Five (V) of Pentacles – Hard Times/Poor Health

Keywords

Negative Change in Circumstances, Financial or Material Loss, Financial burdens, Recession, Cursed, Bad Luck, World Against You, Loss,Lack, Scarcity, Misery, Hunger, Spiritual Hunger, Poverty, Hardship, Slow Progress, Struggling to make Ends Meet, Struggling On, Single Parent Struggles, Homelessness, Loneliness, Unemployment, Ruin,Bankruptcy, Debts, repossession, Damaged Goods, Struggling Business/Relationship,  Broken Dreams, Desperation, Deprivation, Ruined Reputation, Social Outcast, Ostracised, Alienated, Out in The Cold, Rejection, Consequences, Charity, Being Charitable, Social Welfare, Pride, Fear of Scarcity Mentality, Health Problems, Illness, In Sickness and In Health, Separation/Divorce, Scandalous/Improper Relationship, Turning Away from The Material World, Giving up Everything

FOR CARD MEANING AND KEYWORDS ONLY – CLICK HERE

Card Imagery Description

The last time we visited The Pentacles in Card Four, they seemed financially stable and well on their way to reaching their goal. They were steadily building their finances and were possibly on the brink of starting their own business or investing their savings. However, we also noted that their was an air of tension and stress surrounding the effort to maintain financial stability. We wondered whether the Figure in the card was working hard to hold on to his money and possessions or was it fear of scarcity that drove him to stockpile and hoard his cash. Then again, we had to look at the possibility that pure greed and miserliness were to blame.

The reality is that it could be any one of them or all. As we enter the scene in The Five of Pentacles we at least can be sure of one thing and that is his circumstances have radically changed. After the Four, we would have expected to see obvious signs of comfort and growing wealth. We would have expected a thriving business, land, property, designer clothes and expensive horses. What we didn’t expect to see are the two desperate looking creatures scurrying and hobbling along in the dark snowy night. They look the farthest thing away from financial comfort that you can get. All the woman in front has between her and the frigid night air is an old ragged cloak which she pulls tightly around herself in an attempt to retain whatever heat that is left in her. Hunched over and head bowed in the face of the icy wind, she slowly moves forward. Her feet are bare and probably frostbitten.

Behind her hobbles a smaller person, possibly young, who appears to be crippled or injured as he needs two crutches to support him. We would wonder what he is doing out on such a terrible night. Walking in the snow is treacherous enough with two firm feet on the ground, but trying to make any sort of progress with an obvious disability and worn down crutches is asking for trouble. He is not well enough to be out and about but there is the possibility that he has no option, for he may not have anywhere to go.

The two Figures in the Five of Pentacles look homeless and destitute. They wander the streets at night, lost in their misery and suffering. “God help them” we think as we acknowledge their plight. Surely there is somewhere they can go, somebody to help them, someone to feed and care for them, or a place where they can find comfort, for at least the night. Tired, hungry, ill and half freezing to death, they may not survive the night if they don’t find help soon. We hope they know of a place that will take them in and that they are heading there right now.

As they wander down their lonely, cold road we cannot help but notice the stained glass window in the background. Could this be a church or a place of worship? If it is, then surely they could seek sanctuary there and would be made feel welcome. Yet, the Figures seem to be totally unaware of its presence. The Five Pentacles depicted in the stained glass look like a strong healthy tree and suggest that there is financial stability within, and the resources to feed and nourish plentiful. If you look closely at the top of the window you will see two towers or castles just above the stained glass. The Castles represent stability, sanctuary and protection but they would need to climb up on the window to even notice them for they seem far away and out of reach to the wretched Figures walking by.

