Four of Cups

Jabe, Amun, Deus; The Emperor’s authority flows within you, bringing both power and restriction.

Every painting is bound by its canvas. Understand the structures within which you dance, or fight the edges of opportunity. The choice is yours.

Upright

• Stagnation
• Security
• Fear

The rigidity of The Emperor weights heavy upon you, and the promise of security has been replaced by the deathly inertia of stagnation. There is a building without windows, steadfast but imprisoning. Without light to nourish your spirit, your feelings are blocked, and dissatisfaction wells inside your cup.

A great gift of love may be lain before you, but you find yourself unable to step outside the structures you inhabit. This misbegotten need for security brings only sadness. Fight to overcome it.

Reversed

• Fear of loneliness
• Frantic pursuit
• Limitation

When you look to the Stars, you see only the void between them. Fear of finding yourself alone in this void ignites a fire inside you; perhaps you busy yourself with a cascade of social engagements, or perhaps you find yourself waking up in the beds of many ill-advised lovers. Do not confuse the immediate pleasure these activities may afford with long-term satisfaction.

If your concern lies with professional matters, the Four of Cups may be an instruction to upend structures which have previously served you. This may be a time for fundamental change, or you may find yourself satisfied by simpler evolution; in any case, you have outgrown your old preoccupations.