Five of Pentacles Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Five of Pentacles Keywords

• Upright: hardship, loss, insecurity, losing faith, lack of support, scarcity, abandonment
• Reversed: recovery, renewed hope, turning point, sanctuary, positive change, mutual support, slow progress

Five of Pentacles: Description and Symbolism

The Five of Pentacles corresponds with the earth element within the Minor Arcana, signifying a turning point in material circumstances. 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 two beggars outside the church wander past its light, representing challenging circumstances that can isolate you from support.

The scene is set at night in a snowstorm, symbolizing uncertainty and hardship. Walking barefoot with tattered clothing through the snow, the two beggars are left vulnerable to the elements. The man’s injured foot represents destabilizing change and limitations, while the woman’s orange cloak symbolizes hunger. The beggars carry on despite their losses and scarce resources, demonstrating resilience through hard times.

While the light of the church window glows next to the beggars, their worry still consumes them. The church depicts only a window with no door, symbolizing alienation. The storm of struggle and loss blinds the beggars to the support they could receive. Even if they were to shift their gaze towards the church, the hidden door, while left out in the cold, represents inaccessible support and possible abandonment. With the church as a symbol of hope, the beggars have lost faith due to the destabilizing circumstances they face.

Five of Pentacles – Upright Meaning

When the Five of Pentacles appears in a reading, you may be going through a period of loss or material hardship. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate sudden changes at this time. Whether you have received unexpected news about your employment status or there is a sudden health concern to attend to, this card reminds you that you can persevere.

The Five of Pentacles could also suggest feelings of abandonment or alienation. Perhaps your personal worries and struggles have made it more challenging to connect with your peers and loved ones lately. It may be necessary to reflect on the support you could be rejecting from well-intentioned people in your life. Your feelings of vulnerability and insecurity may be causing you to limit your access to support that is readily available to you.

Ultimately, recent changes in your material and physical circumstances may be causing you to lose hope. This card encourages you to keep your spirits high and persevere. A light is at the end of the tunnel, especially if you look for it.

Love Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles 

When the Five of Pentacles appears in a love reading, you may be going through a rough patch within your relationship. You and your partner could be navigating a period of increased stress together, or one of you may feel unsafe sharing deeper concerns. This time calls for vulnerability and open acceptance of each other’s perspectives.

If you are single, this card could signal feelings of insecurity and worry when dating. Perhaps a recent separation or heartbreak has made you lose faith in the benefits of a loving connection. Be gentle with yourself as you reflect on your resistance to new love. There may be someone waiting to support you more wholeheartedly once you open up to connections.

As someone’s feelings toward you, the Five of Pentacles represents a love interest who is healing from a recent struggle or heartbreak. It is best to give them time and compassion before pursuing a new connection.

Career Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles 

The Five of Pentacles can be a sign of financial hardship or loss. You may be going through a period of scarce resources, forcing you to focus on making ends meet rather than on more inspiring projects. You are encouraged to keep your head up as you persevere through these circumstances. There could be financial support or guidance you could seek if you are willing to explore those opportunities. 

Another interpretation of the Five of Pentacles is that you have lost faith in a career idea or financial pursuit. Perhaps your efforts have not made as much of an impact as you would like, leading you to keep new ideas to yourself. Rather than repressing ideas or suggestions out of fear of rejection, you are gently reminded to speak your mind. This card suggests that networking and opening up to your community are likely to boost your chances of success. 

Health Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles 

In a health context, the Five of Pentacles gently reminds you to take it easy. Stressful circumstances may be causing additional strain on your body and mind at this time. It would benefit you to find an outlet that offers hope for the future, such as a passion project or support group. If any health concerns arise, you are encouraged to prioritize your immediate physical needs.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Five of Pentacles 

When the Five of Pentacles appears in a spiritual context, it suggests you have a complicated relationship with your faith at this time. Recent losses and hardships may have left you feeling hopeless, making it difficult to ground yourself in spiritual practices or community. Through this vulnerable time, you are gently reminded to resist the temptation to self-isolate. You will find refuge in spiritual guidance.

Five of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Upright 

The Five of Pentacles symbolizes feelings of abandonment and hopelessness. No matter how challenging your circumstances may be, it would benefit you to seek support and outlets to process your worries.