The church and stained glass window suggests that there is a spiritual aspect to their want yet the focus of their suffering and loss is on the two distant castles, the material world. They may have owned these two castles and lived in them, but now they are gone and probably a lot more too besides. Left with nothing but the shirt or cloak on their backs they are shocked and ashamed by their situation for this is not what they had planned or had prepared for. If things had gone well for them then they would be sitting up in those castles right now, entertaining guests or making business deals. They now believe they have lost everything and have little left to live for as they trudge through the deep drifts. The two wretched-looking Figures forget that besides the effort that must be made to look after and provide for the physical, they also have a spiritual duty. However, they ignore this aspect and cannot understand its relevance to their situation or plight. Over the course of time they have become disconnected from their spiritual side which would have sustained them during this hard time of loss and want. They can only think of their material needs which, might easily be sorted if they stopped letting their personal pride get in the way of asking for help. The two Figures want on a spiritual level, and this, when closely analysed closely, is at the root of their misery. It is no wonder then that they walk by the church instead of into it.

Financial and Material loss is suggested by the Five of Pentacles. The Pentacles along with representing the material world also represents the physical self. The Figure on crutches can symbolise poor health or illness. It also suggests that he can no longer stand on his own two feet or support himself, so financially he may be bankrupt or ruined. The money and possessions the Pentacles type thrive on have gone and they are left with nothing. Money, and having and getting, is basically what their world revolves around, so this is a shocking blow.

Snow falls from the sky and covers the ground adding to their misery. If they were to look up they may notice the church (their spirituality) and the comfort it may offer. Instead they choose to remain in the cold. Only thinking of their own piteous circumstances, they seem to be unaware of each other, for this is a lonely road they travel. If they reached out to each other, they may realise they are not the only ones in such dire circumstances and that there are others even worse off.  They would be stronger together and may even form a plan to better their chances of survival.  The cripple may have, or know, something of use that the woman does not and vice versa.  Unfortunately, everything has become very personal. They keep their troubles to themselves and are not interested in how others are managing to cope.

There may be people or organisations behind the stained glass windows, or even friends and family still living in the castle who would be willing to help, but pride may have prevented them from disclosing the full extent of their plight.  They may feel too important or too ashamed to ask for help.  They may find their circumstances humiliating and degrading.  They might prefer to go without rather than to be seen claiming welfare benefit or assistance.  Feeling like low-lifers, they find it hard to think in any way positively.  As a result, the naturally healthy and well nourished Pentacle constitution may begin to fail as they fall into negative mindsets and self-neglect. Illness can set in as they become vulnerable to virus and disease along with being run down and malnourished.

They have forgotten their way or who they are, for they have let their possessions and wealth define them. The misery outside is a reflection of the misery inside. Their very negativity stands between them and abundance. The Universe will supply for them but they have lost faith and believe they are doomed.

Because we are dealing with the Pentacles we must also consider that these wretched Figures are not as badly off as they think.  The scene depicted in this card may only be in their mind and not a reality. If they have come from a background of want and deprivation they may have psychological issues to overcome about money and financial security.  They may live in constant fear of having to go back to that type of existence and so, worry incessantly about money, what they are getting, how much they are spending and the cost of everything.  There may be a tendency to go without, rather than spend a cent.

During this time of global recession, the media and press feed us a daily diet of negativity and despair.  They tell us we have no money, no jobs, no future for our children, of terrible waiting lists in hospitals and that most of us will lose the roof over our heads.  For many, that is the terrible gloomy reality of daily existence as they become a statistic or victim of government mis-management, banking abuse and a downturn in global markets.  However, there are many, many people who are doing quite well, if not better than before.  They have jobs, savings, second homes, holidays and a social life.  They may have taken a hit here and there but nothing drastic has come to be.  Their circumstances have altered only slightly but now they have become nervous and anxious about their financial situation.  They talk of having to tighten their belts, having to cut back on their grocery shopping, having to get rid of one of the cars and cancel their yearly vacation.  They begin to watch every cent as if it is the last one they will see.  The house goes unpainted and repair jobs fall behind.  They talk to friends and family constantly about the recession and worry about what is to become of them all.  They have been brainwashed into a feeling of scarcity and want. Instead of spending and being happy, they hoard and count, allowing austerity into their mind and heart. In this state of mind, they turn into self-protection mode and baton down the hatches.  They feel they are not in a position to help anyone else as they barely have enough for themselves to get by.  They think they have nothing because they have been told so many times they haven’t. Recession can bring out the best and worst in people.  We hear of amazing acts of generosity, neighbours feeding and clothing the less well off in their area and massive donations given to charity but we also hear of terrible meanness of spirit, selfishness, lack of compassion and disinterest in helping those in need.

