The Seven of Cups symbolizes imagination, choice, wishful thinking, illusion and fantasy. The card shows a person with their back turned towards us, contemplating 7 images that are creeping out of the cups, all of which are floating in the clouds. Clouds are a representation of dreams, illusions, thoughts, and imagination. There are numerous fantasies that are appearing from the cups, which are representative of the many visions that one sees while dreaming. The Seven of Cups may imply that you have a number of options to choose from.

Upright Meaning Guide
Seven of Cups Upright Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Lots of options, choices, multiple possibilities, opportunities, picking and choosing, decisions, procrastination, dreaming, fantasy, illusion, wishful thinking, imagination, hallucinations, meditation

General Meaning and Interpretation (Upright)

In a general context, the Seven of Cups Tarot card represents having lots of options to choose from or multiple possibilities open to you. It can be an indication that you have so many choices or so many things going on at once that you may be overwhelmed or unable to focus properly. You need to limit the number of things you are taking on to a manageable amount. There is no point in agreeing to do things if you can’t give them the time and attention they deserve. Try to be realistic about what you can commit to. The Seven of Cups can also signify that you may be indulging in wishful thinking, fantasies or living in a dream world. When this Minor Arcana card appears in a Tarot reading, it indicates that you need to make a decision in your life and realistically look at where you are. Take proactive steps to make your situation better rather than fantasizing about how you want it to be. Your imagination is a great tool to help you envision your future but it will never happen unless you take action to make it happen.

Love & Relationships (Upright)

In a love Tarot spread, if you are single, the Seven of Cups indicates that you will have lots of potential partners interested in you and lots of opportunities for romance. If you are in a relationship, the Seven of Cups can indicate that a new potential love interest may appear and cause issues in your current relationship or cause you to question the relationship. Alternately, it can be a sign that you are putting too much energy into fantasizing about what you wish your relationship was like instead of dealing with the reality of the relationship. If can also indicate that you may be feeling discontented with the fact that the initial “butterflies in the stomach” phase of the relationship has passed. Just because the initial excitement may have worn off, doesn’t mean you can’t have a passionate, fun relationship if you put the effort in. Remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Money & Career (Upright)

In a career context, the Seven of Cups is a good omen indicating that multiple possibilities for career advancement are open to you. Just be mindful of biting off more than you can chew. It can also be a warning not to spend all your time brainstorming and forget to take practical steps to make your dreams a reality. Don’t commit to things you can’t see through to the end. In a financial context, you should have lots of opportunities to make money but you need to be careful before making investments. You should check any investment opportunities out thoroughly and consult a professional financial adviser first as they might not be as good a deal as they initially appear to be!

Health (Upright)

In a health context, the Seven of Cups Tarot card can indicate that you may be overexerting yourself and taking on too many things at once which may be leaving you run down and susceptible to illness or injury. Try to reduce your workload to a manageable level and make time for yourself. It can also represent hallucinations associated with mental health problems.

Spirituality (Upright)

In a spiritual context, the Seven of Cups indicates that you are exploring your spiritual side and there are many forms of spiritual practice that you are interested in. When is appears in a tarot reading, it can also indicate that you are ignoring your many spiritual gifts as you are not putting the work into developing them. If this is the case, try to choose a handful of spiritual practices that appeal most to you and work on them one at a time. You should find it easy to meditate with this Minor Arcana card in your Tarot spread.

Reversed Meaning Guide
Seven of Cups Reversed Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Reality, clarity, sobriety, poor choices, lack of choice, opportunities or options, lack of spiritual growth, feeling trapped, avoiding issues, decisiveness, reality check, missed opportunities, focusing on the superficial/materialistic

General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)

In a general context, the Seven of Cups Tarot card reversed can indicate that you are finding clarity and getting back to reality after a period of indulging in fantasies of living in a dream world. You may be finally starting to act decisively and to see the correct path for you clearly, having previously felt indecisive or lost. It represents getting a reality check. Alternately, when this Minor Arcana appears reversed in your Tarot spread it can indicate that you may have a lack of options, choices or opportunities or you may be feeling restricted or trapped in some way.

Love & Relationships (Reversed)

In a love Tarot reading, if you are in a relationship, the Seven of Cups reversed indicates that you are starting to get a reality check about where your relationship is after a period of avoiding reality. You need to use this clarity to take stock of the relationship and take action to fix any issues that need to be resolved. Ignoring issues will not make them go away. If you are single, the Seven of Cups reversed indicates that you may be limiting the possibilities for romance by sticking too rigidly to an unrealistic or idealized notion of your perfect partner. Try to loosen up and date people you might not normally date.

Money & Career (Reversed)

In a career context, the Seven of Cups reversed can indicate that you may be feeling trapped in your career or that your opportunities for advancement are restricted. Perhaps you feel that you’ve missed out on the perfect job as you weren’t focused enough on your goals in the past. Don’t dwell on what you’ve missed rather take proactive steps to create opportunities for yourself now. In a financial context, you should be feeling more decisive about financial matters.

Health (Reversed)

In a health Tarot reading, the Seven of Cups reversed can represent poor lifestyle choices having a negative effect on health. If you have been overindulging or binging on food, alcohol or drugs, for instance, the Seven of Cups reversed tells you it’s time to get back your control. If you are finding it difficult to stop your negative indulgences get help from a professional or speak to your doctor. Alternatively, you might be getting so into health and fitness that you could be overdoing it. It’s great to look after your health but give yourself a break from time to time. It’s important to allow yourself time to relax.

Spirituality (Reversed)

In a spiritual context, the Seven of Cups reversed indicates that you are neglecting your spiritual side and are overly focused on the superficial or materialistic elements of life. Materialistic pursuits will not bring you true contentment. Try to develop your spiritual side to find contentment and enlightenment. Don’t limit yourself, you are capable of so much more than you realize!

Reference:
Labyrinthos, 2019, 10/31/19, (https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/seven-of-cups-meaning-tarot-card-meanings)
Lisa, 2019, 10/31/19, (https://www.thetarotguide.com/seven-of-cups)