Five of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Upright 

While the Five of Pentacles may represent times of handling difficult situations, it also symbolizes perseverance. You are encouraged to make the most of the resources you have to get through your current circumstances.

Five of Pentacles – Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Five of Pentacles suggests that there has been an improvement in your material and physical circumstances. You may have received a new job offer after being laid off, or recovered from an illness that prevented you from working. Whatever loss or struggle you may have been facing has turned around, offering renewed hope for the future. You are encouraged to accept positive change into your life at this time.

Another interpretation of the reversed Five of Pentacles is that you are opening up to support at this time. Perhaps you are forgiving your partner for a previous disconnect, or you joined a community that understands the challenges you have endured. It is a great time to ask for help and guidance in the areas that once made you insecure or vulnerable. You will find that a communal safe space will be very healing for you now.

Love Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles 

When the Five of Pentacles appears reversed, it suggests that difficult circumstances in your connections are experiencing a turn for the better. You may finally resolve an ongoing conflict with your partner or find it easier to be vulnerable after feeling guarded. It is a good time to find refuge in mutual support if you have been more stressed lately.

If you are single, the reversed Five of Pentacles could indicate that you are opening up to new beginnings in love after a time of healing. You are finding your pain and concerns from past relationships to feel more manageable, allowing you to enjoy new connections full-heartedly. Even if your progress is not linear, you are gently reminded to practice patience and self-compassion.

When reading for how someone feels, this card represents a love interest who is doing the inner work to open up to love. If you are serious about the connection, it would be a great time to have a vulnerable conversation about each other’s needs and expectations.

Career Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles 

The reversed Five of Pentacles represents financial recovery and renewed hope in your career. If you were struggling to make ends meet due to career changes or sudden expenses, you are now finding it easier to manage your resources. You also have more faith in the prospects of your ideas, allowing you to pursue inspiring projects and opportunities.

Another interpretation is that you are opening up to support from your peers and mentors after a time of uncertainty. You have learned when to ask for advice and guidance when you are struggling, making it easier to make career decisions.

Health Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles 

In a health context, the reversed Five of Pentacles is a hopeful sign of recovery and healing. If you have had any concerns about your mental or physical health, they will soon be resolved. Continue to care for yourself through grounding practices and stress-management techniques.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Five of Pentacles 

When the Five of Pentacles appears reversed in a spiritual context, it suggests a renewed sense of faith. You are beginning to find community and hopeful opportunities to be more healing. It would be wise to strengthen your practice with healing regimens and grounding techniques at this time.

Five of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Five of Pentacles represents renewed hope and refuge. You feel open to receiving support after isolating concerns and circumstances.

Five of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Five of Pentacles symbolizes seeking support and making slow progress after a difficult time. You are replacing previous experiences defined by worry with healing outlets to improve your situation.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Five of Pentacles appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous period of hardship or loss. Past feelings of abandonment and worry taught you to ask for help when you need support. The resilience and support you gained through this experience are informing your present situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Five of Pentacles suggests you may be going through a destabilizing struggle at this time. You are encouraged to keep your head up and ask for support when you need it.

Future Position

The Five of Pentacles in the ‘future’ position predicts that your current efforts could result in a period of instability or material hardship. To prevent this, it would benefit you to seek guidance and support from your community. 

Yes or No Meaning of The Five of Pentacles 

• Five of Pentacles Upright: No
• Five of Pentacles Reversed: Maybe

When the Five of Pentacles appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘no’. There is a sense of loss or struggle that requires support to manifest a desirable outcome.

When the Five of Pentacles appears reversed, it gives you a ‘maybe’. A previous struggle has turned into newfound hope for the future. Continue to seek support to maintain a positive trajectory at this time. 

Advice and Message of The Five of Pentacles 

The Five of Pentacles advises you not to close yourself off from support during hard times. While periods of loss or material hardship might feel isolating, you do not have to endure these experiences alone. This card encourages you to persevere and maintain your faith, no matter how difficult it may feel.

Summary of The Five of Pentacles Tarot Meaning

When the Five of Pentacles appears, it sympathizes with your hardships and losses. You 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, you are gently reminded to keep your head up. When reversed, this card suggests that you are recovering from an alienating circumstance. It is a great time to lean on your support system to heal and maintain faith in an upward trajectory.