The Five of Pentacles card is never welcome in a reading as it raises many questions for us, and speaks to us of lack and want on all levels. It also asks us how aware we are of the poverty of those around us and how charitable we are in such situations. Do we help wherever we can, or do we believe that it is the responsibility of others? In other decks of cards, the Figures in the Five of Pentacles are often depicted staring through the window at a group of revellers sitting down to sumptuous food and drink.  As they stare in the window we see the stark contrast between those that have and those that don’t.  The Figures who stand outside in the cold feel ostracised or alienated from the world of comfort and security within, while those inside appear oblivious or indifferent to the hungry wretches without.  We are left to wonder if their conscience is even remotely effected by the meal they sit down and the obvious want on the other side of the window.  Could they do something to help the two outside who are down on their luck or do they just wish they would go away?  Hopefully, there are some within who feel compassion and think “there but for the grace of God go I”.  Those who stand outside the window, may once have been included in such gatherings but their circumstances have changed and whereas once they were welcomed, belonged, or had tables reserved for them can no longer afford such luxury or position. Those who sit within, may once have been their friends or colleagues but lack of means and status have changed their relationships.  They may have become an embarrassment to those within and with nothing material to gain from a relationship with two down and outs, have dropped them from their circle of friends.

The Five of Pentacles can bring the high and mighty down earth with a hard painful bang.  Levelling and humbling, the implications of this card can put your whole life to date under a microscope.  The two Figures in depicted in this card may have to face up to some painful facts.  As they stand out in the cold; hungry and homeless, ill or penniless, they may realise that they have no friends at all or that they forsook the real friends they had in favour of these monied ‘movers and shakers’ when they were sailing on the crest of a wave in life. During the boom time of their personal success, they may have had no time for the ordinary and familiar.  Instead, they wanted to move in circles where they could rub shoulders with those who could facilitate their upward climb.  Status, money and power ruled but now they have been downgraded to Loser Status and Blacklisted.  They may not have seen or contacted their old friends or family in some time which, makes them even more reluctant to ask for assistance or any favours now.  They may have lost their “Big Job”or Thriving Business due to recession and gone with them are all the benefits and perks that made them the envy of all.  So, they continue to wander in the dark cold, social outcasts, pariahs on society, their minds closed, bitter and negative.

We must also look at these two Figures in another light.  They may feel ostracised, alienated or outcasts for a very valid reason.  They may see the spiritual building or castles but know they will be not welcome. They may have done something which resulted in them being turned out onto the street.  They may have destroyed a family reputation or an affair has been exposed.  They may have got caught up in illegal business deals and now find doors and opportunities closed in their face.

The Figures may also have forsaken, wealth and the material world in favour of a more simplistic life but the Five of Pentacles is traditionally linked with losing everything because of an unsuitable or unspeakable relationship.  Money may also be an obstacle in pursuing the one they love for either of these Figures.  They may feel out of their league.  However, traditionally this card also dealt with marital vows and promising to “love, honour and cherish your spouse in good times and bad and in sickness and health”.

The scene in The Five of Pentacles can also depict the burden of being a single parent, feeling like you are dragging your child along with you everywhere you go, with little help or assistance.  It can also represent the despair of a mother trying to find medical help or a cure for her sick child but surrounding cards would need to support this.  The Figure in front may also feel that the young Figure behind is holding them back or is an obstacle to them be accepted by certain people or in certain quarters.  It can also indicate caring for one who is ill.

The young crippled Figure in this card can simply symbolise the broken dream and fractured goal of ambition of the main Figure.  It hobbles behind, regardless of its uselessness and lack of success, for it represents the financial baggage that can result when plans fail, businesses collapse and jobs are lost.  The crippled Figure may represent unhealthy bank accounts, debts and mounting bills that are slowing down the Figure in front.  Progress and recovery will be slow indeed.  However, the Pentacles are made of stronger stuff and providing they can regain their determination and a positive attitude, it won’t be long before they start to climb out of the big dark hole they fell into.  They may have to struggle like they never had to before and will have learned some hard lessons, but, there is one thing the Pentacles in their Upright state are not afraid of, and that is, hard work.

