Seven of Cups Meaning in Love Explained (8 Interpretations)

Traditional tarot decks consist of 78 cards, 56 of which are part of the Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana, which represents events and situations in people’s daily lives, is divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles suit). The cards in the Suit of Cups signify human emotions, social relationships, and intuition, to name a few.

The Seven of Cups, one of the 14 cards in the Suit of Cups, represents choices, opportunities, illusions, and wishful thinking. In a love tarot reading, this card can pertain to living in a fantasy, having several options, or making an important decision. It can also imply setting unrealistic expectations or facing difficulties.

For those who read tarot reversals, the Seven of Cups reversed can have a different meaning compared to the ones mentioned above. It’s also worth noting that it’s best to be on the watch out for some tarot card combinations that include the Seven of Cups because these card pairings have profound meanings.

Seven of Cups Meanings in Love

In the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Seven of Cups card shows a man standing before seven chalices containing gifts (like jewels, a castle, and a victory wreath) and curses in the image of a snake and a dragon. His hands are outstretched, which gives the impression that he’s having trouble deciding which treasure to take.

All seven cups are floating in the clouds. Clouds symbolize many things, including secrets, burdens, cleansing, confusion, transition, consciousness, and dreams. Depending on your predicament, the meanings attached to this imagery can be positive or negative.

The Seven of Cups represents an idea or a wish – a vision you can turn into reality if you act proactively. This card usually appears when the Seeker needs to know that it’s already time to make up their mind and act. It’s admirable to have dreams, but you can’t accomplish your goals without putting in the necessary work.

As mentioned earlier, the Seven of Cups signifies new opportunities, numerous choices, and sometimes illusions. In general, this card reminds the Seeker that not everything is what it seems. Hence, the Seeker must consult their Higher Self before making a significant decision.

The Seven of Cups has an overall positive meaning in tarot readings about love and relationships. Below are different meanings and interpretations you might deem insightful.

1. Living in a Fantasy

Couples in the earlier stages of their relationship usually find themselves falling for the honeymoon phase trap. Because the relationship is new, the lovers deem everything about each other bewitching.

If this card appears in your tarot reading, you need to take a step back and get your head out of the clouds. Getting too caught up in your fantasy of what makes a healthy and happy relationship can cause you to turn a blind eye to your flaws or your partner’s flaws.

2. Having Several Choices

There’s indeed plenty of fish in the sea. The exciting thing is that all of them desire your love and affection. Drawing the Seven of Cups in a love tarot reading when you’re single means it’s time for you to decide who to choose among your potential lovers.

3. Making a Decision

Given the many options you have, it’s tempting to rush into things, especially when it comes to romance. However, it’s best to remember to take your time learning all about your potential lover before making things official between the two of you.

Be honest with yourself about your wants and needs in a relationship and relay them to your prospective partner. The rule is to always listen to your intuition. You can also ask your Higher Self or spirit guides for advice.

4. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

As mentioned previously, it’s easy to get caught up in your imagination and daydream. The Seven of Cups warns you that you might be busy living in your head instead of the present. Hence, it would be hardly surprising if you set unrealistic expectations for your partner or the relationship in general.

5. Facing Difficulties

The Seven of Cups appearing in a love reading implies that you might be facing some problems in your romantic relationship. There might not be an outright problem, only a feeling of wrongness.

Don’t disregard what you feel and reflect on what’s causing this. Once you determine the root of the dilemma, take the necessary step or action to either fix what needs fixing or put an end to the relationship (assuming that’s what’s best for both of you).

Seven of Cups Reversed Meanings in Love

The Seven of Cups reversed generally means you’re easily overwhelmed by all the many options available. This card shares similar ideas with its upright counterpart.

The main difference between these two is that the former emphasizes the negative attributes card more than the latter. In tarot readings about love, the Seven of Cups reversed means chaos, confusion, and ambiguity.

1. Returning to Reality

If the Seven of Cups upright implies living in a fantasy or constantly daydreaming, the Seven of Cups reversed takes on an opposite meaning. When in reverse, this card means returning to reality. Essentially, tempting but unrealistic illusions no longer bind you.

2. Feeling Confused

The Seven of Cups reversed can mean that you’re feeling confused about something in your relationship.  There are numerous options and opportunities available to you that you have no idea what to think or do.

You might also suddenly realize that you were too hasty to commit to a serious romantic relationship when you aren’t ready yet. Seeing the Seven of Cups reversed in your reading can also imply receiving mixed signals from your partner. Such an instance can muddle your mind and negatively affect your decisions.

3. Feeling Trapped

If you’re single and you draw the Seven of Cups reversed, it means you might be feeling trapped or stuck. There might be something hindering you from finding the love you deserve. One reason could be your hesitance to clarify what you truly desire to get from the relationship.

On the other hand, if you’re in a relationship, the Seven of Cups reversed might signify your doubts about your partner or your future as a couple. Perhaps the two of you are talking about making a huge step, such as moving in together or getting married, and you feel unsure about it.

Seven of Cups Card Combinations

Seven of Cups and the Fool

The Fool represents new beginnings. This description is fitting, given that the tarot’s Major Arcana is also known for being called the Fool’s Journey. Generally, this card means that you must open your mind and eyes for opportunities that are sure to come your way.

The Fool is a positive card to see in a tarot reading about love because it promises an exciting adventure for you and your partner. This card can also represent your hesitance to take a chance if you’re single. You might be feeling confused, overwhelmed, or scared to commit.

When the Seven of Cups and the Fool appear in a love reading together, it means you wish to start anew. You might be thinking of starting a relationship. If that’s the case, these cards are a positive sign.

If you’re already in a relationship, you might have decided to end things for some time now. Regardless of your current circumstance, these cards promise you a fresh start.

Seven of Cups and the Magician

The Magician is the card numbered one in the Major Arcana. It’s related to manifestation and having the tools and resources to turn your visions into reality. In general tarot readings, this card tells you to have the courage to take a step forward because the stars are aligning for you.

In matters of the heart, the Magician means it’s time to be more resolute when deciding something about your romantic life. Single people can view this card as a sign to go ahead and profess their genuine love for the apple of their eye. If you’re in a relationship, this card means you and your partner will meet each other halfway to resolve the issues in your relationship.

However, the Seven of Cups and the Magician appearing in a spread can mean something negative. The Magician’s energy might add to the Seven of Cups’ tendency to be caught up in illusions. These cards also serve as a warning because you might be showing your manipulative side without knowing it.

Seven of Cups and the Star

The Star, the 17th card in the Major Arcana, symbolizes hope, purpose, and faith. Generally, you can view this card as a deep breath of relief during a moment of peace after a chaotic or destructive event just ended. The Star encourages you to regain your energy and fill your life with love and harmony.

If you draw the Star in tarot readings about love, it means you need to leave the baggage you acquired from past failed relationships. These hinder you from embracing the love you deserve.

The Seven of Cups and the Star tarot combination signifies fear of commitment due to abandonment or trust issues. Your past is dragging you down, negatively affecting your current relationship. Only when you release the negative emotions you keep can you have peace in your heart.

All in all, Seven of Cups meaning in love pertains to making important decisions or living in a fantasy. It can also foretell facing difficulties situations or setting unrealistic expectations.