Six of Cups

Symbolism

The Six of Cups shows two children in an old courtyard: a boy offers a girl a cup full of white flowers. The other cups around them are filled with flowers too, and in the background a guard walks away. In the 1909 art, it's a childhood scene, safe and gentle: a memory of a time when giving and receiving were simple.

In general

The Six of Cups is the card of nostalgia. It shows up when the past comes back: memories, reunions, old friends, a longing to recover something from childhood. It's about innocence, kindness, affection with no strings attached, and your roots. It can also point to gifts, children and generosity. Reversed, it shows clinging to the past: idealizing what used to be, not being able to move on, or memories that hurt.

Yes or no

The Six of Cups offers flowers, as in childhood: yes, sweetly. Something from the past returns in a good way. Reversed, the answer is maybe: don't mistake nostalgia for a way forward.

In love

In a love reading, the Six of Cups points to tenderness, reunions and old flames: an ex coming back, a childhood friend, or a relationship that brings back a sense of lightness.

If you're in a relationship, it speaks of affection, happy memories and simple care. If you're single, it may bring someone from your past.

Reversed, it points to idealizing an ex, or not being able to let go of something that's over.

As feelings

As feelings, the Six of Cups means affection, tenderness and longing: this person feels genuine fondness and may look back on your time together with nostalgia. Reversed, it shows someone stuck on a memory.

At work

At work, the Six of Cups often points to picking up old projects, going back to a former workplace, or work involving children and care. Reversed, it shows resistance to change.

With money

With money, the Six of Cups points to gifts, inheritances or help from family. Reversed, it asks you not to repeat old mistakes.

In family and friendship

In family and friendship, the Six of Cups brings reunions, childhood memories, trips to your hometown and old bonds. Reversed, it shows past hurts that still weigh on you.

On the personal path

On a personal level, the Six of Cups asks you to reconnect with your lighter, gentler side. Reversed, it's a reminder that the past is a place to visit, not to live.

Advice

As advice, the Six of Cups says: bring the tenderness of the past with you, and leave behind what's done.

In the Celtic Cross positions

• The Present: the past is very present, through memories or reunions.
• The Challenge: the obstacle is clinging to what used to be.
• The Crown: you want lightness, safety and simple affection.
• The Foundation: underneath the question are your roots and childhood memories.
• The Recent Past: a recent reunion or memory stirred something in you.
• The Near Future: someone or something from the past is on the way.
• Yourself: you're gentle, maybe nostalgic.
• Your Environment: there's family, old friends and affection around you.
• Hopes and Fears: you want to get something back, and you're afraid of losing your roots.
• The Outcome: this points to a reunion, or to healing something old.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Six of Cups a good card?

Yes. It's about tenderness, reunions and sincere affection.

What does the Six of Cups reversed mean?

Reversed, it points to clinging to the past, idealization, or a hard time moving on.

Is the Six of Cups a yes or no card?

Upright, it's a yes. Reversed, it's a maybe.

See also the Five of Cups, which comes before it, the Seven of Cups, the next step, and The Sun, another card of childlike joy.