The bridge in the 5 of Cups?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	17 Apr 2003
Hi all, I was looking at the 5 of Cups and realised there was a bridge in it... The Rider-Waite-Smith deck has it, and Robin WOod has kept it in her deck aswell... Why is it there, and what does it mean? The first thought that sprang to my head was the phrase 'Bridge over troubled water', but I don't actually know what that phrase means! So, could somebody tell me what it means, and possibly also what it means in relation to the card (If it does actually bear any relation to it!) and possibly also other reasons why teh bridge isthere... What does it symbolise? Kiama

divinerguy	17 Apr 2003
Kiama, According to Eden Gray, the stream is the subconscious. If the walled city in the background means a home or place of safety, perhaps the bridge is the crossing of a person from the familiar into the unknown world. Looking at the spilled cups, it appears that a price is paid for crossing the bridge. Or maybe its just a bridge. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself).

Kiama	17 Apr 2003
Quote: Originally posted by divinerguy Or maybe its just a bridge. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself). Many a time I have accused people of seeing too much into things! }) But I've finally decided that even if originally the bridge was just put in there to make the card look pretty, I can give it extra meaning if I like, and thereby mak it more than just a bridge... Well, that's how I justify it anyway! I like your take on this one DG... A price being paid for crossing from the familiar to unknown... This guy's obviously left behind what he knows best, possibly his family, friends,job, etc, and now he's crying about what he's lost, not looking at what is actually awaiting him now that he's made that first step... Thankyou! Kiama

NeXoRiouS	17 Apr 2003
lol. Vivid imagination or good observants?

galadrial	17 Apr 2003
This is from the book "Spiritual Tarot", by Echols, Mueller, and Thomson: "In the Rider-Waite and Morgan-Greer cards, there is a home or haven (the castle) in the future. The Rider-Waite card implies that the water of life flows on and that in the future (the right side of the card) this time in your life will be regarded as "water under the bridge." Our figure will draw from the standing cups, cross the bridge of transition, and turn the experience of loss or grief into something useful for inner growth." However, I will add that this book "finds" a meaning for every concievable symbol on every card so it still...may...just... be...a...cigar, er, bridge:-)

Umbrae	17 Apr 2003
From the “Tome of Thoughtlessness of Baaphymotept The Seditious One”, we find the following entry: 5 of Cups: An individual stands staring at three tipped cups. Apparently they do not notice that two remain. Notice how they stand close to the two, which are behind (them)? If they get too carried away pining for what is lost, they will inadvertently knock over what remains. They stand on the east side of a stream (which runs north-south). ‘Home’ lies to the west. Does the figure know how to go home? Do they remember that all they have to do is walk upstream and cross the bridge? Not all bridges have been burnt, but then, you never can really go home again now can you – especially when you focus on what you perceive is lost, and not what you have. . The self-fulfilling prophesy of misery. …Oh, and what is that old song? They sing it in “Jaws”… “Show me the way to go home, I’m tired and I want to go to bed. Had a little drink about an hour ago, And it went right to my head.” Poor guy just can’t remember about…the bridge.

gloria	17 Apr 2003
Hi all and thanks for the welcome. You'll have to bear with me while I find my way around. According to Rachel Pollack the bridge symbolizes consciousness and determination, while the river represents the flow of sorrow. The bridge leads from the past(loss) to the future(new beginnings) When she has accepted her loss she can then turn, pick up the two remaining cups, and cross over the bridge to the house(symbol of stability and continuity) Gloria

skytwig	17 Apr 2003
and what is a bridge? It keeps us out of the waters(emotions). Yes, we have tried to contain and keep some of those waters in cups, but now several have spilled. We think all is gone, but two remain., there is hope. and when we rise above the situation (bridge), we will realize that the flow of water is abundant and we will not have to be thirsty.

rota	18 Apr 2003
That's a bridge? I thought it was a big skull....! :D

Alex	18 Apr 2003
I have been thinking about this card a bit. Sometimes we have to look at what still remains and re-build life based on that. Sometimes, we have to turn our back to what still remains and face what's been lost. Yes, there is a bridge. It leads to a castle and the doors are closed. The castle looks cold and impersonal. May be the brave knight has come back home just to find his wife and kids in th ehands of another man? The Odissey is now over but another begins. The traveller returns home just to find out it's no longer "home". Things change. Have you guys watched "Cinema Paradizo"? The long journey back home leads to another place ... a place of pain and sorrow. The turned cups are but our illusions, the ones which remain, our faith in life and willingness to go on regardless. Just a thought Alex.

jema	18 Apr 2003
the bridge can be seen on a few other cards too if i am not mistaken... 4 of wands for example. anyone see it anywhere else? or are there cards where you wish there was a bridge??? *sleepless, that is why i am here posting silly questions*

The The bridge in the 5 of Cups? thread was originally posted on 17 Apr 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.