Meaning

Five (V) of Pentacles

Keywords

Negative Change in Circumstances, Financial or Material Loss, Financial burdens, Recession, Cursed, Bad Luck, World Against You, Loss,Lack, Scarcity, Misery, Hunger, Spiritual Hunger, Poverty, Hardship, Slow Progress, Struggling to make Ends Meet, Struggling On, Single Parent Struggles, Homelessness, Loneliness, Unemployment, Ruin,Bankruptcy, Debts, repossession, Damaged Goods, Struggling Business/Relationship,  Broken Dreams, Desperation, Deprivation, Ruined Reputation, Social Outcast, Ostracised, Alienated, Out in The Cold, Rejection, Consequences, Charity, Being Charitable, Social Welfare, Pride, Fear of Scarcity Mentality, Health Problems, Illness, In Sickness and In Health, Separation/Divorce, Scandalous/Improper Relationship, Turning Away from The Material World, Giving up Everything

When The Five of Pentacles appears in a reading it can suggest that you are experiencing hard times and feeling insecure.  Poverty, loss, illness and deep loneliness are suggested by this Five, so it is not particularly welcome in a Reading. Your circumstances appear to have taken a turn for the worse. There is a possibility that you have lost substantially or taken a hard hit.  The loss suggested does not always indicate financial loss, but because this is a Pentacles Card, it is quite likely that money matters are causing deep concern regardless of other issues.  The deterioration may have been ongoing or very sudden.

The crippled Figure in the imagery of this Card is very symbolic and carries many metaphors. You may feel cursed, blighted or followed by  bad luck that you just can’t seem to shake off.  If you have been ignoring old debts, loans or mounting credit card statements then the Five of Pentacles is letting you know that they will follow you wherever you go, so it is time to sort out your finances.  You will never make any progress until you do. You need to speak to someone who will give you good advice.   You could find doors closed or slammed in your face due to your poor credit rating or reputation.  You must work hard to restore it.  Mistakes you have made in the past may have come back to haunt you or are eventually catching up on you.

You may feel that you are struggling in the dark and panicked about your situation.  Job losses and home repossessions are common.  You may be homeless or in need of sheltered accommodation. With mounting debts and bills you may feel swamped and believe there is no way out of your predicament.  Just putting food on the table could be a struggle, and if others are relying on you to provide for them, then you are likely to be in a very low place indeed.  You could feel guilty and highly stressed about not being able to give your children or family the basics, as you watch them go without.  Life may have narrowed down to a tiny pinhead of light leaving you lost and bewildered as to how to improve your circumstances.  Help is out there for you if you are not too proud to ask.  You need to be open about your situation and predicament instead of feeling ashamed or humiliated.  There are many who will want to help make life a bit easier for you and give you advice on paying off debts but they won’t know of you unless you make the first contact.

Remember, that you are not the only one in difficulties at present and that it is no reflection on you as a person.  If you have been declining offers of help from family or friends, then the appearance of this card in your Reading suggests that the time has come to let others in.  They do have your best interests at heart and know that you would do the same for them should the circumstances be reversed.  That is what family and friends are for. They stand by you through the good and bad times. The above interpretation works both ways, so if you know of someone who is struggling and down on their luck, then you might be in a position to help them.  They may be too proud to ask so you need to be the one to make a gesture and not make it look like you are offering them charity.

The Five of Pentacles can represent the struggles of rearing a child on your own and all the financial obligations that come with it.  If you have a child with an illness or special care needs, then this card can symbolise the stress, weariness and worry over providing for them.  You may not have the finances for treatment or medication and feel lost, scared and alone.  You may also feel  tormented as a parent for not being able to protect your child from the ravages of disease or ill-health.  In older times, the Five of Pentacles often represented the stain of being illegitimate or being the product of a scandalous and improper relationship. Being born out-of-wedlock ostracised one from access to normal acceptable society and severely limited one’s educational, career or marriage prospects.  Like a leper, they would be considered social outcasts.

