In the four of cups we find a young man sitting under a tree. He is being offered many things from different chalices and refusing each one. The choices he is offered from the four cups are not necessarily bad or deceiving. They simply do not float his boat. This is similar to craving a particular flavor of ice cream, only to find that it is discontinued. The ice cream shop graciously offers you many other delicious flavors, but since it is not what you desire, you go home empty handed.

Looking at this card from another direction, the young man can also be seen as deep within his own thoughts. Talking a step back from the conscious world to step inside himself. He may be looking for answers, contemplating life or simply finding his own inner peace. This journey is more important to him that what is going on in the outside world, so some things that are being offered are passing him by.