The Six of Cups Tarot Card Meanings

The Six of Cups Tarot Table of Contents

• Key Symbolic Meanings
• The Six of Cups Upright
• The Six of Cups Reversed
• Metaphysical Correspondences
• Numerology Symbolism of The Six of Cups
• Back to the Suit of Cups
• Back to the Minor Arcana
• Back to all Tarot Card Meanings

The Six of Cups Tarot Card Meanings

The Six of Cups teaches us that our memories can be a treasure trove of joy and valuable lessons. It is also a card of pure and innocent pleasure.

The life giving warmth of the sun energizes mysterious Scorpio who never forgets anything – for good or ill.

But here in the Six of Cups, the vibe is just too happy for old grudges!

So Scorpio gets busy digging up rare treasures from the past.

In a tarot reading, the Six of Cups is often like one of those Internet memes that say, “If you remember doing this, you’ve probably had an awesome childhood.”

The meme usually comes with a picture of kids building a blanket fort – or playing with lawn darts.

And there’s the rub.

Those lawn darts were taken off the market, because they were dangerous. After all, they were only a slightly modified design of an ancient Greek battlefield weapon.

Our childhood memories can pleasant, but they’re not always accurate.

As the cup on top of the garden pillar shows, the Six of Cups is also a card of pleasure. It’s a reference to the Ace of Cups, symbolizing the essence of joy.

The white flowers in the Six of Cups show that this pleasure is pure and innocent.

The row of cups across the bottom references the Four of Cups, suggesting that what you’re seeing in the Six of Cups is a vision or reminiscence, not an actual event.

In the Six of Cups, the two figures symbolize the connection between the past and future. The taller one, in red and blue is a dwarf, the past. His colors state that these memories are emotional (rather than factual) and joyful.

The child on the right in the Six of Cups is the future. Her red head scarf is a symbol of her enthusiasm. The leopard spotted over garment represents her strength and courage, but her white mittens are a sign of her innocence.

Your happy memories may not be an accurate reflection of how things really used to be. But that doesn’t matter. They’re giving you’re the strength to keep going.

Upright Six of Cups Tarot Card Meanings

If you can avoid being stuck in the past, your memories can be a treasure trove of inspiration.

The Six of Cups is a bridge between the past and the future. Joy allows the energies flow freely. True to the law of attraction, reminiscing about past joys can open doors for new ones coming your way.

A recent event may have struck a cord inside you that’s still making you smile. It could be something minor. For example, driving to work, you may hear your favorite high school song on the radio. Or an old flame may have reconnected with you, and the two of you spend some time catching up on what you have been up to over the years.

It may lead to something important, or it may just keep you smiling a few more days.

That’s okay. Happy memories can be a wonderful refuge from this crazy world. Relish that moment of nostalgic “me time.” It’s a healthy way to recharge your batteries.

Are you keeping a gratitude list? If not, this is the perfect time to start one. Cultivating gratitude helps you enjoy the good times even more. What’s even better, it will take some of the sting out of those times when things aren’t going your way.

In his rock ballad “Travelin’ Man,” Bob Seger takes stock of everything he has experienced over the years. He focuses on the good, accepting the challenging moments as part of the overall picture.

His conclusion is spot on, “Those are the memories that make me a wealthy soul.”

Taking that walk down memory lane can help you put things in perspective. But it’s important not to be stuck in the past.
No matter how wonderful you think it may have been.

Look at that shiny mansion’s shadowy grey court yard in the Six of Cups. That sentry patrolling it, symbolizing safety and stability, is of that same ghostly color. They’re phantoms. You can’t stay there forever.

You’ll have to return to living your life in the here and now.

Six of Cups Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

When the Six of Cups tarot is reversed, it suggests that a break with the past is about – or needs – to happen.

Reminiscing over better times can be a refreshing break from the demands of the now. But living in the past is not healthy. Over time, everyone wakes up and smells the coffee. After all, not everything about the past was wonderful – some of it may have even been pretty ugly.

But you realize that the now can be beautiful. Bringing good memories to the present, you are ready to do what’s necessary to create a better future for yourself.

What have you learned from your sojourn?

Accepting that the past had its share of trying times, you can now begin to make peace with it. Are you ready to let go of old hurts? You’ll be amazed at the sense of relief that comes with putting old grudges to rest.

Perhaps you’ve discovered the strength to forgive those who have wronged you. Yes, forgiveness is a process, and it takes patience to master it. But you’ll get better at it the further the past drifts into the distance. You’ll be able to breathe easier, because that anger will no longer be gnawing at your insides.

Maybe others are ready to forgive you.

When the Six of Cups tarot is reversed, it can also point to an emotional upheaval whose roots are buried deeply in your personal history. In this case, unresolved issues are keeping you from moving forward. Whatever it is that’s holding you back, you need to make a clean break with it.

If you are still reliving old hurts and traumas, you may need to seek help from others. Your close friends or loved ones may be wiser and more understanding than you think. You do not have to make this journey on your own.

The Six of Cups Tarot Card Metaphysical Correspondences:

Element: Water
Zodiac Signs : Scorpio
Healing Crystals : Emerald

The Six of Cups Card & Tarot Numerology

Kabbalistically,sixes are associated with the radiance and life giving power of the sun. In traditional Numerology, 6 corresponds to Venus and the joy we receive from love. In the Six of Cups, these energies combine to send a message of pure and uncomplicated pleasure.

Learn more about the sacred divinatory art of Numerology. Use our Numerology Calculator to find what your Life Path, Soul, Personality, Compatibility and Career Numbers are and how they can help improve all areas of your life!