The 5 of Pentacles depicts two figures in the cold snow at night beneath a stained-glass church window depicting 5 golden coins, or pentacles. One of the figures is on crutches with a plague bell around their neck. The other has a blanket or shawl pulled up over their head. They appear to be walking past the light, so focused on the cold that they fail to notice that there is light and warmth that is available to them.
The Five of Pentacles

There is a lie that acts like a virus within the mind of humanity.  And that lie is, ‘There’s not enough good to go around. There’s lack and there’s limitation and there’s just not enough’.  There is enough for everyone.  If you believe it, if you can see it, if you act from it, it will show up for you. That’s the truth

Michael Beckwith

Overview and Common Meanings of the 5 of Pentacles

The 5 of Pentacles represents a challenging period of hardship and financial struggle. Depicted as two figures walking in the snow outside a church, it symbolizes feelings of isolation, exclusion, and vulnerability. In varying decks, 5 of Pentacles is also known as Cultivation, Persistence, New Possibilities.

Common Meanings

The card often implies a sense of loss, either material or emotional, and the need for seeking help during trying times. Oftentimes, the message is that we are focusing on fear of loss or lack and missing the abundance that we have in our life. The core message of the 5 of Pentacles lies in facing difficulties and the potential for eventual recovery.

In a work or financial reading the 5 of Pentacles says that this may not be the optimal time for seeking employment or starting a new business venture but rather a time to tighten your belt and keep things status quo.  If you have been struggling financially, the card sends a strong nudge that there is help available, but you have to ask for it. 

In a relationship or love related reading, when seeking love, the 5 of pentacles may indicate that there are no good prospects currently, so it is a good time to shift focus away from that search and trust that this will eventually pass.  In established relationships, the 5 of pentacles can imply stressors most likely focused on money – lack thereof, irresponsible spending, etc., which has left you feeling isolated and alone.  It is time for honest conversations to establish a plan and to reconnect with your partner so that you feel less alone.

The 5 of Pentacles is an important card to address on the spiritual level, as it magnifies areas in our life where we are experiencing lack, whether it be physical lack or just an emotional deficiency.  Perhaps you have focused on monetary wealth and neglected spiritual and emotional wealth.  This is a reminder to find balance.  Perhaps it is a good time to adopt a new spiritual practice. 

The Many Faces of The Five of Pentacles

The shadow side – or reversal – of the 5 of Pentacles brings with it an opportunity to re-examine whether you are holding on to situations, material things, or relationships out of fear of loss or heartache.  It can also be a sign that this season of hardship is ending or is already behind you.  The shadow side can also show up to shine light on an imbalance of power in a relationship, whether it be a professional one or a personal one…issues like withholding affection or money can be at the heart of the shadow side of the 5 of Pentacles. 

Description

The 5 of Pentacles depicts two figures in the cold snow at night beneath a stained-glass church window depicting 5 golden coins, or pentacles.  One of the figures is on crutches with a plague bell around their neck.  The other has a blanket or shawl pulled up over their head.  They appear to be walking past the light, so focused on the cold that they fail to notice that there is light and warmth that is available to them. 

Themes of the 5 of Pentacles

  • Fear of poverty
  • Financial hardships   
  • Hope
  • Illness
  • Insecurity
  • Isolation
  • Lack mentality.
  • Light in the darkness
  • Love
  • Loyalty
  • Strong partnerships
  • Unity in times of tribulation

The Number 5  

The number 5 is a holy number in many religions: – in Christianity, the 5 holy wounds of Christ; Hinduism – The five elements; Islam – the Five Pillars of Islam.  In numerology 5 is curiosity of the spiritual nature, but also imbalance and upset. Five is the number of humanity and a reminder that we all experience disillusionment at some point in our lives.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Beggar and person on crutches – by pooling resources, the two destitute figures create unity during adversity and emphasize the message that we are always stronger together.
  • Cold dark outside – feeling alone, or separated, out in the cold.
  • Light from church & pentacle-stained glass – union of the spiritual and material, hope; light in the darkness, wealth not grounded in money, but in soul satisfaction. 
  • Plague bell – originally signaled illness and ostracism.  Can be viewed as a reminder to celebrate the things that make us unique.
  • Snow – symbolizes cold and adversity, but also, with the church, a nod to yin/yang or light/dark, male/female energy, reminiscent of the two figures and their complementary nature.

Herbs for the 5 of Pentacles  

  • Allspice – Money, luck, healing, acquiring wealth. Provides added resolve and momentum.
  • Bergamot – Money, prosperity, protection from evil and illness, improving memory, promoting restful sleep
  • Cinquefoil – Balance; The five points of the leaf represent love, money, health, power, and wisdom
  • Orange Peel – love, insight, fortune, money, house & business negotiations
  • Oregano – wealth and money luck

Questions that the 5 of Pentacles asks us

  • Am I focusing on what is absent in my life and missing all the things that are present?
  • How can I learn to ask for help when I need it?

That is the 5 of Pentacles, an opportunity to revisit our relationship with feelings of lack in all aspects of our life.  Thank you for reading, and as always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to book a reading.  Please join me next week for the Six of Pentacles!!