The Five of Pentacles in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is the fifth card in the suit of Pentacles, traditionally associated with the material world, finances, physical well-being, and stability. Like all fives in the Minor Arcana, it symbolizes a period of instability, challenges, and transitions necessary for growth and development. In the case of the Five of Pentacles, these challenges manifest primarily in the material sphere—such as financial difficulties, loss of resources or stability, and feelings of scarcity and poverty. This card is considered one of the most challenging cards in the suit of Pentacles, symbolizing a period of financial difficulties, deprivation, and trials. However, beneath the outward manifestations of poverty and loss lies a profound spiritual lesson and potential for transformation.
The imagery of the Five of Pentacles presents one of the most emotionally evocative scenes in the entire tarot deck. The card shows two people walking through a snowstorm past a lit church window. They appear exhausted, with one of them limping and leaning on crutches, and their clothing is worn and does not protect them from the winter cold. The two central figures are bundled in worn clothing, walking past a brightly lit stained glass window. One figure appears to be injured or disabled, leaning on crutches, while the other seems to be helping or accompanying them. Their heads are often bowed, suggesting weariness or dejection. The snow beneath their feet creates this sense of harsh conditions, maybe even suggesting that their journey has been particularly difficult. Behind them sits a church with its lit up and exuding warmth, a symbol of hope, faith and spiritual support. However, because the two people are so focused on their plight, they fail to see that help is available to them and continue on in their desperate journey.
The stained glass typically displays five pentacles arranged in a pattern, and the light emanating from within suggests warmth, sanctuary, and perhaps spiritual comfort. The suit of pentacles is represented by a gold coin with a five-pointed star, symbolizing wealth and worldly security. Themes of stability, resources, and physical embodiment often arise throughout this earthly suit. Numerologically, the number ‘5’ presents themes of change, challenge, and conflict. Combined with the elemental quality of pentacles, this card depicts a worldly struggle defined by scarcity and limited support. The five pentacles are displayed on a glowing church window, representing the sanctuary that faith and community can provide.
The image of people passing by an illuminated church on the Five of Pentacles card symbolizes a deep paradox of human nature—the tendency to seek solutions to problems externally when true support is nearby. The figures on the card represent those suffering from material deprivation and emotional emptiness, continuing to walk through the cold and snow without noticing the warm light of the church stained glass. This symbol reminds us that often, during periods of crisis, we are too absorbed in our own suffering to notice available sources of help—whether it be support from loved ones, internal reserves, or spiritual resources. The stained glass with five pentacles indicates that true wealth can have not only a material but also a spiritual dimension, and in moments of material deprivation, it is especially important to turn to internal values and spiritual practices that can become a source of strength and comfort.
Upright Meaning of the Five of Pentacles
The upright Five of Pentacles carries keywords of hardship, temporary struggle, feeling left out, seeking help, spiritual poverty, material concerns, isolation, and need for support. Financial loss, poverty, lack mindset, and isolation are central themes. The card indicates that one has hit hard times, especially when it comes to work, career, finances, and material possessions. One may have recently lost a job, a home, or financial security. There may no longer be a feeling of safety because it has all been stripped away in one blow. The ego may also be bruised, especially since success often correlates to financial wealth; losing either can be a humbling blow to self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
However, the upside is that this is a Minor Arcana card with temporary effects, rather than a Major Arcana card which has a longer-term impact. It sympathizes with hardships and losses, suggesting one may be going through a change in material circumstances that feels especially destabilizing at this time. While this vulnerable time might make it challenging to have hope, the card gently reminds one to keep the head up.
Love Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles
In romantic relationships, the upright Five of Pentacles may indicate a period of hardship, such as financial stress affecting the relationship, or feelings of isolation and lack of support from a partner. It can represent a relationship that feels cold or lacks warmth and security.
Career Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles
In career readings, this card points to financial loss, unemployment, or a lack of stability in one's professional life. It may reflect job loss, loss of home, or loss of financial security, leading to a bruised ego and diminished self-worth.
Health Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles
Regarding health, the upright Five of Pentacles may symbolize physical ailments, especially those related to the legs or feet (as suggested by the crutch), or a general sense of physical depletion and vulnerability due to harsh conditions.
Spirituality Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles
Spiritually, the upright card indicates a period of spiritual poverty or feeling disconnected from one's faith or inner resources. It highlights the need to recognize that spiritual support is available, even if material circumstances are difficult. It encourages turning to internal values and spiritual practices for strength.
Five of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Upright
As feelings, the upright Five of Pentacles may represent feelings of worry, isolation, lack, and being left out in the cold. There may be a sense of desperation or feeling unsupported.
Five of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Upright
As actions, the upright card suggests one may be focusing too much on material loss or hardship, potentially ignoring available help. It may indicate walking away from support or continuing a difficult journey without noticing sanctuary nearby.
