I'm really not looking forward to writing about the 5 Of Pentacles, because it's meaning is so dark and negative. The 5 Of Pentacles is a card of hardship, struggle, difficulty and lack. Each of the 5's in the Minor Arcana relate to adversity and loss, but because the suit of Pentacles signify money and material possessions, this is can be an especially difficult card to receive. The 5 Of Pentacles is a stark contrast to the enjoyment of wealth found in the 10 Of Pentacles. I'll do my best to put as positive a spin on it as possible, without losing the overall meaning of the card. I won't ever 'sugar coat' the overall theme of a card, but give an honest and accurate interpretation.

The Pentacles in tarot are one of 4 suits in the Minor Arcana. Typically the Pentacles, or “coins” suit deal with money, finances, hard work and material wealth. The Pentacles suit in tarot is associated with the suit of diamonds in traditional playing card decks. The similarity is obvious, with diamonds being a sign of affluence, status, wealth and success. Pentacles are also tied to the element earth of the 4 elements.

5 Of Pentacles Description

The scene in the 5 Of Pentacles is quite grim and depressing. A man and woman trudge through the heavy and thick snow as it collects on the ground. The couple look destitute, desperate, and on their 'last leg', quite literally. The man is on crutches, obviously struggling to walk. The woman next to him is barefoot with an old and dirty blanket draped over her body. The look of hopelessness on their faces breaks my heart, and I'm sorry to say that I've personally experienced times in my life similar to their situation. I'm sure all of us know how the couple has felt as some point in our lives.

While they wade through the snow, the 5 Of Pentacles appear in a mosaic window of a church above them. It looks like a warm glow radiates from the window, indicating shelter and a place of refuge. They fail to see the answer to their current situation as they keep their heads lowered, focused on their misfortune and hardship. A small bell hangs around the crippled mans neck, which I would assume he uses to attract attention from strangers for donations.

5 of Pentacles Keywords

Upright:

• Hardship

• Adversity

• Poverty

• Bankruptcy

• Lack

• Disgrace

• Difficulty

• Desperation

• Destitute

• Loss

Reversed:

• Progress

• Recovery

• Positive Change

• Overcoming Adversity

• Security

• Stability

• Acceptance

• Financial Independence

• Forgiveness

• Improvement

5 of Pentacles Upright

The 5 Of Pentacles Upright is a 'glass half empty' card, and one of the worst in the Minor Arcana(In my opinion). This card can mean there's been a change of circumstances, and you may feel like you're alone and left in the cold. There is so much loss represented in this card, whether it's a source of income or a job, or the loss of a living situation. You could also be experiencing a loss of health as indicated by the man hobbling through the snow on crutches. The security that you once had has been stripped away, and this can cause depression and hopelessness.

Remember, that there is always a solution or way out of the hardship you're experiencing. The 5 Of Pentacles in the church window is an example of an escape from the cold weather and miserable living conditions. The man and woman either ignore the answer to their current problem, or they just refuse to ask for help. When adversity comes, don't hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance. This experience can be humbling and a tough pill to swallow, but is it really worse than the alternative? Think outside the box and look for answers to the present difficulty you're facing, it may be right under your nose and you just haven't noticed it.

The 5 Of Pentacles Upright in a tarot reading can also suggest that you need to change your thinking. When we travel through life, our focus can be on everything that we don't have. This causes pessimism, anger, jealousy, and it just leads to more adversity and hardship. Did you know that in some countries, owning more than one pair of shoes would be considered a sign of massive wealth? Take a look around and give thanks for the things you have, and the tremendous abundance that surrounds you. Our mind is a garden, and the thoughts we hold inside and focus on are what we will eventually harvest. When we expect the very worst from every situation or circumstance, it typically becomes a reality!

5 Of Pentacles Reversed

The 5 Of Pentacles Reversed is one of few cards that actually have a positive interpretation when reversed. When you receive the 5 Of Pentacles Reversed it's an indication of an end to hardship and struggles. Life is full of ups and downs, which is why being grateful and appreciative when we're on top is vital. The 5 Of Pentacles Reversed means that the worst is over, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The night is always darkest just before the dawn, but through your perseverance and determination you managed to make it through.

Drawing the 5 Of Pentacles Reversed means change is coming. Your finances, relationship, and health are all beginning to head in the right direction. There may have been a time where you felt ostracized, shunned, or alone, but you're now being welcomed back into the fold. Your outlook on life is starting to change as well with the 5 Of Pentacles Reversed. The attitude and perspective have switched from glass half empty to glass half full, which is a welcome change. Your desire and outlook toward life have been restored, making you feel renewed and capable of tackling any problems standing in your way.

5 Of Pentacles Love

More of the same lack, loneliness and feeling abandoned come from the 5 Of Pentacles Love reading. If you're in a relationship you may be experiencing distance or the cold shoulder from your partner. Feelings of rejection and abandonment are highlighted in the 5 Of Pentacles Love reading. The security that once highlighted your relationship seems to have disappeared, which means you and your significant other are just 'going through the motions'.

It can seem like you both are trudging through the snow together, seeking warmth from one another and not finding it. Again the answer to this hardship may come down to an open and honest conversation about the way you both are feeling. Clear the air and find a way to compromise and work together rather than ignoring the situation. The answer to the problems in your relationship may require an objective third party to listen and offer a new perspective.

When the 5 Of Pentacles Love card for those that are single appear, it can suggest a sense of hopelessness. You may be feeling like you'll be single forever, alone and unworthy of experiencing a true love. This mindset is off putting to any potential partners who do cross your path, and will further distance you from what you want. Misery does love company though, so avoid people or situations that perpetuate these negative beliefs. I personally resort to behaviors that continue to distance myself from a fulfilling and happy relationship. As soon as I pull myself out of the rut or pity party I'm throwing for myself, I end up meeting someone who offers the emotional support I crave. As soon as you begin loving yourself, you make yourself more attractive to finding the love you seek.

5 Of Pentacles Career/Finance

The 5 Of Pentacles Career/Finance interpretation can suggest a loss of some type concerning money or work. You may have experienced the loss of a job, or your current living situation is in flux. If you still have your job, there could be a feeling of being the 'black sheep' or an outcast. This can make getting out of bed each morning to head to work extremely difficult. Feeling rejected and on an 'island' by yourself is mentally and emotionally taxing, which can start to effect your overall health and wellbeing.

Go to work to work, and focus on the task at hand. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues, and make an effort to show that you care. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care! Things won't always be this way regarding work or financial matters, and the adversity you experience now, will only make you stronger for the future.

A temporary financial hardship may be occurring right now when the 5 Of Pentacles Career/Finance card shows up. A source of income you've been relying upon may have dried up, or disappeared completely. Every single one of us experiences times of financial difficulty and hardship, but there is nothing wrong with seeking help or charity from outside sources. Swallow your pride and look around for resources that can help you climb out of the difficult situation you find yourself in. Even though money may be a little tight right now, look for ways to save even a tiny amount as it comes in. Having a few dollars saved in the bank or hidden away will give you a sense of security and the breathing room to come out of this situation eventually.

This article was exceptionally difficult for me to write because of the despair depicted in the 5 Of Pentacles. As soon as I finished writing this, I reminded myself of truly grateful and blessed I am. Every day is a gift, and I choose to make the most of it and appreciate every second.

What hardships or adversity are you facing right now? Tell me about a time when you felt hopeless, but then found a solution and got back on your feet? I would love hearing about the things you're grateful for as well. Let's have a discussion! :D