Those who enjoy kayaking and other river sports know that there are areas of the river where the water flows in a dangerous circular motion. Instead of moving forward, it turns back on itself. In the same way, we can get stuck in emotional hydraulics. The Four of Cups represents such periods of self absorption. This card can be associated with concentrating on your own feelings and wanting for yourself. It can be related to being unaware of others and giving out a little. A person with this card sees only his point of view and withholds affection. Such a person also ignores gifts and blessings.

If you are self absorbed, you tend to refer everything back to yourself - your own interests and desires. On this card, we see a man who is unaware of the cup being offered to him. He misses this gift because he is turned within. In readings, The Four of Cups can indicate that you are wrapped up for the moment in your own world. This card can be associated with passively accepting ad losing interest. A person with this card feels disengaged and makes little effort. Such a person finds life stale and flat. He also lacks motivation and feels only little desire for anything.

In some situations, you must focus on yourself. When life is too stressful, you need to devote time and energy to yourself or you will be swamped. The Four of Cups can represent a positive period of self reflection and renewal. By taking the time to go within to dream, muse and reflect, you restore your emotional balance. A person with this card is usually introspective. He is into meditating, dreaming and contemplating. He pauses to reflect and gets lost in reverie. Such a person withdraws himself from any sort of involvement. He usually loses out awareness of any sort.

The Four of Cups is sometimes a sign of apathy. You do not really care much about anythin. Your life seems stale and flat because you have lost interest in the activitiesthat used to bring you pleasure. You are not motivated to make much of an effort in any direction. At such times, The Four Cups can show that you are stuck emotionally. You need something to focus on that will so engage your mind and heart that your path down river becomes clear again. Open yourself to your surroundings. Soon you will be on your way again.

The following are associated with The Four of Cups :

• Self absorption
• Apathy
• Going within