If you have been used to having a certain lifestyle and healthy bank account then you may be feeling the pinch if it is all gone.  Along with being financially challenged, you may also feeling emotionally and psychologically unstable as you find it hard to adjust to your new situation. Budgeting and frugality are just not your style but you may have no choice at present. You may be finding it hard to make ends meet, pay bills or keep up with mortgage repayments.  Life suddenly becomes drudgery, and as the need to make cuts here and there increases, it might be hard to come to terms with it all.  There will be a feeling of losing sense of oneself and identity as you have to make do with what you have, instead of buying new all the time.  Like the two Figures in the Five of Pentacles, you may have to walk past the shops, stores, clubs and bars that you used to frequent because you no longer have the means to enjoy what they have to offer.

Everyone has their own perception of what poverty and want means and how it would affect their life, so the scene depicted in this card could be reflecting genuine severe deprivation or just having to tighten the belt a bit. It is how it is perceived by the individual that is important so if you have been in a habit of ‘having and getting’ all the time then you will feel very poor indeed if you can only ‘have and get’ occasionally. Having to cut back from three vacations a year to only one, not being able to renew your salubrious golf club membership, letting one of your two cars go or having to do your own housework instead of hiring a cleaner may be your idea of times being tough. You may feel penniless and drab without all the ‘things’ you have been used to getting.

If you believe you have nothing then you may have been basing your total happiness on money and possessions.  The Five of Pentacles can be an indication that deep spiritual change is needed and an understanding that money is not everything and, most certainly, not a guarantee of happiness. Instead of being physically hungry, the hunger may be more on an emotional or spiritual level.  You need to evaluate your life to see where the true feeling of deprivation is coming from. You may need to take a look around you, and certainly further than your front door, to understand what true poverty means. There are many people who would question why you are so worried as they would consider themselves very lucky indeed to have even a quarter of what you have.

The Five of Pentacles can be a warning flag for ill-health and is a sign that you are neglecting your physical needs.  You may feel run down and unwell if you are not eating properly or getting adequate rest. You may be abusing your body or letting others abuse it. You may be struggling with an ongoing illness and feel that you will never recover.  You may have to go from consultant to consultant before you can get proper diagnosis and treatment.  You must persist as there is treatment out there that can help.  You just need to look in the right places and ask questions. If you have been used to having a strong constitution, then illness and weakness will feel alien to you.  You may struggle on for a long time before admitting that something is wrong.  It is not okay to put up with feeling unwell so you must let people know.  The longer you leave it the harder it will be to treat. Remember that your health is your wealth and without it you have nothing.  Then again you may be you caring for someone who is ill ?

In a relationship reading the Five suggests a separation or loneliness within the relationship. You may have all you need materially, such as money and things but lack emotionally and spiritually. Inner change is needed here. You may be caring for a sick or handicapped partner and this is testing your spiritual beliefs. Financial troubles can be causing problems within the relationship.  If your relationship is strong, then you will ride out the storm and this period of want and struggle will only tighten the bond between you.  If not, then The Five of Pentacles can highlight shallowness in a relationship.  You will need to question what brought you together in the first place as financial gain or status may have been the driving factor and not compatibility or love? Your partner may retreat from you, leaving you feeling left out in the cold, unwanted and unloved.

 On the other hand there is also a chance that you have been thrown out of the house for something you have done or something discovered about you? You may have come home to find all your possessions in black sacks out on the street.  Friends and family may shun or disown you.  The consequences of your actions may be drastic and extreme.  You may have chosen alienation in favour of a relationship which others find questionable or improper.  This relationship may result in you having to give up everything you have and everyone you know.

In a career spread this Five would suggest unemployment and bankruptcy. Maybe the company car and all the trappings are gone with the job and all that is left is you. You may feel like a low-lifer as you claim unemployment benefit. The more desperate you get for a job, the more potential employers smell your fear and reject you.  Down on your luck, you may feel the whole world is against you. Loneliness and isolation can intensify.

