Seven of Cups - Rider Waite Minor Arcana

The Seven of Cups is the seventh Cups card. Seven is often seen as a lucky number, but the Seven of Cups is rarely a positive card. The illustration shows a man in the foreground, looking at seven cups,each bearing a different item.

The Seven of Cups represents being overwhelmed with choice, speculation and confusion. Hopes and dreams are represented in the Seven of Cups; some beyond and some within your means.

At a glance

The Seven of Cups is a tarot card that belongs to the Minor Arcana suit of Cups, which represents emotions, feelings, and relationships. This card is often associated with choices, illusions, and the power of the imagination. It can indicate a time of uncertainty and confusion, as well as a need to consider multiple options and perspectives.

In a reading, the Seven of Cups often signifies a need to choose wisely and consider all of your options. It can indicate that you are facing a difficult decision, or that you are feeling overwhelmed by the choices before you. This card can also suggest that you are struggling with a lack of clarity or direction, and may need to take some time to think things through.

The Seven of Cups can also indicate a tendency towards escapism or fantasy. It can suggest that you are focusing too much on what you wish for, rather than facing the realities of your situation. This card can caution against becoming too attached to illusions or false hopes, and encourage you to stay grounded in the present.

In terms of relationships, the Seven of Cups can indicate a need to be honest and open about your feelings and needs. It can suggest that you are not communicating clearly with others, or that you are hiding behind a facade of uncertainty. This card can encourage you to be honest with yourself and others, in order to build stronger and more authentic connections.

In a more practical sense, the Seven of Cups can indicate a time of abundance and prosperity. It can suggest that you have many options and opportunities before you, but may need to be careful not to become too scattered or overwhelmed by them.

Overall, the Seven of Cups is a complex and multifaceted card that suggests a need to be mindful of your choices and stay grounded in the present. If this card appears in your reading, it may be a sign to take some time to consider your options and make decisions that are authentic and true to yourself.

Card meanings

Past

You may have wasted time in the past chasing dreams, giving up, and then chasing others. What you have lacked is a true purpose. The Seven of Cups in the past position represents this lack of a clear goal. You may have grown up with no idea what you want to pursue, or with no problems you needed to solve.

We can’t be great at everything, nor do we need to be. Focus on something, master it, and then move onto another. Consider your past choices, a relationship for example.

You may wish to return to one, but do it for the right reason; because you want to, and not because somebody expects you to.

Present

The Seven of Cups in the present position is not a bad sign. You may be facing a lot of choice, generally in life. These choices are not small by any means; but will affect the path you take in future.

Choosing one choice will likely eliminate the others; you cannot work two jobs, or belong within two romantic relationships, for example. There should be no reason to rush your decision here, any impatience is purely an illusion.

Future

A tough choice may be coming your way when you see the Seven of Cups in the future position. Being overwhelmed with choice affects us all, especially when there are multiple things we wish to achieve or own. Your priorities in life, and your personality should help you decide what to focus on.

Consider that not all choices are concrete. If we are unhappy, we can change. Even the most serious choice can sometimes be reversed. What is the best possible achievable reality for you? Which future choice will lead you there?

Work, careers and education

You’ll need to make a decision soon. This can be very vague but consider the theme of your reading for some clarity.

The Seven of Cups is especially present when choosing further education. You may be presented with a choice of schools; good news if you are worried about getting accepted anywhere, as the power is in your hands.

Consider your choices in work and how these affect others. The Seven of Cups deals with emotions, as all Cups do. Choices you make in your work and education have the power to affect how others feel and think about you.

Love and Relationships

The Seven of Cups can be seen as a good card, in a way, if you are single. Consider a lot of choices to pop up soon; you may never have felt so lucky.

However, there is a darker side; if all other parties are interested in you, then you will undoubtedly leave some disappointed with your choice.

If you’re in a relationship, then believe it or not you may see some other eligible choices other than your partner, whether you wish to or not. Even though you’re in a relationship, you are still allowed to find others attractive, it is only normal.

It is how you act with and control your feelings and impulses which you can control that determine your character.

Wealth

Be in control of your money. The Seven of Cups relating to finances can show a lot of avenues to explore; you may have , or may just be coming into a lot of money, and with no clear purpose for it.

Be careful to not splash out on the first thing you see. Control yourself and don’t buy into the latest trends just because you feel you need to.

Health and well-being

Don’t ignore your body; both physical and mental feelings can be symptoms of an underlying issue. If you are looking to improve your health and are having trouble deciding what to do, then go for simplicity. Make simple changes.

Walk instead of driving. Eat fruit instead of snacks. Cook your own meals. Drink water instead of soda. Having choices made for you may be the best route right now.

Go for time honoured solutions to modern day problems.

Other associations

Element: Water

As a Yes or No question: No

Keywords

Options, confusion, overwhelmed, choice, decisions