Seven of Cups Tarot Meanings
The card of choices, illusions, and fantasies.
Last Updated: April 22, 2024.
The Seven of Cups is the seventh card in the Suit of Cups (also known as the suit of Goblets or Vessels) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Cups is typically associated with the element of water.
It traditionally represents emotions, intuition, relationships, and creativity. Each card of this suit can provide insight into different aspects of our lives such as love, friendship, family, and emotional well-being.
The seventh card among the cups definitely does not belong to the group of good cards. However, it is important to understand that this card is also not the one with the worst energy. The number seven itself is the numerical designation of the arcana and symbolizes perfection, intuition and diversity.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Seven of Cups in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this court card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher.
The Seven of Cups shows a man standing in front of a cloud on which are seven cups with different contents. The cloud stands for imagination and wishful thinking because the wishes represented in cups have not manifested in the real world yet.
The person is presented fully in black. The right hand is surprisingly raised. It can be assumed that the left hand is pressing against the mouth. The person succumbs to the illusion that their wishes are already within reach, even though they only exist in their head so far.
However, the person is not facing us. We can see from the half-raised hand or gesture that the apparitions are a surprise for them. The various rewards that appear from the cups are a mixture of positive and negative vision.
The first cup on the top contains a human head with the face of an oracle. This means that this cup can give answers and wisdom. Next to it, in the second cup, there is a glowing encased figure. It reveals the desire for inner enlightenment in dark times of life. The chalice on the top right of the cloud contains a snake, which can stand for passion, and desire but also renewal and transformation.
The bottom four cups consist of a tower on the left, the jewels, the laurel wreath, and in the final cup on the right, a blue dragon. A tower demonstrates stability and security. The jewels and treasures symbolize wealth and prosperity. A laurel wreath stands for success but at the same time, a skull is depicted on this chalice, which warns about the dangers of pride and arrogance. Finally, a dragon represents magic and imagination.
According to various interpretations, the things depicted on the card Seven of Cups denote worldly temptations. These include wealth, and the desire to be famous. All of these are mind games, attempts by the human ego to conquer the mind.
The Seven of Cups key correspondences
Upright Keywords | Fantasy, illusion, thoughts, imagination, wishful thinking, dreams, lots of options, and multiple possibilities/choices. |
Reversed keywords | Reality check, clarity, sobriety, temptations, lack of choices/opportunities, unrealistic fantasies, lack of commitment, plans, and avoiding issues. |
| Yes or No | No |
| Numerology | 7 |
| Element | Water |
Ruling Planet | Pluto and Venus |
| Astrological Sign | Scorpio, Venus in Scorpio, November 13th to 22nd |
What does the upright Seven of Cups mean in the Tarot?
The upright Seven of Cups suggests that you have many options and possibilities in front of you, and your mind is filled with dreams and fantasies. Your imagination is running wild, and you may feel overwhelmed by the choices available to you.
Be careful not to get lost in wishful thinking or illusions, and try to remain grounded in reality. It’s important to stay focused and clear-headed when making decisions, or you may miss out on opportunities that are right in front of you. This card can also indicate that it’s time to prioritize your goals and clarify your intentions.
Trust your intuition and choose the path that aligns with your highest purpose. Remember that with great possibilities come great responsibility, so be sure to approach your decisions with wisdom and discernment.
What does the upright Seven of Cups mean in a love reading
For singles, the Seven of Cups predicts important decision-making in their love life. This decision may affect several people. Maybe they have feelings for several people. It also indicates that the person may be too focused on the external characteristics of people when choosing their partner.
Additionally, when looking for a partner, we often present ourselves very differently than we are to impress them. But the more we pretend, the sooner this illusion vanishes into thin air. If there is no relationship but a crush on a person, it is likely that there will be no relationship. On the other hand, there may be a nice time that could turn into something more serious later. The Seven of Cups promises, however, sincere talks about common plans, and confessions of sincere love.
In a relationship, the Seven of Cups indicates various unfulfilled desires. Such wishes can affect the relationship. One of the partners may be imagining something that does not occur in reality. It can be very useful to recognize a fantasy for what it is.
When this card appears in the reading, especially when it comes to long-term commitments and marriage, there are elements of the relationship that may be of poor quality and may even be violence in the relationship, which does not have to be physical. There is no reconciliation or any compromises here, and it’s time to get assistance from a professional such as therapy or even refuge.
Your safety is paramount and having your head in the clouds may not be beneficial to you. This card has been described as “the dirty side of love where everything is allowed”.
What does the upright Seven of Cups mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, the Seven of Cups indicates that some ideas cannot be implemented as planned. It is a very important reminder to rely on facts, rather than dreams. Sometimes it helps to have visions.
However, energy is required to implement these visions. The Seven of Cups also indicates that other people can deceive us. If a person is looking for a job, this card suggests focusing on jobs that are the best compromise, and not focusing on illusions.
This card can also predict that the person will have to make a professional decision soon. This choice may be regarding job change or transfer to a new department. The card suggests being careful where we invest our money and to who we entrust it.
If the person works (or would like to work) in a creative field, this is a sign of good progress.
The Seven of Cups as feelings/emotions
The card talks about choices that should be made. If we are asking about how someone feels towards us, this card indicates that the person still does not know and needs time to figure their feelings out. The person may not be ready for commitment or marriage yet.
The Seven of Cups can be a card of intense emotions and feelings. It can indicate that someone is caught up in their own thoughts and fantasies, exploring various possibilities and choices. They may feel overwhelmed by the many options before them and find it challenging to make a decision.