If a business owner, financial ruin may be the order of the day.  You may feel you are dragging along a struggling or failing business, throwing good money after bad. You may have to face up to the fact that your business has collapsed and taken all your savings and investments with it.  After all the hard work and effort, all that may be left are debts and unpaid staff.  Then again, if you were too caught up in the glamour and status of being a business owner, you may have failed to pay attention to the day-to-day running of it. Have you being guilty of spending more than was coming in?  Where you throwing money around to impress? Did you not think to make provisions for a rainy day or did you believe that the sun would always shine?  So-called friends and hangers-on may have vanished along with their free lunches and benefits. Who will stand beside you now?

If career, ambition or lifestyle have driven you into ill-health or unhappiness, The Five of Pentacles can sometimes symbolise the turning away from the material world in favour of a simpler and more frugal existence.

If you have been waiting for confirmation of acceptance into an organisation, club, college or institution then it is unlikely that you will be successful.  Likewise, your mortgage or loan application may be turned down as the banks or lending agencies see you as a risk and unable to make your repayments.

   Reversed

Keywords

Financial & Material Circumstances Improving, End of Hard Times, Light at The End of The Tunnel, Turning Point, Positive Change, Slow but Steady Progress, Release from a Difficult Situation, Securing Employment, Becoming Financially Stable, Paying Bills/Debts/Loans, Living Within Your Means, Building on Your Resources, Rescue Package, Relationships Improving or Ending, Learning From Mistakes, Being Brought in out of The Cold, Forgivenenss, Tolerance, Scandal Disipating or Deepening, Realising what is of Worth or Value, Charity, Renouncing the Material World, Health Improving or Deteriorating, Diagnoses and Treatment,   Abuse or Neglect of Body, Degradation, Disgrace, Major Losses, Total Ruin, Prostitution, Unhealthy Relationship

When the Five of Pentacles Reverses, the snow now at the top of the Card brings a brightness to your situation as the darkness begins to clear.  The Stained Glass Window now resembles a doorway or passageway with the bright yellow Pentacles symbolising Light at The End of The Tunnel.  Therefore, depending on surrounding Cards it is a welcome sign that change is coming for the better.  It suggests that your financial or material matters are beginning or will begin to improve.  The worst is now behind you but nothing dramatic is going to happen overnight. Short of a Miracle or sudden windfall, it is going to take time to find your balance again and get into a position of strength.  This slow but steady stabilisation could be related to finances, property, possessions, business, health or relationships.  It can mark the turning point you never thought you would reach. You have struggled through the hardest of times, endured and find that you are still standing.

If you are still in dire circumstances, somebody may come to your help just when you are about to give up all hope of rescue.  You may have to set aside pride in order to accept what is being offered.

Slowly but surely, you are beginning to get your finances under control as debts begin to reduce and bills get paid on time instead of constantly being in arrears.  The load and burden begin to lighten as you feel closer to standing on your own two feet.  You have got to be congratulated for many others would have given up and collapsed under the pressure.  With grim determination and possible stubbornness, you refused to let your circumstances break you.  You have survived  and this will only make you stronger in the future.  You have also gained some valuable experience and have learned a lot from any mistakes you have made in the past.  It is unlikely that you will find yourself in this situation again.  You will either decide to live within your means from now on or build strongly on your resources to ensure that you can withstand any downfall in the future.   This may have you returning to the Four of Pentacles in order to save long and hard.  If the money is beginning to come in there is little chance that you will be running out and spending it immediately for you were caught out doing that before. However, do not let the miserly side of The Four of Pentacles take over.  You must find a balance and not shut down altogether. Make sure the Bills are paid, money saved and then something left over that you can happily spend.  Money is like energy, so needs to move around.  Sometimes you have to spend money to make more.

If you are emerging from financial hardship then you may see the world and the people around you with new eyes.  This period of deprivation or struggle will have brought great spiritual development and awareness. You may feel more compassionate and understanding of others in trouble.  If you have been helped or assisted by those around you then you may be determined to repay or do your bit to ease the plight of fellow sufferers.  Your whole attitude may have changed and as a result the world has changed around you.  The Hierophant, Card V of The Major Arcana is pleased that you have remembered your spiritual side during your trying circumstances. You may have been trying to force or control your situation but then decided to let go and surrender to it.  Sometimes when you let go, the Universe steps in and everything begins to fall into place.  You may view your losses now in hindsight with a deep understanding that what appeared to be a disaster was really a blessing in disguise.  Without all the financial baggage and energy spent gaining an maintaining it you may find that you are a much happier person with less.  You may also have discovered hidden strengths and abilities you never knew you had. Your life may be taking you in a completely new direction which would not have happened had you not experienced this tough time.

