Five of Pentacles
Five of PentaclesMinor ArcanaSuit of Pentacles
- Element
- Earth
- Astrology
- Mercury in Taurus
- Numerology
- Five: loss, disruption and the test of the suit
- Yes or no
- No
Upright
- hardship
- financial loss
- isolation
- ill health
- feeling left out
Reversed
- recovery
- help accepted
- improving finances
- renewed faith
- end of hardship
Out in the cold while the light is near. The Five of Pentacles is material hardship and the loneliness that comes with it.
On the card
Two ragged figures trudge through falling snow beneath a church window glowing with light. Five pentacles are set into the stained glass above them. One figure walks on crutches with a bandaged leg; the other, barefoot and wrapped in a torn shawl, wears a bell around the neck like a leper. Neither looks up at the window, and the door is not shown. Help is close, but they have not seen it.
Upright
General
Times are hard, and the hardship may be financial, physical or the loneliness of feeling shut out. The Five of Pentacles does not pretend otherwise. It does point out that support exists nearby, and that pride or despair may be keeping you from asking for it.
Love & relationships
A relationship strained by money worries or illness, or the sense of being alone even when accompanied. Partners who face hardship together grow closer; those who blame each other do not.
Career & money
Job loss, debt, or a business struggling to stay afloat. Health may be affected by stress. Seek help early, from people, institutions or professionals, rather than enduring in silence.
Reversed
General
The worst is passing. Reversed, the Five of Pentacles marks recovery from hardship, the acceptance of help, and a return of hope or faith after a period of scarcity. It can also warn against the spiritual poverty that lingers when material comfort returns but gratitude does not.
Love & relationships
A couple emerging from a hard stretch with the bond intact, or reconnection after a period of isolation. Let yourself be supported.
Career & money
Finances stabilising, a new job after unemployment, or debts finally coming under control. Health improves as the pressure eases.
Advice
Look up and find the door. Asking for help is the first step out of the snow.