Imagery and Symbolism
Six Golden Cups
These cups, filled with flowers, signify the beauty and innocence of past experiences and memories. Their golden hue emphasizes the precious nature of these recollections.
Children
Representing innocence, nostalgia, and past memories, the children on the card symbolize a return to a simpler time when things were seen through the eyes of a child, untainted by the complexities of adulthood.
Old Man
The figure of the old man in the background can be interpreted as the passage of time or perhaps as the future self, looking back on the past. It might also represent a guardian or guide, watching over our younger selves and past memories.
Flower-Filled Cups
Flowers in the tarot often symbolize growth, blossoming, and spiritual evolution. In the context of this card, the flowers within the cups might suggest the beauty and joy of childhood memories and past experiences.
Home or Castle
In the background, the home or castle stands as a symbol of safety, security, and perhaps the familial environment of our upbringing. It can denote where our earliest and fondest memories took place.
Gardens and Water
The gardens and water channels symbolize the subconscious mind, emotions, and the flow of life. In the Six of Cups, they reinforce the theme of revisiting past emotions and memories, possibly flowing back to sources of comfort and nostalgia.
Correspondences & Associations
Historical/Mythological
The Six of Cups, with its imagery of children and old buildings, harks back to themes found in ancient cultures that venerated ancestors and held a deep respect for past wisdom. Mythologically, it can be connected to tales where memories or the past play a vital role, and where childhood innocence and simplicity are esteemed virtues.
Elements
The card belongs to the suit of Cups, which is associated with the element of water. Water, in the tarot, symbolizes emotions, intuition, and the unconscious mind. The fluid nature of water speaks to our deeper feelings, relationships, and emotional reactions, aligning with the card’s theme of nostalgia and memories.
Astrology
The Six of Cups is associated with the planet Sun in the sign of Scorpio. The Sun represents our core self and our basic identity, while Scorpio dives deep into emotions, mysteries, and transformation. Together, they emphasize a radiant recollection of past memories and an emotional connection to bygone days.
Numerology
The card carries the number six. In numerology, the number six is linked with harmony, balance, and the energies of love and compassion. This harmonious vibration is reflected in the card, suggesting a peaceful reminiscence or a need to bring harmony to present situations by learning from the past.
Kabbalah
In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Six of Cups corresponds to the sephira of Tiphereth, the sphere of beauty and harmony. Tiphereth sits at the center of the tree and serves as a balancing point. This association emphasizes the harmonizing energy of the card, drawing beauty and wisdom from past experiences.
Jungian Archetypes
Jung might associate the Six of Cups with the “Child” archetype, representing innocence, beginnings, and a promise for the future. It can also evoke the “Anima/Animus” archetype as it touches on the deep emotional connections we might experience, especially in the context of past relationships or childhood experiences.
The Six of Cups' Vibe
Upright Meaning
Keywords
Nostalgia, Innocence, Memories, Past, Reunion
General Overview
The Six of Cups represents a trip down memory lane. It is the card of nostalgia, reflecting on simpler times, and revisiting memories that were perhaps more innocent and free. In a reading, this card often emerges when there is a need to reconnect with one’s past, or when old memories resurface, sometimes prompting a desire to return to the safety and comfort of the familiar.
This card also represents kindness, gifts, and acts of goodwill. Its imagery, showing children amid a garden, underscores the ideas of purity, innocence, and the treasures found in small, everyday moments. It prompts one to approach life with the heart of a child, seeking joy in the simplest of things.
At times, the card may also suggest a reconnection with someone from your past or the return of an old lover or friend. It emphasizes the importance of our history, and how the past can shape and inform our future, offering lessons and insights as we move forward.
Love & Relationships
In the realm of love, the Six of Cups speaks to an innocent, pure-hearted affection. It may represent a relationship that brings back memories of a first love or a more uncomplicated time in one’s life. This card can also point towards rekindling a past relationship or the return of an old flame, suggesting that there may be unfinished business or a new chapter waiting to be written with someone from your history.
For those in a relationship, this card emphasizes the simpler joys and moments shared together. It’s a reminder to appreciate the foundation of the relationship and to cultivate shared experiences that become cherished memories. The act of recalling happy moments can strengthen bonds and bring couples closer.
For singles, the card may suggest that someone from the past is thinking of you or that there’s potential for a new relationship with deep roots in a shared history. It could also be a call to approach love with the same innocence and wonder as in one’s younger days.
