A typical depiction of the 4 of Cups card is a figure so engrossed in their thoughts that they do not see the four cups in front of them. It can symbolise shutting the outside world out while you contemplate and reflect, or it can be that your cup is already full and you are saying no, or not now, maybe later, to what is being offered. Boredom and discontent are also themes in this card. Let’s see how these three artists interpret these possible meanings.
Nicoletta Ceccoli’s Tarot deck is full of dream like imagery of figures in a fantasy world and our 4 of Cups is no exception. A mermaid lays back on her shell, one small shell cup discarded next to her. She is encompassed in a glass dome, which separates her from the other three shell cups and a fish above her. She is secluded and shut off from her surroundings, she looks to be deep in thought. The dome reminds me of a snow dome, normally containing a perfect pretty miniature world, however, although surrounded by nice things - the pearls and seaweed - she appears sad. Maybe she is discontented with what she has, or doesn’t even see it to appreciate it. There is a danger of shutting yourself away and becoming cynical. Perhaps she is bored with her life and fails to see what is out there, what opportunities there are.
In the Old Style Tarot by Alexander Ray, we see a figure perfectly still, head down in thought as the wind blows around them. Again, they are switching off from the outside world, making it impossible to change and grow, or even to consider these opportunities. Although being offered a golden cup from an angel and already having 3 other golden cups next to them on the ground, they fail to see them. This card warns us not to waste our thoughts on trying to fix the past, but to be open to new opportunities in the present. It can symbolise negativity, sadness and despondency, and warns that staying in this state will mean that you don’t even see the positive things that you do have.
The Black Seed Tarot by Theresa Hutch takes a slightly different approach with the image of a lion looking upwards towards a cup being presented to him. He appears focused, meditative and appreciative of the cup in front of his nose, although he doesn’t see the other three. His focus is so strong on this one cup, that maybe he is saying this is the only cup he needs to focus on right now and he is shutting out the outside world with all it’s opportunities and temptations, to look inwards and reflect on what is really important. It needs to be the right cup for him to commit to this opportunity. It needs to align with his values.
The 4 of Cups can be about re-establishing your connection to what is important to you and your values. By shutting out the outside world and its distractions you can focus on what is necessary and important to you. Just don’t forget to open up and see what’s out there for you. Life has so much to offer, you may just need to shift your focus. There’s a time for shutting out, but also a time for letting in.
