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Six of Cups

Sweet Nostalgia, a Return to Childhood and Innocence

Six of Cups Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Six of Cups is a card that takes us back in time to the land of memories. The setting resembles an old fairy-tale garden or the courtyard of a family home. We see two children (or an older child handing flowers to a younger one). The cups here are filled with white lilies, symbolising pure intentions, innocence and the beauty of simple gestures.

In the background a guard with a spear is walking away, suggesting that the dangers have passed or are far away - now there is peace, safety and a carefree mood. The card is a direct answer to the sadness of the Five of Cups. After a period of mourning comes comfort, which we often find by returning to our roots, to old friendships or to places where we felt safe as children.

It is the card of "the inner child". It speaks of selfless exchange, gifts given straight from the heart and a joy that needs no big reasons. Sometimes it means the literal return of a person from the past (e.g. an old love), and sometimes simply a longing for the times when life was simpler.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, the Six of Cups is a warm, positive sign. It suggests meeting someone from years ago, returning to the family home or renewing an old acquaintance. In love it may mean a relationship based on a deep bond of souls ("we've known each other forever") or a relationship with a big age difference but based on care. It is also a card of forgiveness and of making peace with the past.

Light (Upright)
  • The return of a person from the past (an ex-partner, a friend)
  • Nostalgia, fond memories, sentimentality
  • Innocence, carefree times, playing with children
  • Receiving a gift, an inheritance or a donation
  • Returning to your home town or family home
  • Harmony, kindness, no hidden intentions
  • Nurturing your inner child
Shadow (Reversed)
  • Clinging to the past, lack of growth
  • Idealising the old days ("things were better back then")
  • Childhood problems affecting adult life
  • Naivety, being taken advantage of by others
  • Refusing to grow up (Peter Pan syndrome)
  • The need to leave the family nest
  • Escaping from reality into a fantasy world

Card Attributes

Element: Water (emotional memory, the past)
Keywords: Nostalgia, childhood, return, flowers, innocence.
Action: Remembering, giving gifts, returning.
Astrology: Sun in Scorpio - shedding light on the depths of the past.
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