The Outsiders
Loss. Hardship. Closed doors. The Five of Pentacles is the cold ache of exclusion. It is the feeling of being left behind, looking in from the outside.
But even in the cold, there is light—faint, distant, but there. Suffering is not forever. Help exists, though pride or pain may blind us to it.
The question is: Will you keep walking alone, or will you reach out?
What is the Five of Pentacles?
The Five of Pentacles represents struggles with material or emotional lack—financial hardship, isolation, rejection, or a loss of stability.
It reminds us that even in difficult times, we are not truly alone.
There is always a way forward, even if we cannot yet see it.
Symbolism
- The Beggars in the Snow – Loss, poverty, struggle, but also resilience and survival.
- The Stained Glass Window – Hope, faith, a source of help nearby—if only we recognize it.
- The Contrast Between Cold and Warm Light – The emotional and material divide between suffering and safety.
- Bare Feet and Torn Clothes – Vulnerability, the stripping away of comfort and security.
Element: Earth
The Five of Pentacles belongs to Earth, symbolizing the tangible world of resources, security, and stability.
But here, Earth is barren—a reminder that material support can be lost, and that true security must come from within.
Associated Astrology: Mercury in Taurus
Mercury in Taurus struggles with change. This placement speaks of fear of instability and difficulty in adapting to loss.
Yet it also offers persistence—the ability to endure, to keep moving, even when the road is difficult.
Numerology: 5
In numerology, five represents challenge, instability, and upheaval. It disrupts the security of four, shaking foundations and pushing us toward change.
The Five of Pentacles forces us to confront discomfort, but also to find resilience within it.
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
— C.S. Lewis
Upright Meanings
The Five of Pentacles highlights moments of hardship—but also the possibility of renewal.
General Meaning
You may be experiencing a loss, setback, or period of isolation. The struggle is real—but so is the possibility of support. Are you seeking it?
Love
Feeling abandoned in a relationship. Loneliness, rejection, or struggling together through difficult times.
Career
Job loss, financial strain, or feeling undervalued. A time of uncertainty—but also a test of perseverance.
Finances
Scarcity, financial worries, or fear of not having enough. Remember: even the hardest winters end.
Health
A period of physical or emotional strain. You don’t have to endure this alone—support is available.
Reversed Meanings
When reversed, the Five of Pentacles signals recovery, hope, and the first steps out of struggle.
General Meaning
Emerging from hardship. Help is arriving, stability is returning—are you ready to accept it?
Love
Healing after emotional distance. A relationship may be rebuilding after difficulty.
Career
Financial or professional recovery. New opportunities, a chance to regain stability.
Finances
Slow but steady improvement. Relief is in sight—stay patient and wise with your resources.
Health
Gradual healing. The worst may be over, and recovery is possible.
What Does the Five of Pentacles Teach Us?
Hard times come for us all, but they do not define us. Pain can isolate, but connection is always possible.
Even in our lowest moments, there is a path forward—though it may not always be the one we expect.
Even in the worst storms, not every door is truly locked—all you have to do is keep knocking. When one door finally opens for you, how will you welcome the warmth?
