Introduction
The despair and grief of the Five of Cups has given way to the much more positive vibration of the Six of Cups. We have reached a place of acceptance and can look back at the past with love and appreciation, rather than regret. The pain has abated and allowed happier memories to fill the space. There is a feeling of homecoming, familiarity, security, love and calmness in this card. Very often when we are in need of comfort, the best place is home. Even when older, if we feel sick, we yearn for mother’s arms.
Imagery
A young boy offers a chalice of flowers to a little girl. He wears a red hood, and she wears a similar one in orange. They are standing in a pretty garden in front of a large medieval manor house. There is a man carrying a spear walking towards the house, which brings in a note of dissonance into the image, but perhaps he represents another layer of security for the children. Another large, flower-filled chalice stands on a plinth behind them, and four more are lined up in the foreground.
General Meanings
The Six of Cups has a sweet, childlike energy. It reminds you that, despite everything, you have a well of happy memories at your disposal. You have the ability to tune into them whenever things are difficult. Even the poorest childhoods hold nuggets of goodness, moments of kindness and recollections of peaceful times.
When this card appears in a reading, expect to meet someone from your past, or to pay a visit to somewhere that reminds you of your childhood or younger days. A friend may express gratitude to you or present you with a gift of thanks. If you feel the urge to revisit old places or dwell in happy memories, then you should honor those desires. Children may be part of your life so enjoy your time with them; get down and do kid stuff – play, pretend and make a mess. Don’t be all grown-up and boring.
Should the Six of Cups appear reversed, then the memories may not be quite as peaceful or as pleasant. Or maybe you are clinging to the past in an unhealthy way. Try to be objective about things and practice being in the present moment.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
You could be asked to undertake a task you have done before. You might see it as a little childish. Go with the flow and you will eventually begin to enjoy the activity.
In your job search allow yourself to play the ‘What if?’ game. What if I got offered this job? Then I would… finish the sentence off in a positive way. Write more of these ‘What if?’s until you feel your positive energy increase and your enthusiasm grow. Soon you will be offered the perfect job.
Love
Love takes on a nostalgic quality. You and your lover talk about your shared past and your childhoods. You may be considering having a child of your own.
If you are seeking a romantic relationship, you could meet someone you knew way back. They may be the conduit for introducing love into your life.
Finances
Money flows from a source you’d forgotten about, or perhaps you will benefit from an inheritance. In fact, the Six of Cups may indicate that money isn’t a big deal for you right now because you are more focused on creativity.
Health
Your health is good, and you feel as though years have fallen away. You have more energy, and you are even thinking about some fun project that will take your mind off your health. When other cards show up with the Six of Cups, namely, the Ace of Wands, Empress or Page of Cups, then pregnancy may be announced.
Spirituality
Look back to your past for clues how to engage with your spiritual side. What kind of child were you? Did you believe in magic? If so think about creating a little magic in your life right now. Carry out a small ritual, read a magical book or lose yourself in a magical movie.
