Have you ever pulled the Five of Cups in a tarot reading and wondered whether it means yes or no? 🤔
You’re not alone! Many beginners find this card confusing because it carries mixed emotions — sadness, loss, and reflection — but also a spark of hope and healing.
In this simple guide, we’ll explore what the Five of Cups means in yes or no questions, how to interpret it in different contexts (love, career, relationships), and how to use it correctly in your tarot readings — even if you’re just starting out.
Let’s make the meaning of the Five of Cups crystal clear — step by step. 🌿
🔮 What Does the Five of Cups Mean?
The Five of Cups is a Minor Arcana card in the suit of Cups, which represents emotions, relationships, and intuition.
This card usually shows a person staring sadly at three spilled cups, while two full cups remain standing behind them.
Simple Meaning:
It symbolizes loss, regret, and emotional disappointment — but also the chance to heal and move forward.
Part of Speech (in spiritual terms):
- Noun (symbol): represents emotional pain or lessons from the past.
- Verb (action): encourages forgiveness and emotional release.
Easy Examples:
- “The Five of Cups reminds you not to cry over spilled milk.”
- “This card tells you to focus on what’s left, not what’s lost.”
- “When the Five of Cups appears, it’s time to turn around and see the good still standing.”
In short: The Five of Cups teaches that even when things go wrong, there’s still hope waiting behind the sadness.
⚖️ The Key Difference Between “Five of Cups – Yes or No”
Let’s clear the confusion!
The Five of Cups can mean Yes, No, or Maybe, depending on how you read it — and the energy of your question.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Meaning | Yes/No Energy | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright Five of Cups | Regret, sadness, reflection | No (mostly) | “Will I get back with my ex?” → Probably No, because you’re still healing. |
| Reversed Five of Cups | Healing, acceptance, recovery | Yes (hopeful) | “Will things improve soon?” → Yes, if you let go of the past. |
| Emotional Tone | Focus on loss, not opportunity | Mixed | “Should I move on?” → Yes, it’s time to move forward. |
🧠 Quick Tip to Remember:
If the card faces the spilled cups, the answer leans No.
If it faces the standing cups, the answer leans Yes.
🚫 Common Mistakes When Reading the Five of Cups (and How to Fix Them)
Even advanced readers sometimes misread the Five of Cups because its energy is subtle. Here are the most common errors:
❌ Mistake 1: Assuming it’s always negative
Many people see the dark tone and think it’s a hard “No.”
✅ Fix: Look deeper — the card also shows two upright cups symbolizing hope and emotional recovery.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring reversed meaning
Some readers skip reversals and miss the healing message.
✅ Fix: When reversed, it often says “Yes — but only after forgiveness.”
❌ Mistake 3: Asking unclear questions
A vague question gives a vague answer.
✅ Fix: Ask specific questions like, “Is this relationship worth healing?” or “Will I find peace if I move on?”
💔 When the Five of Cups Means “No”
In most upright tarot spreads, the Five of Cups leans toward No.
It appears when you’re holding onto past pain or refusing to let go of what’s already lost.
Use it as “No” when:
- You’re asking about returning to an old relationship.
- The situation involves regret or emotional imbalance.
- You or someone else is stuck in sadness or guilt.
Examples:
- “Will I get my old job back?” → ❌ No, but a better opportunity is coming.
- “Should I message my ex?” → ❌ No, healing comes first.
- “Will they apologize soon?” → ❌ No, not yet — they’re still processing.
- “Is this the right time to start fresh?” → ❌ No, you need emotional closure first.
🧘 Memory Trick:
If your question involves the past, the Five of Cups usually says No.
💖 When the Five of Cups Means “Yes”
When reversed, the card flips its emotional energy — turning loss into learning.
In this position, it’s a gentle “Yes” that encourages healing and second chances.
Use it as “Yes” when:
- You’re asking about emotional recovery or forgiveness.
- You’ve already learned from a painful past.
- The situation involves personal growth or reconciliation.
Examples:
- “Will I feel better soon?” → ✅ Yes, healing is coming.
- “Will this new relationship work?” → ✅ Yes, if you don’t compare it to the old one.
- “Will I forgive them someday?” → ✅ Yes, when you’re ready to let go.
- “Is it worth moving on?” → ✅ Yes, the future holds something better.
🌈 Memory Trick:
If your question is about healing or moving forward, the Five of Cups usually says Yes.
🔁 Quick Recap: Five of Cups — Yes or No
- Upright Five of Cups: Mostly No → represents sadness, loss, or regret.
- Reversed Five of Cups: Mostly Yes → symbolizes healing, acceptance, and emotional growth.
- Key Lesson: Don’t focus on what’s spilled; see what’s still full.
- Tarot Advice: Learn, heal, and then move toward hope.
🧭 Advanced Tips for Tarot Readers
- Origin Insight: The Five of Cups comes from the Rider–Waite Tarot deck and was first published in 1909. It’s part of the emotional “journey of Cups.”
- In Formal Readings: Use it to explore emotional blockages or past trauma.
- In Text Messages or Online Readings: Mention that it’s not final — it encourages emotional growth.
- Pro Reader Tip: Combine it with The Star or Temperance for a clear “Yes” message of hope and healing.
🧩 Mini Quiz: Test Your Tarot Knowledge!
Fill in the blanks:
- The Five of Cups often represents ______ and regret.
- When reversed, the card means ______ and emotional recovery.
- Upright Five of Cups usually gives a ______ answer.
- The two standing cups behind the person symbolize ______.
- The main lesson of the Five of Cups is to focus on what’s still ______.
(Answers: 1. loss, 2. healing, 3. no, 4. hope, 5. full.)
🧠 5 FAQs About Five of Cups Yes or No
1. Is the Five of Cups a yes or no card?
Usually No, unless reversed — then it turns into a gentle Yes focused on emotional healing.
2. What does the Five of Cups mean in love readings?
It means regret over a past relationship, or a need to heal before starting anew.
3. What if I get the Five of Cups for career questions?
It suggests disappointment or a missed chance, but also the opportunity to learn from mistakes.
4. Is the Five of Cups a negative card?
Not entirely — it’s a reminder that pain can lead to wisdom.
5. How can I remember its meaning easily?
Think: “Three spilled, two standing” — focus on what’s still standing!
🪞 Conclusion
The Five of Cups teaches one of tarot’s most powerful lessons: Even in sadness, there’s hope.
It’s a card of emotional growth, reflection, and transformation.
When upright, it says No — not yet.
When reversed, it says Yes — you’re healing and ready to move on.
Keep practicing, stay patient, and remember: every reading helps you understand yourself a little better. 🌷
Eley Williams writes clear, engaging guides on confusing words and phrases, helping readers understand meanings, differences, and correct usage with ease.
