The Seven of Cups Tarot Card Meanings Explained Simply

Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Seven of Cups tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.

Summary

CategoryMeaning
Upright meaningIllusions, choices, imagination, wishful thinking, daydreaming
Reversed meaningOverindulgence, being overwhelmed, lack of focus, clarity
AstrologyVenus in Scorpio
LoveBeing seduced by fantasies, not seeing the reality of the situation
CareerToo many options, not making a clear decision, lack of direction
FinancesOverspending, not seeing the reality of the financial situation
PastA time of confusion or indecision
PresentBeing faced with many choices or opportunities
FutureWarning against being swayed by false promises or illusions

The Seven of Cups tarot card description

seven of cups tarot card meanings

The Seven of Cups tarot card typically features an image of a person standing in front of a table, upon which are arranged seven cups of varying sizes and designs.

Each cup is filled with different symbols, such as a snake, a skull, a castle, a dragon, a jewel, a bird, and a figure that could be interpreted as a person or a demon.

The imagery of the card is often interpreted as a depiction of the different choices and desires that a person might have in their life and the potential consequences of each choice. The person in the image is typically depicted as being in a state of contemplation, suggesting that they are weighing their options and trying to make a decision.

The card is often associated with the idea of temptation and the potential for self-deception, as well as the need to carefully consider one’s options and make a deliberate choice.

The Seven of Cups card keywords

Some keywords commonly associated with the Seven of Cups tarot card include:

  • choices
  • desires
  • temptation
  • illusion
  • fantasy
  • indecision
  • confusion
  • options
  • contemplation
  • self-deception
  • daydreaming
  • wishful thinking
  • unrealistic expectations
  • potential consequences
  • imagination
  • visualization

Astrology of the Seven of Cups card

The Seven of Cups tarot card is traditionally associated with the astrological sign of Pisces. Pisces is a water sign and is known for its connection to the emotional realm, intuition, and spirituality.

The energy of Pisces is often associated with a strong imagination, the ability to daydream and a tendency to get lost in one’s thoughts and emotions.

In the tarot, the Seven of Cups is often associated with the idea of choice and temptation. The card suggests that an individual is being offered multiple options, each with its own set of potential consequences.

It advises them to be careful and deliberate in their decision-making, as they may be tempted to pursue unrealistic or illusory goals.

Pisces is also associated with the idea of escapism, and the Seven of Cups can indicate that a person may be using fantasy as a means of avoiding reality. The card may also suggest that the individual is not being honest with themselves about their true desires and that they are deceiving themselves in some way.

Astrologically, the Seven of Cups can indicate a time when a person’s emotions and intuition are heightened, and they may be more susceptible to self-deception or illusion. It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true wants and needs.

Upright Seven of Cups tarot card meaning

What is the meaning of the upright Seven of Cups card?

The upright Seven of Cups is a tarot card that represents choices, desires, and temptation. It advises individuals to be careful and deliberate in their decision-making, to avoid illusions and pursue true wants and needs, and to be honest with themselves.

The Seven of Cups is a card of choices and desires. It often depicts a person standing in front of a table upon which are arranged seven cups of varying sizes and designs.

Each cup is filled with different symbols, such as a snake, a skull, a castle, a dragon, a jewel, a bird, and a figure that could be interpreted as a person or a demon. The imagery of the card is often interpreted as a depiction of the different choices and desires that a person might have in their life and the potential consequences of each choice.

The person in the image is typically depicted as being in a state of contemplation, suggesting that they are weighing their options and trying to make a decision.

Traditionally, the Seven of Cups is a card that speaks to the idea of temptation and the potential for self-deception.

It suggests that the individual may be feeling overwhelmed by the options that are available to them and that they may be struggling to make a clear and informed decision. They may be tempted to pursue unrealistic or illusory goals, rather than facing the reality of their situation.

The card may also indicate that the individual is not being honest with themselves about their true desires and that they are deceiving themselves in some way.

In a reading, the Seven of Cups can indicate that the individual needs to take a step back and carefully consider their options.

They should be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice and avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations. The card can also suggest that the individual needs to be honest with themselves about what they truly want and to avoid getting lost in fantasy or daydreaming.

It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true wants and needs.

Example upright Seven of Cups reading

A person who draws the upright Seven of Cups in a tarot reading may be facing a situation where they have multiple options and are struggling to make a decision.

This card advises them to be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice, and to avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations.

For example, a person who is considering multiple job offers may be having a hard time deciding which one to take.

The Seven of Cups suggests that they should take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity and to be honest with themselves about what they truly want in a job, rather than being swayed by factors such as a higher salary or more prestige.

Reversed Seven of Cups card tarot meaning

What is the meaning of the reversed Seven of Cups tarot card?

When the Seven of Cups is reversed in a tarot reading, it suggests that the individual is struggling to make a decision, is being swayed by illusions and temptations, and is not being honest with themselves about their true desires. It advises them to take a step back and reflect on their true wants and needs to gain a clearer understanding of their situation, and make a deliberate choice.

When the Seven of Cups is reversed in a tarot reading, it can indicate that the individual is being faced with a situation where they are struggling to make a decision and are becoming overwhelmed by the options available to them.

This can also suggest that the person is having trouble distinguishing between reality and fantasy, or that they are not being honest with themselves about their true desires.

