Five of Pentacles

Card Description

The Five of Pentacles depicts two destitute figures trudging through snow outside a church window. One walks on crutches, bandaged and injured, while the other is barefoot and wrapped in a thin blanket. Above them, the stained glass window of a church glows warmly, displaying five pentacles. Yet the figures seem unaware of the sanctuary that could offer them shelter.

This card represents a time of material hardship, but also carries an important message: help is often available if we're willing to look up and seek it. The figures' focus on their own suffering blinds them to the warmth and assistance that lies just within reach.

Upright Meaning

When the Five of Pentacles appears upright, it often signals a period of financial difficulty, material loss, or feeling left out in the cold. You may be experiencing poverty, unemployment, health issues, or a sense of isolation from community or loved ones. This is a challenging card, but it carries hope.

• Financial hardship or material loss
• Feeling isolated, rejected, or left out
• Health problems or physical struggles
• Worrying about basic needs and security
• Spiritual poverty or loss of faith
• Help is available if you seek it

Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Five of Pentacles suggests recovery from a difficult period. Financial situations may be improving, health is returning, or you're finding the support you need. Alternatively, it can indicate that you're finally looking up and seeing the help that was always available.

• Recovery from financial or health difficulties
• Finding help, support, or community
• End of a period of isolation
• Improvement in material circumstances
• Recognizing inner resources and resilience
• Learning from hardship and growing stronger

Five of Pentacles in Love

Upright: In love, the Five of Pentacles suggests feeling rejected, lonely, or unsupported in a relationship. There may be financial strain affecting your partnership, or one partner may feel emotionally left out in the cold. This card encourages open communication about needs and seeking help if needed.

Reversed: The reversed Five of Pentacles in love indicates healing in a relationship, feeling accepted again after rejection, or moving past a difficult period together. Financial strain may be easing, or partners are reconnecting emotionally.

Five of Pentacles in Career

Upright: In career matters, this card may indicate job loss, financial setbacks, or feeling undervalued at work. You might be struggling to find employment or dealing with a business downturn. Remember that this is a temporary phase, and resources for help exist.

Reversed: You may be recovering from career setbacks, finding new employment after a period of unemployment, or receiving support that helps improve your work situation. Financial difficulties at work are easing.

Symbolism

• The Snow: Cold, hardship, and difficult times
• The Two Figures: Those experiencing material lack
• The Crutches: Injury, illness, or need for support
• The Church Window: Help, sanctuary, and spiritual support
• The Five Pentacles: Material abundance just out of reach
• Looking Down: Being too focused on problems to see solutions