Five of Pentacles Keywords
Loss(es), lonely/loneliness, isolation, struggle, poverty, hardship, instability, illness, recovery
Five of Pentacles Numerology
5
Five of Pentacles Astrology Zodiac
Earth: Taurus
Five of Pentacles Tarot Suit
Minor Arcana, Suit of Pentacles
Journal Prompts for Five of Pentacles Tarot Card
– What strengths can I focus on instead of weaknesses?
– How can I turn any losses/struggles/hardships around?
– How do I properly address any difficulties that I might be experiencing?
Five of Pentacles Card Meaning
The Five of Pentacles is depicted by a wintry setting. Snow is falling upon two individuals–male and female. They are both wearing blue and green colors and their clothes are ragged and worn. The female is veiled with a faded red cloth or shawl. The male is walking with crutches and only has one shoe on, his other foot is wrapped in bandages. Meanwhile, the female walks ahead of him, completely barefoot, through the snow. It is unknown whether they are together or just happen to be walking side by side.
Behind them is an illuminated stained glass church window, it seems to hint that a space of respite is ahead. It appears as though they are seeking refuge and heading toward the entrance of the church to find relief from the harsh weather.
*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck
Five of Pentacles Upright
Often, when the upright Five of Pentacles appears in a tarot reading, it signals a form of loss and/or the fear of loss. This could be in the form of losing a job, losing a loved one or even losing one’s faith. You may also be in a state of “lack mentality” if this card appears. Whether the lack has to do with resources, social situations, your finances, physical abilities or otherwise. It can be difficult to see/receive this card in a reading. Tough times may be ahead if you aren’t already experiencing it. This energy also indicates that a time of slowing down and of moving on from difficulty and/or hardship is necessary.
Your health may be suffering and/or you may be struggling physically if this card appears. Do not force anything nor push yourself to go faster or to do more than you are physically capable of right now. It is very likely that even if you tried, you would only end up setting yourself back even further.
When it comes to romantic relationships, you may be experiencing a break up or even grieving the loss of a partner (or loved one). While it is never an easy thing to go through, try to focus on taking care of yourself and your health. Do not neglect yourself or your responsibilities as you may, unintentionally.
Socially, whether it deals with a romantic partnership, friendship(s), family and/or co-worker(s), the Five of Pentacles upright may be an indication that you are feeling left out or even left behind. Perhaps your partner is hanging out with their friends more than you. Your friends, co-workers and/or relatives/family may be spending more time with others/each other rather than with you.
Whatever their reasons, consider that it may not be entirely conscious. It is possible that your partner, friends and/or family may not be putting much thought or consideration into the situation. If you are feeling this way, don’t hesitate to jump in and get involved. Sometimes, we unintentionally misunderstand and interpret a situation and/or behavior as something that it isn’t.
You may also be isolating yourself and/or walking away from something/someone when the Five of Pentacles appears. Perhaps you are feeling defeated in some way and want to be alone. If so, try to recognize whether or not your desire to be alone is coming from a healthy space or not.
When it comes to your work and/or finances, you may be feeling down on your luck. If you are self-employed, work could be slowing down, which could leave you feeling like you are in a state of lack or like you are heading in that direction. If you work for a company/with others, you may feel as though your co-workers are performing better than you are; and/or that they are receiving advancements/promotions while you are not. This card could also potentially represent a job loss, the loss of your business or the loss of a significant client, etc.
It can be difficult to look on the bright side or to maintain a sense of optimism that things will improve when the Five of Pentacles shows up. Nevertheless, do your best to focus on moving toward better times. Focus on the steps necessary to get you through and to the other side of the situation, rather than focusing on what is not working.
Five of Pentacles Reversed
Luckily, if the Five of Pentacles indicates losses, struggles and/or hardships, the reversed Five of Pentacles would be an indication that things are turning around. Generally speaking, the reversal card is a good sign to see in a reading. It means that you are overcoming tough times and are in a position to move forward and onward toward a positive direction.
Health wise, if you have been ill and/or struggling physically, consider this as your sign that things are getting better. You will be seeing and experiencing improvements, especially if you have been taking steps toward healing and recovery. Additionally speaking, if you have been struggling with any form(s) of addiction, the Five of Pentacles reversed indicates that you will recover if not find a way to head in that direction.
Where relationships are concerned, be it romantic, platonic, familial, etc, if you have been feeling left out or at odds with others, this reversed card appearing in a tarot card reading means that the situation is/will be turning around for the better. For example, if others haven’t had time to spend with you, this could mean that they are putting forth an effort to improve and make it up to you. Do your best to be understanding and malleable with whomever this may be about. This could be a significant time to mend your relationship(s) and focus on forgiveness and/or healing.
If you have been isolating, whether intentionally or not, the Five of Pentacles in reverse is a sign that it is time to emerge. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, etc. Even if you haven’t heard from them or contacted them in a long time, this reversed card could be appearing as encouragement for you to at least try.
If you have experienced struggles or difficulties with work and/or finances, you should start to see things flowing again. The reversed Five of Pentacles could indicate that a new job/job position is underway; more money is coming in; clients whom you haven’t heard from in a while will be returning; and/or new clients could be wanting to work with you. Any areas where you have experienced setbacks will be seeing a positive shift.
Overall, consider this as a welcome sign that things are getting better and that you are making improvements. Rather than focusing on your weaknesses and/or any potential losses, you are (or are ready to) focus on your strengths. Step by step, day by day you are slowly but surely improving and can trust that better times are ahead.
