Four of Cups
Keywords.Powerlessness is feelings of rejection not being receptive, discouraged, trapped, spoilt, closed off, critical, resigned, letting life or opportunities pass by without taking the opportunities offered.
Discouragement not satisfied and content with circumstances like what am I doing here. Perhaps an indication of having too high expectations that are not realised. Despite being invited and served on a plate what you want, you do not receive what is served.
Not being able to be appreciative and make something of the situation you are in can be an indication of too critical thinking, being trapped in your mind and not in your feelings. Having high expectations that are not met, leading to blindness to what the situation itself offers. Maybe you get lost in your own thoughts and musings that lead nowhere solely on an inner lament of life not matching your expectations that are worthy of you.
Maybe there are preconceptions that do not manifest themselves in this or is it a kind of blindness and inability to appreciate or are you prepared for the worst case scenario that may never come. An inherent suspiciousness.
Four in a cup may reflect a self-fulfilling prophecy of not being appreciated and loved for who you are, but reducing the reception you get from those around you. That you don't see what's going on beforehand and incorporate your criticism into your relationships with those around you and that you close yourself off to what you encounter.
Security is something that is often projected in such situations that switch off and disconnect your commitments and interest leading to numbness. Waiting in and seeing the time, this can also allude to everything that is coming is not good even if it looks promising. What is offered is not just good enough so this means you are cautious and cautious of you. You don't have to accept everything that comes your way. This may be an indication of waiting and seeing to weigh intellect against your compassion and open yourself to possibilities that come your way.
In The Garden Tarot I have chosen to illustrate a man sitting and waiting to be served, but he rejects the cups he is given because he is not satisfied with what he is served with. He is both critical and selective, he does not want to decide to be sympathetic and diplomatic without emotional counter-choice, I have wanted to show him as a grumpy man sitting with his legs crossed and an umbrella at hand in case it starts to rain. Even though it's a beautiful day and the cherry trees are in bloom, he doesn't think it's very good, it could always be better, a lady in the background wanders aimlessly behind him, she doesn't look very cheerful either, what she's being asked to do at the moment. Only the sevitris has a smile on her face.
Upright
This card indicates that you are unwilling to take what life offers at the moment. Bored and spoilt. Have had too much of a good thing in life. The card shows disappointment, usually that life is not enough, and feeling resigned to the efforts of others. Being stuck in their thoughts, missed or unrealized opportunities, passivity, stagnation, and self-absorbed thoughts and feelings. Living in the past and not nurturing the present.
Reversed
This position indicates that you are coming to the end of a period and have better prospects. Greater ability to take advantage of opportunities. Ability to take initiative, to maneuver forward, and to find a trail of hope. A life that felt hopeless has come to a turnaround.