If you have become estranged or alienated from friends and family, a thaw has set in and feelings towards you changing. You may be invited back into the fold and brought in out of the cold. Doors open to you now instead of slamming in your face as people accept, tolerate or forgive your situation.

A slow recovery from a lingering ongoing illness can be represented.  You eventually find the doorway that leads to correct diagnosis and treatment.  If you are caring for a sick child or dependent, help may be offered even if it is only practical and not financial.  However, depending on surrounding cards, there may be a deterioration in your condition.  A cure may be difficult to find or you may be slow to respond to treatment. Socially unacceptable or contagious illness may be involved.   The Five of Pentacles Reversed can also point to degradation and abuse of the body.  You would need to see what other cards are in the spread, but if the Devil, Reversed Nine of Pentacles or Reversed King of Cups appears with several Swords Cards such as the Eight of Swords, then prostitution may be a possibility, especially if homelessness is involved.

In Relationships the Reversed Five of Pentacles can suggest a slow but steady improvement after a period of strife and disharmony.  As a couple, you may now be appreciating the simpler things in life . This Five can represent a release from a person or situation that has been dragging you down. It may have felt like a long time coming but at last you are free.  This relationship was unhealthy and destroying you on every level so do not feel guilty or bad about letting anyone down.  Any relationships that were based on material status alone will naturally dissolve and much will be learned as a result.  However, if this Card goes into the extreme aspect of the Reverse, then we may see couples being torn apart by poverty or struggle as self-esteem and pride plummets.  If the relationship you are in has caused a stir or scandal, then the drama may have worn off as people begin to accept you as a couple.  Then again, if you have forsaken all for the one you love, the Five of Pentacles Reversed can find you missing the life you had and all the benefits that went with it.

Career related, The Five of Pentacles Reversed can suggest returning to work after a long period of unemployment. After your CV being constantly declined or rejected, a job offer comes your way and someone wants to hire you.  This means a regular income again and the chance to sort out your finances.  You can start to plan your life once more.

In business, a financial rescue package arrives just in time, preventing the need to close down or lay off staff. Your struggling business is given a boost and you can begin to build on it once more.  This will be a slow process, but there should be a steady determined confidence stirring in you that will get you through the remaining bumps and hurdles. It will also involve making some changes to your business and cutting out any unnecessary waste which is only a good thing.  If you have been bailed out by a friend or family member there may be a realisation and understanding of what real friendship is. You now become aware of all who have selflessly helped you through your time of trouble.

In the extreme negative aspect of the Five of Pentacles, poverty and want can worsen, health deteriorate further and major losses in businesses.  Look to the surrounding Cards in the Spread when attempting to interpret this Card both Upright and Reversed.

*The next time we visit the Pentacles in Card Six, we will be eager to see if they have managed to sort their finances and accommodation problems or will we still find them wandering the streets in the cold, even more wretched than they already are.  Something tells me that this is only a temporary set-back and will recover.They may even be stronger than they were before.   I would hate to think of them not making a comeback for we are relying on them to provide for us all.  

 Back to Lesson 7

Ace of Pentacles   2 of Pentacles 3 of Pentacles 4 of Pentacles 5 of Pentacles 6 of Pentacles 7 of Pentacles 8 of Pentacles 9 of Pentacles 10 of Pentacles

Aces Intro Twos Intro Threes Intro Fours Intro Fives Intro Sixes Intro Sevens Intro Eights Intro Nines Intro Tens Intro

The 78 Cards – Detailed Study Version (Card Description, Keywords, Upright & Reversed Meanings)

The 78 Cards – Shortened Version (Keywords, Upright & Reversed Meanings)

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