The Five of Cups image shows a person lamenting over the three spilled cups in front of him. While failing to see that there are still two remaining cups standing behind him. In fact, when one looks a little closer at this card, one can see the bridge behind him that crosses over the river (symbolizing overcoming the emotional pain and loss) that leads to a castle. This is a card about perception. All is not lost. It’s also a card about acceptance. What’s done is done. The past cannot be changed. Sometimes life gives us lemons, that’s for sure. But if we stay in the past for too long, dwelling on what was lost, past mistakes or grievances, we will remain stuck.
The term “there’s no use crying over spilled milk” comes to mind when I see this card.
What treasures lie ahead in that castle that is just beyond the bridge? If we do not turn around, pick up our two remaining cups, and cross the bridge, we will never know.
The White Owl is a powerful representation of the winged messenger that brings wisdom and light into the shadows. The message on this card, “The Wisdom and the messages of the divine are within you” encourages you to follow your intuition and allow those senses to expand as you do so. Just as the White Owl’s keen eyesight allows her to navigate easily through the darkness, your intuition allows you to do the same. Perhaps it is telling you that it is time to cut your losses and move on. That yes, you deserve to be happy.