the chance to bring your designs into fruition. Again, now is a time to focus on the one thing that will move you closer to your goal; resist the temptation to get side-tracked with other ideas as they arise. If need be, note your ideas as they come up, but stay focused on the one thing you’re doing.
This card is inviting you to move out of the ideas and options phase and choose. Each will have its pros and cons – it’s up to you to make sure that the option you select is in alignment with your purpose and your Highest Good – even if you feel somewhat paralysed by the options available to you.
Upright Love Meaning:
Choosing between lovers, be cautious about romantic decisions
Several decisions lie ahead of you with the appearance of the 7 of Cups in a love tarot reading. If you are single, you may have to make a decision between different lovers, or perhaps between love and family, or love and career. The 7 of Cups tarot love meaning can also signal that all the choices may look tempting right now, but though they glisten with promise, they may be illusions. Take your time and consider things carefully; only diligent communication and evaluation will give you what you desire. With love, we may be tempted to rush into a situation, letting lust and infatuation guide us towards something that in the long run won’t last. It is important to think of all the options, as well as look into any red flags or gut feelings of “something is wrong”, you may feel about the relationship. Trust your instincts.
Upright Career Meaning:
Many career options, make a choice and stick to it
The seven of cups depicts a person confronted by a variety of options. If this card appears in relation to your career, you may be presented with many different ways you can advance at work. This plurality of options is generally a good thing, but it may be important to be wary about how much time you spend dreaming about something instead of taking steps to make it happen. Remember, a potential path is only as good as the steps you are willing to take down it. You have plenty of ways to make progress in your career, and they can all serve you well. But none will get you what you desire if you don’t choose one path and commit to it. Whatever you end up deciding will serve you well; so, act decisively and with confidence.
Upright Finances Meaning:
Several financial opportunities, caution about financial choices
The seven of cups suggests that there are a number of ways you can better your financial standing. Take time to consider what your options are. Though generally this card does present you with many opportunities, it doesn’t mean that everything is decided for you. In order to turn these opportunities into reality, you will need to be proactive. Weigh each option and consider it critically. Often things that sound too good to be true are. Listen to your instincts and open your eyes to any red flags.
Reversed Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meanings
REVERSED: Alignment, personal values, overwhelmed by choices.
Reversed Seven Of Cups
The reversed Seven of Cups often appears when you face several different choices and, instead of choosing the option that may appeal to others, you are relying on your inner wisdom and guidance to show you the best way. You may come up with your own criteria to help you make decisions in alignment with your inner being.
If you find yourself with multiple opportunities or ideas, ground yourself first and reflect on what you want for the long-term. All these shiny new objects in front of you have a certain ‘magic’ power over you right now, and you’re at risk of losing focus if you chase after pipedreams. Take a step back and assess the options against your priorities to work out which opportunities will be a real benefit to you.
As a card of choices and options, the reversed Seven of Cups can mean you are overwhelmed by choice and cannot move forward. Reduce your options and focus on what is important to you. You don’t need to keep searching for that big idea; you have what you need. Make your pick and move forward with it.
Reversed Love Meaning:
Chaotic and confusing love life, avoiding romantic decisions, clarity about love
Your lack of clarity about what you want in love can make your love life even more confusing and chaotic than it needs to be. There can be wasted time, missed opportunities, emotional upheavals, all because one is unable to make a choice. Your dating life can be filled with dead ends, broken hearts, and mixed messages. It is important to remain focused on what you want, instead of letting the world make your choices for you. Alternatively, if you are developing some awareness of what is important to you, taking action on those decisions can be rewarded. You can now take the steps you need to make things happen.
Reversed Career Meaning:
Lack of career options, missed opportunities, creating clear career vision
While the upright seven of cups represents a plethora of options, the reversed seven can signify the opposite. It often appears to people who feel as if they are stuck in their job with no opportunities to advance. It is also common for those who feel as if they realized too late that the perfect position was available to them but they failed to act in time. Regardless of if either (or both) applies to you, try not to get hung up on these negative emotions. This card also represents a clear vision in terms of your career goals. Use these skills to honestly assess your position and where you have fallen short. Ask yourself what you could be doing to more proactively make progress in your career.
Reversed Finances Meaning:
Financial clarity, distraction from financial goals, lack of financial goals
When it comes to your finances, the reversed seven of cups can have several conflicting meanings. You’ll need to take a closer look at your circumstances to understand which apply to you. It can signify clarity when it comes to making financial choices, giving you the focus and willpower to reach your goals. You are not easily distracted and are thus able to focus on what you need. This foresight will serve you well as it prevents needless spending. You might find that you are able to make and follow budgets or other structured plans particularly well right now. Alternatively, this card can also signify confusion and delusions, or an inability to turn daydreams to reality. When it comes to opportunities that are being offered to you, ensure you are not being scammed. Make sure you understand all the facts of any deal that is being presented to you.
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