Working Through the Five of Cups
Collage art from the thought provoking, unexpected and subconsciously stirring Rosebud Tarot @rosebudtarot
As beautifully written by the insightful and fellow Vipassana meditator, Yung Pueblo, “If the pain was deep, we will have to let it go many times” Here we enter the tenderness of the Five of Cups. As loss exists in varying degrees, I welcome you along for this journey whether it exists as immense oceans, a trickling stream or somewhere in-between, you are welcome here.
When the Five of Cups enters our world, we can be certain that letting go is in progress. This may be the gentlest interpretation of this card. The Five of Cups asks us to examine and move through sadness and loss. The ways in which the human experience embodies loss is infinite. It may be through a person, beloved pet, version of the self, an ideal, a job, a home or a relationship. Through these circumstances we glimpse several ways in which we may touch this feeling. Whatever has called you here to join in this practice, I offer you my hand as we take this lesson and wade through the waters together.
To best embody this mediation I recommend dimming the lights or closing the shades before we begin. Find a comfortable position. This can be seated or lying down. Once you have settled in, and if it is available to you, place one hand on your heart and the other on your lower belly. Allow your eyes to close or soften in your gaze. Relax the muscles of your face, part your lips and soften your jaw. Slowly and gently, take a deep breath in, hold….and release through your mouth. Take another breath in, hold it at the top and exhale out through your mouth. Last time, breathe in… …hold…. release. We are ready.
Night colors the sky with an inky velvet blue and black. It is a New moon night allowing the cloak of darkness to only be pierced by a smattering of sparkling stars. Your eyes adjust to the night and as you look down, you can make out that you are standing just at the edge of a lake. It feels expansive, but you can not be certain as you can only see several feet in front of you. You trust and know that this body of water brings a sense of ease and you sit down beside it. The earth feels cold and damp beneath you and you lay down a small blanket to protect yourself from the earth’s chill. Water is lapping against the edge of the lake and it’s sound feels soothing to the soul. You listen…. The night is coming alive around you, but you don’t fear it. You are one with this place, as you yourself are a part of nature. This is your first home and you can feel its presence deep within. “Welcome” you hear the breeze whisper to you.
The air is cool and almost cold but you do not mind. You are here at the water's edge to accept that which has passed. The feeling of what no longer is sits beside you on your blanket. It begins to take a shape and keep you company as you begin the process of acceptance and releasing. You breathe in and exhale…
The energy beside you calls to you, it has taken a form that is true to you and part of your past. What does it look like? Does it have any movement? Does it feel heavy, light, somewhere in between? Sit with this for some time. This energy is inviting you to allow that which has passed to be in the past.
The act of allowance and acceptance are what is softly beckoning to you. These gracious gifts are here to help you as the time for release is drawing near. It is not unkind in its request. This energy gently and kindly nudges you to allow it to go. It says it is ready and you sense it is time to place it back into the earth from where it came. You look over and the form of the energy you envisioned has turned into 3 cups with a sturdy handle. They beckon you pick them up and bring them to the water's edge. Slowly you rise and lift these cups, one at a time, and bring them over to the edge of the lake. Before you pour out the contents of the cups, you close your eyes and say a silent “Thank you” to this energy for all that it has taught you, for all of the gifts and lessons that you once shared.
You take one last breath together and pour the contents of the cups into the lake, one by one. You crouch down and place the empty cups at the water’s edge. You place your hands in the water and feel the energy transmute back into the earth, knowing that it is always present, just in a different form.
As you are about to stand back up, you feel your hand graze something just at the shoreline, where the lake meets the sand. You look down and see 2 new cups, filled with sweet clean water. “These are for you when you are ready” you hear a voice whisper to you. For while we can not rewind time, we can hold new experiences that are meant for us when the time is right.
You stand up and as you do so, notice that the sky begins to hint at dawn with a softening of the deep black into an indigo blue. You feel it is time to leave this place, knowing that the new cups are available to you now if you wish to take them. They represent the new experiences to come and all the ups and downs that come with them. However, if your heart does not feel ready and you wish to let them sit at the water’s edge for sometime, know that they will be here waiting for you upon your return. They are a part of this place just as much as you are. Check in with your heart and make the best choice for yourself at this moment.
You make your choice and you turn to face the dawn. As you turn towards the direction of the brightening sky, you begin to take your first steps into the new day. As you walk, your body feels lighter, your heart begins to open just a little and the crown of your head buzzes in anticipation of the beauty of life that awaits you.