A gaiwan (lidded bowl) is overturned on the tea table, tea and leaves flowing out—much like the unrecoverable regret and loss in emotions. The first impression is waste and heartache, just like the frustration brought by the Five of Cups: some things aren't coming back. In front of the gaiwan, two small teacups are upside down, symbolizing missed opportunities or lost connections—silent and unusable. But behind the gaiwan, there are still two cups facing up, quietly waiting to be filled. They remind us: loss isn't the end. What truly matters is whether you can turn around and see the hope and possibilities that still exist. The flow of tea is a direct metaphor for emotional release. We can allow ourselves to be sad, but the tea table is never empty; there are always parts unnoticed, still waiting for you to pick them up.
Regret, far from home, emotional immaturity, fragile and pessimistic.
Accepting reality, letting go of sadness, regaining hope.
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