Traditionally, the reversed Seven of Cups suggests that the individual is being too easily swayed by illusions or temptations, and is not taking the time to carefully consider their options.

They may be avoiding facing the reality of their situation and may be engaging in escapism or self-deception. The reversed Seven of Cups may also indicate that the individual is being influenced by others, rather than making their own decisions.

It may be a good time for the individual to take a step back and reflect on their true wants and needs, to gain a clearer understanding of their situation and make a deliberate choice.

Example reversed Seven of Cups reading

A person who draws the reversed Seven of Cups in a tarot reading may be facing a situation where they are struggling to make a decision and are becoming overwhelmed by the options available to them.

This card suggests that they may not be being honest with themselves about their true desires and may be swayed by illusions and temptations.

For example, a person who is considering multiple romantic partners may be having a hard time deciding which one to pursue.

The reversed Seven of Cups suggests that they should take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each relationship and be honest with themselves about what they truly want in a partner, rather than being swayed by factors such as physical attraction or social status.

They may also be avoiding facing the reality of the situation or deceiving themselves about the true nature of their feelings.

Meanings of the Seven of Cups in tarot positions

Depending on the position of the Seven of Cups card, you will need to interpret it differently.

Love Seven of Cups tarot meaning

In a love context, the Seven of Cups tarot card can indicate that the individual is being offered multiple romantic options or desires. They may be struggling to decide which path to pursue, or they may be feeling overwhelmed by the choices available to them.

The imagery of the card, with the different cups filled with various symbols, can represent the different types of love the individual is considering.

The card can also indicate that the individual may be engaging in fantasy and daydreaming, rather than facing the reality of their current relationship or emotional state.

They may be tempted to pursue unrealistic or illusory goals, such as an idealized version of love, rather than the real thing. The card may also suggest that the individual is not being honest with themselves about their true desires and that they are deceiving themselves in some way.

In a love context, the Seven of Cups advises the individual to take the time to carefully consider their options, to be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice, and to avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations.

They should be honest with themselves about what they truly want in a relationship, and to avoid getting lost in fantasy or daydreaming. It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true wants and needs.

Career Seven of Cups tarot meaning

In a career context, the Seven of Cups tarot card can indicate that the individual is being offered multiple job opportunities or career paths. They may be struggling to decide which path to pursue, or they may be feeling overwhelmed by the choices available to them.

The imagery of the card, with the different cups filled with various symbols, can represent the different types of career paths the individual is considering.

The card can also indicate that the individual may be engaging in fantasy and daydreaming, rather than facing the reality of their current job situation or career goals.

They may be tempted to pursue unrealistic or illusory goals, such as an idealized version of success, rather than the real thing. The card may also suggest that the individual is not being honest with themselves about their true desires and that they are deceiving themselves in some way.

In a career context, the Seven of Cups advises the individual to take the time to carefully consider their options, to be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice, and to avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations.

They should be honest with themselves about what they truly want in a career and avoid getting lost in fantasy or daydreaming. It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true wants and needs, passions, and the career that aligns with them.

Finances Seven of Cups tarot meaning

In a financial context, the Seven of Cups tarot card can indicate that the individual is being presented with multiple financial opportunities or options.

They may be struggling to decide which path to pursue, or they may be feeling overwhelmed by the choices available to them. The imagery of the card, with the different cups filled with various symbols, can represent the different types of financial opportunities the individual is considering.

The card can also indicate that the individual may be engaging in fantasy and daydreaming, rather than facing the reality of their current financial situation.

They may be tempted to pursue unrealistic or illusory goals, such as an idealized version of wealth or prosperity, rather than the real thing. The card may also suggest that the individual is not being honest with themselves about their true financial desires and that they are deceiving themselves in some way.

In a financial context, the Seven of Cups advises the individual to take the time to carefully consider their options, to be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice, and to avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations.

They should be honest with themselves about what they truly want financially and avoid getting lost in fantasy or daydreaming.

It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true financial wants and needs and make a deliberate choice. It could also indicate that the person should be careful in their investments and be mindful of the risks they are taking.

Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Seven of Cups card

I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.

The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.

Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.

Here is a new interpretation of the Seven of Cups tarot card:

The Seven of Cups tarot card represents the abundance of options and distractions that are available in today’s digital age.

With the internet and social media, we are constantly bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information, choices, and temptations. It can be easy to get lost in this digital world and lose sight of what is truly important.

This card could also represent the idea of “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and the pressure to always be “on” and connected, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own life.

It could also indicate that the individual is struggling to find balance and focus in the face of constant distractions and the pressure to constantly be “on” and connected.

The modern interpretation of the Seven of Cups suggests that the individual needs to take a step back and carefully consider their options. They should be mindful of the potential consequences of each choice and avoid being swayed by illusions or temptations.

The card can also suggest that the individual needs to be honest with themselves about what they truly want, and to avoid getting lost in fantasy or daydreaming in the digital age.

It may be a good time for introspection and self-reflection, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s true wants and needs and to find a balance between being connected and disconnecting to find inner peace.

seven of cups tarot card interpretations

Back to the Minor Arcana list.

The previous card was the Six of Cups tarot card and the next card is the Eight of Cups card.

References

  • Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.