Five of Pentacles (Coins) Tarot Card Meanings

Five of Pentacles Upright Meaning

This suit, most often named "Coins" or "Pentacles", is a symbol for a magical talisman that represented wealth or potential. This suit represents something supportive that is available to you -- whether it be health, some kind of talent, a material or financial resource.

The Five of this suit is the card of desire and gratification, expressed in classical tradition as flattery and false promises. This card represents both the seducer and the one seduced. There is undeniable excitement in the attraction of opposites; we have all had delightful moments of magnetism with a stranger. However, if promises are only spoken to achieve short-term gratification with no intent of follow-through, or the attraction appears as competition to more fulfilling relationships, the long-term result won't be worth the thrill of the chase.

The appearance of a viable relationship does not always bear out, so don't put anything of real value at risk over an infatuation. Since the suit here is Coins, this is as likely to be related to business as to pleasure. Try to remove the influence of glamour from your thinking.

Note: In the English decks, like the Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself.

Five of Pentacles Reversed Meaning

The Five of Coins reversed suggests that you should take a hard look at a situation and root out possible deceptions. Perhaps you are being deceived or you are the one deceiving others (or yourself).

There may be a part of you that's so eager to believe in fairy tales or rescue fantasies, that you would fail to check the fine print or a would-be savior's credentials. It's time to start asking the hard questions. If you can't bring yourself to do that, then you cannot succeed in this situation.

Five of Pentacles Advice Position

The Five of Coins in this position advises you to create contractual agreements with those around you who have similar interests. In this kind of situation, there is strength in numbers. Put your heads together and devise a bold plan for future objectives and decide how to invest in their success. This Five of Coins recommends teamwork and the mutual benefits a combined effort can yield.

Note: In the English decks, like the Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well-lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself.

Five of Pentacles Love Position

The Five of Coins in this position indicates the attraction of opposites. The Five of Coins depicts lovers discovering each other, mirroring and matching, magnetized by each other's qualities. Once the first flush of infatuation is past, however, the same energy of attraction that once felt so exciting may become a source of friction. The seeds of conflict are built into the fabric of the attraction. Even though the whole becomes more than the sum of its parts, it has been known to devour the individuals who comprise it.

This card suggests a potential relationship opportunity or offer. Examine what the outcome of joining forces would be. Ascertain as best you can if there is enough to keep you and your possible partner engaged, so that you don't base a long-term endeavor on a moment's infatuation. Successful long-term partnerships are business arrangements as well as love affairs.

In the English-school decks, the sickly poor freezing outside a well-lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental decks.

Five of Pentacles Career Position

When the Five of Coins is in this position, a merger or partnership opportunity involves emotional or financial risks as well as great rewards. The structure of the new relationship is still up in the air. This card represents that moment when exciting ideas inflate every one's emotions, yet the practical aspects remain undecided.

It is a time to examine and negotiate the possibilities. However, avoid being swept up by the excitement of the moment at the expense of neglecting the practical details that will determine the future. Do not discount your magical feelings. On the other hand, be sure to ask the difficult questions. Make people earn your trust -- do not just give it away!

Note: In the English-school decks, like the Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well-lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental decks.

Five of Pentacles in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Five of Coins is a card of lack and difficulty. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Five of Coins, the answer is NO. Keep your expectations reasonable and stay grounded at this time.