Shuffling the Deck of Life: Tarot Card of the Day – 5 of Pentacles
Tarot Card of the Day – July 14, 2009: 5 of Pentacles
Deck: Universal Waite Tarot
Element: Earth
Associations: Possessions; financial growth; status
A sense of sadness settles in when viewing this card. I can’t help but feel inner despair attempting to take over all positive thoughts.
It’s snowing in this card, and there are two people trudging through the the icy cold weather. One would assume that they are of a less fortunate class by the looks of their tattered, worn clothing. The woman grabs her shawl around her freezing body and looks down towards the ground–her bare feet seeming to barely move. The man has a broken leg and is limping along with crutches.
Above them is a large stained glass window from a church or place of worship–symbolizing faith, spirituality and hope. He gazes at it. His expression seems to ask, why is this happening to me? The woman barely notices it.
This stained glass window may actually part of a church that we can’t see due to the snow storm. Or it may be an illusion–a metaphor for hope and desire for divine intervention. The background is dark, black–symbolizing negativity. And, we can’t see past it right now.
Pentacles represents the element of Earth and material gains. Four is an even number and double the number two, which represents duality. Although I haven’t discovered the meaning of five yet, I will assume that it signifies change, or the next step after something has been prosperous.
Hope–even just a shimmer of it in the worst possible situation–can raise our spirits and keep us positive. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. As depicted here in the stained glass window, light can carry us through dark times.
This card offers clarity in regards to what really counts as we go about our day-to-day activities. It’s not how much you have and how much you earn. It’s about what’s inside your soul and your heart. And sometimes, we tend to forget this.
It’s a heartfelt lesson for the day.
Image: Universal Waite Tarot © US Games Systems, Inc.
© 2009, aurarcana | A Tarot Blog. All rights reserved.
Hi Nicole,
In many ways this card is cool. I can hear gasps from other readers, but its not its message per se, but how easily we can relate this card to any other situation outside of all of the regular constraints we would place around it, ie: the element earth therefore relating to material ‘poorness’.
Poverty in all its guises can be seen in this card and playing ‘Catchphrase’ (free association as I often call it) produces some strong ideas, but cool ones too:
Being left out in the cold; being on the verge of a financial break through; being ostracised by all you hold dear; a dark night of the soul; stormy weather ahead (literally); being cold and empty; giving up.
We can apply this card to any other element and it will sit happily and comfortably within it: emotionally (water) being left out in the cold – a lover cheating perhaps and you’re the last to find out? How about writers block (air)? Giving up and falling into depression (lack of fire). You could even say the way the man is looking up at that stained glass window and that in that moment he has been inspired and his will has returned – the spark of fire or divine inspiration?
There’s plenty of them and in my book makes this card user friendly
Playing Catchphrase will give you plenty of ideas.
I also think you should remove your disclaimer Nicole, you’ve already explained what you’re doing on your blog. You may be at the beginning of your Tarot journey, but you’re already holding your own
Warm wishes,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I saw this card as a reminder to remember to focus on the elements in our lives that are not materialistic. I enjoy reading your insightful explanations about the elements and how they represent important symbolic components of the cards.
After sitting on the meaning for the night, the number of the card also should be noted. It is five–half way through the cycle of the suit. Is the middle point symbolic of refection?
I removed the disclaimer. You are right; the basis for my interpretations has been explained. After the reality set in that people are coming to this blog and actually reading these posts, I felt the slight urge to add the disclaimer in the event that someone didn’t assume that this was my journey. But, it’s written all over it! Again, much thanks for the positive feedback
.
I have been intending to do the free association exercises, but don’t have much free time on the weekdays. I am thinking of just listening to classical music or some sort of spiritual podcast on my train ride home and attempting to try it that way. Or, at least doing it on the weekend.
Writing out the “story” depicted in the cards is helpful to me now, but I do see better value in using keywords as explained in your blog post Introducing Tarot Cards and Their Meanings. I am going to try and focus on the universal themes.
Warmest regards, Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your kind words, and of course the link
Fives generally indicate some dis-ease, particularly in the Minor Arcana. Classic Numerology though paints a much better picture of the number 5.
I think it’s wonderful how far you’ve come in a few short weeks, and although I’m itching for you to try the Free Association exercise, there’s no rush. In fact, if you try and do too much too soon, your efforts will be counter-productive, so no rush, take your time
As for the classical music, try chilled out Beethoven (I hope I don’t offend any purists by that description). Go to spotify.com, download it and play what ever music you like, streaming on your pc – it’s totally legal. I listen to The Ultimate Most Relaxing Beethoven in the World on there, it’s very calming to your soul but also uplifting. My kids are horrified, but I’m not interested in trying to be hip anymore
Warm wishes,
Catherine