The Card of the Day: The Five of Cups
“Snapping out of negative trance.”
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The Five of Cups symbolizes the trance-like state of focusing only on the negative, even when there are so many blessings around. The figure on the card gloomily stares at three spilled cups. He fails to notice the two perfectly upright cups still standing behind him. This card shows that just because everything in your life isn’t “perfect,” doesn’t mean that you need to feel bad about it all day....month...........year...................decade!
Does your mind ever feel hypnotized with problems? Is it difficult to see all the blessings you have because you can't stop focusing on the negative? Does ruminating about problems rob you of countless hours in your day?
If you’ve ever experienced this sort of hypnotism you know it seems very difficult to snap out of. It usually occurs when the mind is idle. "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop!" If you are used to being a “problem solver," it can be difficult to be at peace when there is no task to do. The mind immediately shuffles through its memory banks to drudge up something that we should have anxiety about. Then the mind says “Here’s a doozy! Remember this horrible time? What if it happens again?” The trance begins, and pretty soon twenty minutes have gone by, leaving you feeling like crap about yourself.
When the Five of Cups comes up in a reading, it’s message is to “Snap out of it!” If you’ve ever seen the television program “The Dog Whisperer,” the host Cesar Millan is asked to fix the behavioral problems of dogs. The dogs “get stuck” mentally on behaviors like barking at the mailman, dragging the owners on a leash, chewing things, etc. There is a visible shift in the dog’s body language the moment it transitions from being at peace to getting stuck on the negative behavior. Cesar Milan watches for this shift and makes a sharp “SSSSKK!” sound. This breaks the dog’s trance, allowing it to refocus on a positive behavior instead.
If dogs can snap out of trance you can too! However, you need to catch yourself as you’re slipping into it. When we were children and moped, our guardians (hopefully) snapped us out of it. As adults we must step in on our own behalf. If you slip into negative ruminating today inwardly give yourself a “SSSSKK!” and immediately shift your focus. Remember the details of your favorite place on Mother Earth. What is your happiest memory of a place? Close your eyes and remember each of the details of the place. The sounds, sights, smells, feelings. When the anxiety interjects just keep seeking the details of the place. Details are key.
I think of a river I used to visit. I remember how the sound of its rushing waves took my anxieties with them. I remember the beautiful light that sparkled over her surface like a thousand diamonds. I remember the feel of the large cool rock I sat on. I recall the majestic blue herons that flew overhead, and the deer that came to drink the clear waters at dusk. I remember feeling completely relaxed and at peace. These were my calmest days of youthful summer.
There! I snapped out of the negative trance! Now quick give me something constructive to focus on! Perhaps all the things that I can do, and that are possible. Snapping out of negative trance gives you the opportunity to actually do something constructive toward your future.
Today shift your focus to break trances when they start. The more positive details you can remember the better you’ll feel. Negative trances don't help anyone solve anything, so knock it off! Place your focus on something that makes you happy or restores your faith in yourself instead.
You deserve to enjoy goodness in life, even when everything isn't perfect.
*The Five of Cups in a Love Reading:
New Relationship
The Five of Cups can symbolize a person who continually disappoints you. They may keep you waiting or not keep their word. People will usually show you their “best” at the beginning of a relationship. If you are feeling more sad than happy at the start of this partnership, then it’s not a good sign for the future. This card can also signify a person who suffers from depression.
Long Term Partnership
The Five of Cups often indicates a disappointment. A loss for one or both partners must be accepted and grieved. This card can also represent two people who are stuck in an unhappy marriage. If this is the case, seek out support from a trusted source to ascertain if the union can be salvaged. There may still be hope.
Seeking Romance
The Five of Cups can signify that you are still mourning a past relationship. Although you have experienced a sad loss, all is not lost. There are still many opportunities for joy in your future. Try not to unconsciously wallow in a past relationship. Engage in activities and friendships that encourage you to snap out of the trance of the past.
*This excerpt is a sneak peek at my upcoming book “Tarot in Love: Consulting the Cards in Matters of the Heart” from Llewellyn Books and available for preorder Fall 2022!
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