Minor Arcana | Cups | the 6 of Cups Tarot Card

Exploring the Six of Cups in Tarot: A journey into the past

The 6 of Cups is a card that often evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. Found within the Minor Arcana of the Tarot deck, this card is rich in symbolism and meaning. The 6 of Cups Tarot card is deeply rooted in themes of nostalgia, memories and the past. It reminds you of childhood memories and the emotions associated with them. This card symbolises innocent joy, kindness and the rekindling of past relationships. It could indicate the presence of a soul mate or a reunion with an old friend or loved one. 

Whether you are a seasoned Tarot reader or a curious newcomer, understanding the 6 of Cups can provide valuable insights into your life’s journey.

6 of Cups Meaning: Nostalgia and Memories

One of the primary themes of the 6 of Cups Tarot card is nostalgia. This card often appears when we are reflecting on our past experiences and childhood memories. The imagery typically shows children sharing or playing, symbolizing innocence and joy. When this card comes up in a reading, it may be a signal to reconnect with your inner child and revisit happy memories. It can also serve as a reminder that sometimes looking back can help you move forward, especially when it involves healing old wounds or rekindling past relationships.

6 of Cups Meaning: Emotional Healing

Another critical aspect of the 6 of Cups Tarot card is its focus on emotional healing. This card encourages you to look within and address unresolved issues from your past. Whether it’s through reconnecting with old friends, revisiting childhood places, or simply reflecting on past experiences, the 6 of Cups urges you to heal your inner child. By doing so, you can achieve a sense of emotional balance and harmony, which are essential for personal growth.

6 of Cups Meaning: Reunions and Soulmates

The 6 of Cups Tarot card also symbolizes reunions and the presence of soulmates. This card might indicate that someone from your past is about to re-enter your life, bringing with them lessons and experiences that are crucial for your current path. It could be a childhood friend, an old love, or even a family member with whom you lost touch. The reunion can bring joy, but it also comes with the opportunity for emotional growth and healing. Recognizing these soul connections can provide a sense of completeness and fulfillment.

6 of Cups Meaning in Upright Position

The upright 6 of Cups indicates a time of introspection, when old memories are revived and evoke a sense of nostalgia. It serves as a reminder of simpler times and evokes feelings of childlike innocence and joy. This card could also indicate the healing of the inner child, a necessary step for personal growth and emotional development.

6 of Cups Reversed Oracle Meaning

In reversed position, the 6 of Cups appears with a different message. This interpretation focuses on the need to let go of the past and the danger of holding on to memories. It warns against passing over past traumas or experiences, as ignoring or trivialising them can have a negative impact on the present and future.

The reversed 6 of Cups could indicate holding on to past memories, idealising them or giving them more weight than they deserve. Whilst memories are important and shape us, the reversed card reminds us that they should not take precedence over our present and future. It advises us to deal appropriately with unresolved issues from the past so that we can move forward.

First steps to get in touch with your inner child:

  1. Keep a diary: Take 10-15 minutes a day to write down your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Pay particular attention to moments that trigger strong emotions or awaken memories. This practice helps you to recognise patterns and understand more deeply what your inner child is dealing with and needs.
  2. Be creative: Schedule regular creative time-outs to engage in painting, drawing, crafting or other artistic activities. Let your intuition guide you and experiment with different materials and techniques. This playful and informal approach allows you to get in touch with your inner child on a deeper level and better recognise its needs and desires.
  3. Meditation and Visualisation: Create a quiet space and regularly take time for a guided meditation or visualisation exercise. Visualise meeting your inner child, embracing it lovingly and listening to it attentively. Ask it what it wants to tell you or what it needs. This practice can help you to build a deeper connection with your inner child and to better understand and fulfil its needs.

The 6 of Cups encourages you to recognise the past with its joys and challenges and to find a balance between precious memories and development in the present. See the journey into the past as a path of healing and growth that helps you to welcome the future with open arms.

The PDF Tarot Journal: incl. 78 digital Tarot Cards

The “6 of Cups” and the other 77 cards of the Tarot deck are part of my PDF Tarot Journal for digital planners and notebooks (e.g. Goodnotes). Learn more about the “6 of Cups” and the Tarot cards of the Minor Arcana with my digital Tarot Journal.

Digital Tarot Journal PDF for GoodNotes