Six of Cups: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Six of Cups’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Six of Cups Meanings
Keywords
Nostalgia, Childhood, Innocence, Reunion, Past Influences, Kindness
Generally
The Six of Cups signifies a connection to the past, often through nostalgia, childhood memories, and a return to a simpler, more innocent time. It represents the comfort and joy that can be found in looking back. This can manifest as reconnecting with an old friend, visiting your childhood home, looking through old photographs, or finding joy in a simple, childlike pleasure.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a reunion with a past love or a relationship that has a sweet, innocent, and childlike quality. It can represent a childhood sweetheart returning to your life, a relationship that feels safe and comfortable like coming home, or a couple reminiscing about the happy memories that form the foundation of their bond. It speaks of a simple, heartfelt, and uncomplicated affection.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can represent returning to a previous place of employment, a career that involves working with children, or a project that is inspired by a past success. It might be finding joy in a simple, less ambitious job; a gift of money from a family member; or a business partnership that is based on a long-standing friendship and mutual trust. It suggests that a connection to the past can bring present security.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a return to a childhood faith or a spiritual path that is simple, pure, and devotional. It may represent the comfort found in old hymns or prayers, the innocence of the soul before it is burdened by worldly experience, or even a glimpse of a past life that brings a sense of familiarity and understanding to the present.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Reconnect with your past. Embrace simple joys. Forgive someone from your childhood. Be kind.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A happy reunion. A return to innocence. A resolution of past issues. A welcome gift.
As Obstacles
Nostalgia is preventing progress. An inability to see the present clearly. An old flame is causing problems.
As Hidden Energy
An unresolved childhood issue. A past love is about to return. A forgotten memory holds the key.
As Resources/Alliances
Help from a childhood friend. The comfort of family. The wisdom of past experience.
‘The Six of Cups’ Reversed
Keywords
Stuck in the Past, Naivety, Unrealistic Expectations, Moving On, Rose-tinted Glasses
Generally
Reversed, the Six of Cups can point to being trapped in the past or viewing it with unrealistic, rose-tinted glasses. It signifies an inability to move on, a refusal to grow up, or a naivety that leaves you vulnerable. This can manifest as constantly talking about the "good old days" to the point of ignoring the present, a disappointing reunion with an old friend, or a childish refusal to face adult responsibilities.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies being unable to let go of a past relationship or idealising an ex-partner. It can represent a refusal to see a past love for what it really was, comparing every new person to an old flame, or a relationship that is stuck in a state of immaturity. It is the energy of being trapped by a fantasy of the past.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean being stuck in a job you have long since outgrown or clinging to outdated professional methods. It might represent a business that is failing because it refuses to modernise, a professional immaturity that is hindering your career, or a general feeling of being "left behind" in your field.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean being stuck in a childish or naive view of spirituality. It may represent a refusal to question the beliefs you were raised with, a spiritual practice that is based on fantasy rather than genuine experience, or a longing for a past spiritual state that is preventing you from growing.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Let go of the past. It is time to grow up. See things as they are, not as you wish they were.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Trapped by nostalgia. A refusal to move on. A disappointing reunion. A childish decision.
As Obstacles
An inability to let go of the past. Unrealistic expectations are causing problems. A childish attitude is the primary hindrance.
As Hidden Energy
A secret from the past is causing trouble. An unacknowledged fear of growing up. A past trauma that has not been healed.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from finally letting go of the past. The clarity of seeing a situation without nostalgia.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Six of Cups’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Six of Cups
"A card of the past and of memories, looking back, as--for example--on childhood; happiness, enjoyment, but coming rather from the past; things that have vanished. Another reading reverses this, suggesting new relations, new knowledge, new environment, and then the children are disporting in an unfamiliar precinct. Reversed: The future, renewal, that which will come to pass presently." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Six of Cups Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Six of Cups depicts a scene of innocent nostalgia. In what appears to be the courtyard of a home, an older child offers a cup filled with white flowers to a younger one. The cups surrounding them symbolise memories and emotions from the past. The scene evokes feelings of safety, kindness, and the simple joys of childhood. The guard walking away in the background can signify that the past is a safe place to visit, but not a place where we should remain forever.
Meditations On The Six of Cups
What positive memories from my past can I draw upon for comfort and strength right now?
Am I viewing a past situation with clear eyes, or through rose-tinted glasses?
Is there a person from my past that I need to reconnect with or forgive?
