Readings
Two Cards
If you are trying to make a very important decision in your life and you don’t know which path to follow, if you are really doubtful about the consequences the crossroads tarot spread will help you to find your way.
Five of Cups
Upright
Regret, failure, disappointment, pessimism
Being one of the most pessimist cards in deck, The Five of Cups card often shows up in a Tarot reading when the events haven’t turned out the way you assumed, and you are sad and depressed. Instead of moving on, you are choosing to be lost in your self-pity. All you can focus on right now is what went crazy and how you failed.
The Five of Cups hints you’re lost in the past. Your wounds and painful memories overwhelm your mind as you think about what occurred. You may criticize yourself or think you’re a victim of life’s events. These negative thoughts are holding you back from your complete potential – clear them so you can move on.
If someone has failed you, find it within your heart to forgive that person, freeing yourself from the frustration. And if you are disappointed with yourself, know that you did the best you could under the conditions and have now received life experience from your errors.
Think about what took you to this point and realize what important teachings you can take from the practice. Even when things go wrong, you can always find something positive by thinking about the experiences you got.
The Five of Cups card represents that new possibilities are in your way, even though things aren’t going according to your plan right now. It’s time to change your mindset and concentrate on where else you can go from this point. Be open to the deeper side of life and know many graces are in disguise.
Reversed
Personal setbacks, self-forgiveness, moving on
The reversed Five of Cups implies that you have recently experienced a personal disappointment. You may think that you are a ‘loser’ and don’t want to let others know you’ve taken the wrong path. Or you may not be ready to communicate it to others and are keeping your emotions to yourself instead. But, now could be time to admit and share. People around you may not understand how much agony you’re in right now, so don’t be scared to talk with people you trust.
If you feel guilty about what occurred, criticizing yourself for the errors you made, the reversed Five of Cups asks you to forgive yourself.
When this card shows up in a reading, you are realizing the meanings of the past, and you recognize the things learned from the adventure. You may even realize the value of the unpleasant event in the wider view of everything.
The reversed Five of Cups helps as a note that you cannot undo the yesterday. It is now time to release what no longer serves you, and open to the new possibilities available to you. If you have experienced difficulties, you will find that you will be more confident about tomorrow and join the exciting side of life again.
Four of Swords
Upright
Rest, relaxation, meditation, contemplation, recuperation
The Four of Swords suggests you take a pause before you take on the next challenge. You have arrived at the first milestone and must renew your energy before the next period begins so you are restored and ready to go. Even if you are highly motivated, take time out from your busy program to recover your energy and rejuvenate the body and the mind. Persistent stress and tension will break even the strongest of people but short periods of relaxation allow you to refresh your energy and focus.
If you have been going through hard times recently then the Four of Swords appears as a hint to take a step back and reacquire viewpoint. Take a day off, go for a walk, or spend time with your friends – whatever you need to take a rest.
In fact, the Four of Swords offers a new trial: to stay silent and still. Now is the time to strengthen up your mental health by cleaning your mind of stress. Meditate and stay in a place that creates peace and calmness for you.
In a functional sense, the Four of Swords is a sign that you need to take some time to evaluate your journey so far. Make time and space to assess what has worked properly, what has not, and what you need to improve. Delaying to evaluate after each significant challenge will support you well for achievement in the future.
Reversed
Exhaustion, burn-out, deep contemplation, stagnation
The reversed Four of Swords carries a message that you need to take time out to rest and restore your power. You may be working extended hours, giving all of your time and energy to other people, or included in a very stressful and difficult task. You are close to fatigue, and your energy resources are running low. If you do not pause and take some rest now, you may burn-out entirely, making yourself completely incapable.
The reversed Four of Swords can tell that you are very restless and trying to do all of your tasks at once. Even if your body is notifying you that you need to stop and rest, your mind may force you forward, and making you unhealthy as a result. Some ‘busy time’ is good but be mindful not to force it so far that you end up damaging your health and happiness.
The reversed Four of Swords can also signify stagnation leading to prolonged failure. For example, marriage has become empty after a long time has passed. You may need to take a pause and come back to it when the love is flowing again.
Furthermore, the reversed Four of Swords could sign that you are disappointed with the absence of flow and change in your life. This lack of change may be because of your passiveness.