Career & Finances
Concerning one’s career, the Six of Cups can indicate a return to a former job or professional environment. Perhaps there’s something from your past that’s still calling to you, or maybe an old colleague reaches out with a new opportunity. It’s a reminder that past experiences, whether they seem directly relevant or not, can provide valuable insights for current challenges.
This card also suggests that a harmonious workplace environment is essential for you, one where kindness, camaraderie, and mutual respect are valued. You might feel a need to work in a place that aligns with your personal values or one that allows for a deeper emotional connection with what you do.
Financially, the card can indicate gifts or inheritances from the past or a need to review financial habits from earlier times. Maybe there were prudent habits you’ve forgotten or old investments that require your attention now.
Health
From a health perspective, the Six of Cups might point towards childhood or past health habits influencing present conditions. There’s a call to remember past remedies or treatments that were beneficial. It can also suggest a need to revisit places or activities that brought joy and peace, as these can be rejuvenating for the soul and consequently beneficial for physical well-being.
Emotionally, this card speaks to healing old wounds, perhaps by addressing traumas or situations from the past that have been left unresolved. There’s immense therapeutic power in understanding one’s past and making peace with it.
For some, it might also be a sign to engage in activities or therapies that connect with one’s inner child. Play, art, or spending time in nature could be particularly healing.
Spiritual Interpretation
On a spiritual level, the Six of Cups asks one to explore their past lives or ancestral wisdom. There may be past life experiences or ancestral blessings that can guide and influence your spiritual journey today. Understanding and connecting with these can bring clarity and purpose.
This card also underscores the importance of inner child work in spiritual practices. Engaging with and healing your inner child can lead to profound spiritual growth and a deeper connection to the universe. The pure, unfiltered perspective of a child often sees the magic and mysticism in the world more clearly than the adult’s clouded view.
Lastly, the Six of Cups is a reminder that the universe often works in cycles, and understanding past patterns, whether in this life or previous ones, can offer valuable insights into one’s spiritual path and purpose. It’s a call to honor the wisdom of the past while embracing the lessons of the present.
Reversed Meaning
Keywords
Stuck in the past, Naivety, Unrealistic expectations, Disconnection from the present
General Overview
In its reversed position, the Six of Cups warns against an excessive fixation on the past, to the point where it hinders one’s progress in the present. There’s a risk of being trapped in memories, idealizing past events, or wishing for things that are no longer relevant or achievable. This card suggests the danger of being blinded by nostalgia, which may prevent the recognition of new opportunities and growth potential in the present.
There might be unresolved issues or traumas from the past affecting current situations and choices. These unresolved matters may be coloring one’s perceptions, making it difficult to see things as they truly are. The card in this position also cautions against naivety, indicating a need to approach situations with a more mature and realistic perspective.
For some, the reversed Six of Cups may point to a reluctance or inability to grow up and take responsibility. There’s a challenge posed: to integrate the wisdom of the past while moving forward with courage and clarity, unburdened by old stories or fantasies.
Love & Relationships
When the Six of Cups is reversed in a query about love, it suggests that one or both partners might be overly influenced by past relationships, which can create an unrealistic expectation or a shadow over the current relationship. There’s a risk of comparing the present partner to an old flame or longing for the feelings of a past romance instead of appreciating the unique qualities of the current relationship.
This position also warns against wearing rose-tinted glasses in relationships. While it’s natural to focus on the good times, it’s essential to address any issues or challenges honestly and directly. Ignoring red flags or holding onto a relationship because of the memories rather than its current dynamics can be detrimental.
For singles, the reversed Six of Cups might indicate a need to let go of past romantic ideals to embrace new opportunities. Clinging to the idea of “the one that got away” might be preventing a new and fulfilling relationship from manifesting.
Career & Finances
In a career context, the reversed Six of Cups can imply being stuck in outdated ways of thinking or relying too much on old successes. There might be a resistance to modern methods, new technologies, or innovative approaches, which can hinder progress in the professional arena. This card calls for a more forward-thinking mindset, embracing change and innovation.
Financially, this card reversed warns against making decisions based on past financial situations without considering the present realities. For instance, investing in something that was lucrative in the past, without researching its current viability, could lead to losses. It’s essential to stay informed and adapt to the evolving financial landscape.