On the other hand, this card can also bring a sense of excitement and wonder, as one imagines all the different paths their life could take. There may be a sense of anticipation or hope for the future, as dreams and aspirations take center stage. Despite the potential for confusion or uncertainty, the Seven of Cups can ultimately be a card of optimism and creative inspiration.
The Seven of Cups as a person
This person loves to fantasize, to complement facts with several mysteries, even negative events. These kinds of people manifest themselves easily in creative professions. Over time, they become more down-to-earth and use their talent strictly for specific purposes.
This person may enjoy escaping reality. They like to fall in love. This person has a variety of interesting ways to present themselves. They lack guided practical thinking and need structure. Perhaps a person who would rather dream their life than make their dreams come true.
The Seven of Cups as advice
The Seven of Cups is a powerful tarot card that asks us to examine our priorities and make choices. While it can be tempting to try and pursue every option that comes our way, this card reminds us that we must narrow our focus and choose only what truly matters to us.
It’s normal to feel a sense of confusion or disorganization when confronted with multiple possibilities, but this card urges us to take a step back and evaluate each option carefully. By focusing our energy on one goal at a time, we can avoid spreading ourselves too thin and achieve greater success in the long run.
It’s important to note that the Seven of Cups is not a negative card, but rather a call to action. It invites us to tap into our imagination and explore new opportunities, but also to be mindful of our limitations and to set realistic goals.
This card asks us to embrace the power of choice and to trust our intuition when making decisions. Remember that you have the power to shape your own destiny and that every choice you make has the potential to lead you towards a brighter future.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Seven of Cups?
When it comes to the connection with an astrological sign, this card is interpreted differently in various decks. Astrological attribution to Pluto signifies that this card announces the change. Scorpio is known as a secretive, imaginative water sign with psychic abilities.
However, this card is also associated with Pisces and Venus, as they are known as the sign with the reputation of dreamers and the astrological sign with strong imaginations and devotion to what they love to the point of obsession and detriment.
Bear this in mind if you’re looking for specific astrological themes for your reading. The tarot timing of this card is November 13th to November 22nd.
Is the Seven of Cups a yes or no card?
The Seven of Cups is not a straightforward yes or no tarot card, but rather a card that highlights multiple possibilities and choices.
Below are some of my interpretations, as an experienced tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:
Querent Question: “Will I get the job?”
- Card interpretation: Probably not. There may be multiple job opportunities or options to choose from after this or during this, however. It encourages you to take the time to evaluate each option carefully before making a decision. It may also be a reminder to focus on the job that aligns best with your passions and interests.
Querent Question: “Is this new person in my life good for me?”
- Card interpretation: No. It may even suggest there is more than one person to think about here. It encourages you to take the time to get to know each person and assess whether they align with your values and long-term goals.
Querent Question: “Will I achieve my current goals?”
- Card interpretation: Possibly not. It may be multiple investment options available to you though. It encourages you to carefully evaluate each option and to seek out expert advice if needed. Consider your financial goals and priorities before making any decisions.
Querent Question: “Should I start my own business?”
- Card interpretation: Maybe, if you can focus and put the dream into action. This card is a reminder to focus on one business idea at a time and to carefully evaluate its potential for success.
What does the reversed Seven of Cups mean in the Tarot?
The reversed Seven of Cups often indicates a need for a reality check. It suggests that the person is coming out of a phase of unrealistic fantasies and is now more grounded in reality. This card encourages clarity and sobriety in decision-making.
The reversed Seven of Cups can also indicate that the person has been avoiding issues or not committing fully to a decision or a goal, potentially due to overwhelming. However, it can also suggest that there are limited choices or opportunities available to you.
The temptation to indulge in distractions or avoid responsibilities may be present, but this card advises against giving in to these temptations. Instead, it encourages you to focus on your plans and commit to them with a clear and level-headed mindset.
What does the reversed Seven of Cups mean in a love reading?
In the reversed position, Seven of Cups could indicate fears. Someone may be fleeing the relationship. We can think of our illusions as the cloud on card Seven of Cups. It looks enormous and powerful but it is only air. Further, when we meet someone new, we may get overwhelmed by emotions. If they are intense, they can cause fear. Hence it is important to take a step back and a need see things clearly.
Additionally, the card indicates that someone lacks clarity about what they want in love. This means that they are expected to make a choice. Otherwise not only can this can lead to missed opportunities and mixed messages, but also emotional pain. That’s not what we want for you.
What does the inverted Seven of Cups mean in a career reading?
In the career reading, Seven of Cups indicates that possibilities for growth or personal development are somewhat restricted. This card can also speak about the chaotic working area and that the person has a lot of tasks. An orderly workplace also speaks for a structured mind that helps us to master difficult challenges on the job.
The card asks to pay attention to the work-life balance. Overtime in the office can be necessary sometimes to finish a project on time. However, overtime should not become the rule.
In addition, the card does indicate that the financial situation will be good. The card is a sign that we will spend less money on certain things whilst the focus is elsewhere right now. Silver linings!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Seven of Cups card is a powerful symbol of fantasy, illusion, thoughts, imagination, wishful thinking, dreams, lots of options, and multiple possibilities/choices. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you should find focus for your final goal, your end game, rather than get distracted or overwhelmed with all the choice.
Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Seven Of Cups appeared? What was the outcome? What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?
Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below. Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.
I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.
Learn more about the Suit of Cups
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.