Reversed Meaning of the Five of Pentacles
The reversed Five of Pentacles carries keywords of recovery, overcoming difficulties, renewed hope, finding assistance, spiritual awakening, turning point, and inner strength. It suggests recovery from financial loss and spiritual poverty. In the reversed position, the card indicates that one is recovering from an alienating circumstance. It is a great time to lean on the support system to heal and maintain faith in an upward trajectory.
Love Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles
In love readings, the reversed card may indicate overcoming relationship hardships, finding support within the relationship, or healing from feelings of isolation. It suggests a turning point toward warmth and security.
Career Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles
In career contexts, the reversed Five of Pentacles signifies recovery from financial loss, regaining stability, or finding new opportunities after a period of hardship. It suggests that one is moving out of a difficult phase.
Health Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles
For health, the reversed card points to recovery, healing, and regaining physical strength. It suggests overcoming a period of illness or physical depletion.
Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles
Spiritually, the reversed card indicates a spiritual awakening or renewed faith. It suggests finding inner strength and recognizing the spiritual resources available, moving away from spiritual poverty.
Five of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Reversed
As feelings, the reversed card may represent renewed hope, feelings of being supported, and a sense of recovery from worry and isolation.
Five of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Reversed
As actions, the reversed card suggests seeking help, accepting support, and turning toward available resources. It indicates a willingness to find assistance and overcome difficulties.
Five of Pentacles in Various Contexts
Five of Pentacles as a Significator in a Tarot Spread
When used as a significator, the Five of Pentacles represents a person going through a period of material hardship, financial struggle, or isolation. It may indicate someone who feels left out or unsupported.
Five of Pentacles as the Card of the Day
As the card of the day, the Five of Pentacles advises awareness of available support systems, even amidst hardship. It encourages looking beyond immediate material concerns to find inner strength and spiritual comfort.
Meditation on the Five of Pentacles: Connecting to the Energy
Meditation on the Five of Pentacles involves connecting with the imagery of the two figures and the church window. It involves acknowledging feelings of hardship while turning inward to find the warmth and sanctuary of spiritual resources. It is a practice of transforming external hardships into internal strength.
Five of Pentacles in Romantic Relationships
In romantic relationships, the Five of Pentacles (upright) may highlight challenges such as financial stress, lack of emotional warmth, or feelings of abandonment. It calls for attention to these issues and seeking support. In reverse, it suggests healing and finding support within the relationship.
Past, Present, and Future Positions
In a spread, the Five of Pentacles in the past position indicates a previous period of hardship or loss that has shaped the current situation. In the present position, it signifies an ongoing struggle with material concerns or isolation. In the future position, it may warn of potential difficulties or indicate a period of recovery depending on surrounding cards.
Yes or No Meaning of The Five of Pentacles
For a yes or no question, the upright Five of Pentacles generally leans toward "no," indicating hardship, lack, or blockage. The reversed Five of Pentacles may lean toward "yes," indicating recovery, finding help, or overcoming obstacles.
Advice and Message of The Five of Pentacles
The advice of the Five of Pentacles is to persevere and maintain faith, no matter how difficult it may feel. It encourages recognizing that help is available, whether from community, loved ones, or internal spiritual reserves. It reminds one that true wealth is not only material but also spiritual.
Integrating the Energy of the Five of Pentacles into Daily Life
The true wisdom of the Five of Pentacles card lies in its ability to transform external hardships into internal strength, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and life. Distinguishing ordinary financial difficulties from deep karmic lessons associated with the energy of the Five of Pentacles can be done by a few key indicators. Temporary difficulties usually have a clear cause and a limited period of impact—such as job loss, unexpected expenses, or an economic downturn. However, the Five of Pentacles often points to a deeper lesson.
While periods of loss or material hardship might feel isolating, one does not have to endure these experiences alone. The card encourages one to persevere and maintain faith, no matter how difficult it may feel. When reversed, this card suggests that one is recovering from an alienating circumstance. It is a great time to lean on the support system to heal and maintain faith in an upward trajectory.
In summary, the Five of Pentacles is a card that sympathizes with hardships and losses. It acknowledges the destabilizing nature of material challenges but also gently reminds one to keep the head up and look for the warm light of support and spiritual comfort. Whether upright or reversed, it serves as a powerful symbol of the intersection between material struggle and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
The Five of Pentacles serves as a profound reminder that material hardship, while challenging, often carries a deeper spiritual invitation. Through its vivid imagery of two figures walking past a warm church window, the card illustrates how easily one can become absorbed in suffering and overlook available support—whether from community, loved ones, or inner spiritual reserves. Upright, it signifies a period of financial loss, isolation, and scarcity, yet it also carries the temporary nature of Minor Arcana challenges and the potential for seeking help. Reversed, it points toward recovery, renewed hope, and the conscious act of turning toward available assistance and inner strength.
Ultimately, the wisdom of the Five of Pentacles lies in its ability to transform external difficulties into internal growth. By recognizing that true wealth encompasses both material stability and spiritual richness, individuals can navigate periods of scarcity with resilience and faith. The card encourages perseverance, the courage to seek support, and the understanding that even in the coldest of winters, the warmth of sanctuary and spiritual comfort remains ever-present.