Four of Cups, The Last Round, and The Hierophant

This Four of Cups (from the Lubanko Tarot) really leans into the “missing what is in front of you while desiring something else” interpretation. Some versions push toward manifesting the fourth cup, but this looks like a misplaced desire. Your quest for the thing you want is causing you to miss what you have. A tale as old as time, frankly.

But in your dubious quest, you stand at the precipice: The Last Round. A card by Seth for the Goth Cowboy Deck, I found it in the Alleyman Booster Pack #1. Have you ever seen an old western? The hero is down to a single bullet and has to make their next move carefully. There are exactly three outcomes: Waste the shot, and you are in deep. Keep the round, and you still have power. Hit, and you could get exactly what you want. In all good shows, even if the character misses with their last bullet, they can still succeed; it just gets infinitely harder. In desperation, just don’t throw your empty gun; it never works.

But think about how that relates to the Four of Cups. Your wants are already screwed up, which makes the Last Round a dicey proposition. Even if you hit and get what you “want”, you’re not gonna get what you need. 

Lubanko’s Hierophant reversed is a structure and institution coming down on you. And that tells me that even if you “win,” you are likely to lose in some capacity. Structures and rules will oppress you. Maybe your stunt will make you “known” to the man, and that, too, will have consequences. Maybe questing for misplaced wants leads you down the road of propaganda and brainwashing.

Take a step back. Take some time for yourself and gently prod your needs and wants. It may be time to take inventory of what you have and what you are missing.