Additionally, the reversed Six of Cups might indicate a reluctance to move on from a job or position due to emotional attachments, even if there are clear signs that it’s time for a change or upgrade. This can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation in one’s career trajectory.
Health
When addressing health matters, the reversed Six of Cups indicates that past habits, whether they are related to diet, exercise, or mental well-being, might be negatively affecting one’s current health status. It’s a call to address and modify these old habits to better serve one’s well-being in the present.
There might also be unresolved traumas or emotional burdens from the past that are manifesting as physical ailments or stress. Seeking therapy or counseling to address these old wounds can lead to significant healing and improved health.
This card also cautions against sticking to outdated health advice or treatments simply because they’ve been familiar or worked in the past. It’s essential to stay updated with current health information and be open to new treatments or regimes that might be more beneficial.
Spiritual Interpretation
On a spiritual level, the reversed Six of Cups suggests a potential disconnection from one’s spiritual path due to an over-reliance on old beliefs or practices. While traditions and rituals have their place, it’s crucial to ensure that they still resonate and are relevant to one’s current spiritual journey.
This card calls for a reevaluation of one’s spiritual beliefs, letting go of what no longer serves and embracing new insights or practices that align more closely with one’s current understanding of the universe and one’s place in it. It might be a time to explore new spiritual teachings, modalities, or communities.
Lastly, the reversed Six of Cups emphasizes the importance of being present in one’s spiritual practices. While honoring the past and ancestral wisdom is valuable, true spiritual growth happens in the now, rooted in the present moment and one’s immediate connection to the divine.
Manifestation
The Six of Cups is often associated with nostalgia, memories, and the innocence of childhood. It’s a card that speaks to the purity of emotions and the deep bonds we form, especially in our younger years. When used for manifestation, it can be a potent tool to harness the energy of pure intent, reminiscent of childlike wonder, and infuse it into your manifestation practice. Here’s how:
Childlike Imagination: Children have an uncanny ability to believe in the impossible, and this is the essence of manifestation. Use the Six of Cups to reconnect with your childlike imagination and the ability to believe wholeheartedly in what you want to manifest. Visualize your desires as clearly as a child imagines their dreams.
Emotional Purity: The Six of Cups speaks to emotions in their purest form. When manifesting, it’s essential to ensure that your intentions are clear and your emotions are genuine. Use the energy of this card to cleanse any negative or conflicting feelings and focus only on the positive emotions associated with your desire.
Revisit Past Successes: Think back to a time when you successfully manifested something in your life, even if it was something small. Use the nostalgia energy of the Six of Cups to tap into the emotions and mindset you had at that time and apply it to your current manifestation.
Deep Bonds & Support: Manifestation is often more potent when done collectively. Think of the deep bonds depicted in the Six of Cups and consider manifesting in tandem with a loved one or a group. Their collective energy and intent can amplify the process.
Incorporate Rituals from the Past: If there were rituals or practices from your childhood or past that made you feel connected, grounded, or hopeful, consider incorporating them into your manifestation routine. The familiar and comforting energy can enhance your manifestation process.
In essence, the Six of Cups encourages you to tap into the pure, unadulterated energy of your past, your childhood dreams, and beliefs, and use that potent energy to fuel your manifestation in the present. It’s about harnessing the power of innocence, belief, and emotional clarity to bring about your desires.
Affirmations to use
Here are five affirmations channeled from the energy of the Six of Cups:
- “I embrace the wonder and innocence of my inner child.”
- “My past experiences shape me but do not define me.”
- “I am surrounded by pure, loving energy from my memories and bonds.”
- “I allow joy and nostalgia to fill my present moment.”
- “The universe supports the purity of my intentions and dreams.”
To align with the energy of the Six of Cups using these affirmations, it’s beneficial to create a quiet and meditative space for yourself. Begin by visualizing a moment from your past that brought you pure joy or a sense of innocent wonder. As you bask in that memory, recite each affirmation, feeling the resonance of each statement with your heart and soul. Allow yourself to be enveloped in the warmth of nostalgia and positive memories. These affirmations are designed to help you tap into the energy of genuine emotion, childhood innocence, and the deep bonds of the past. By reciting and embodying them regularly, you’ll find yourself more connected to the pure and sincere energies that the Six of Cups embodies, fostering a deeper connection to your desires and intentions.