Five of Pentacles as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Pentacles is the card of hardship, loss, isolation, abandonment, struggle, and alienation. The card shows two people walking through icy wind and snow. Both of them are dressed in rags, and they are clearly struggling. Behind them is a church where they can seek shelter, if only they would go inside. 

The Five of Pentacles reminds us that struggle and loss is part of the process. It is part of life, and often, it’s part of our romantic relationships as well. From our struggles, we learn how to become better partners and how to choose better partners for ourselves. This is a reminder that even when things look negative, we can still take away with us the positive: the lessons we’ve learned.   

Upright Five of Pentacles as a Person

If the Five of Pentacles appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person has a scarcity mindset. They lack abundance in their lives. They feel like an outsider. Even though they are desperate for help, their pride makes it difficult to ask. This card is astrologically associated with Mercury in Taurus. Because Mercury is a neuter planet while Taurus is a feminine sign, this card carries a balanced active, assertive and passive, receptive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Pentacles as a person represents someone who has a scarcity mindset. They believe that they don’t deserve self care. As a result, they never treat themselves. If they are struggling financially, this person may sacrifice their physical health first.  This person has low self esteem, and this is manifested in their own physical appearance. By neglecting themselves physically, they are telling the world that they feel that they do not matter. 

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Pentacles as a person represents someone who is struggling. They feel left out, and they see themselves as someone who is on the outside looking in. They feel like they do not belong. They may be struggling financially, mentally, physically, and even spiritually. This person may be in a very negative mindset because they’re currently doing shadow work or going through a spiritual awakening. If you’re inquiring about somebody that you care about, reach out to them. Let them know that you are there for them, and that they are not isolated. No man is an island. 

For careers, the Five of Pentacles can represent someone who works with or around lack. 

This could be inward lack, as well as outward lack. They may lack motivation, discipline, or belief in themselves. Alternatively, they may work to assist others who are in a state of lack. Traditionally this card features a church, so this person may be a spiritual authority. They could be a monk, a nun, or a priest who assists people during difficult times. Secular manifestations of this energy may include social workers, shelter workers, or providers of aid and financial assistance. 

The Five of Pentacles as a person represents someone who makes you feel empowered. You may feel inspired by their struggles to do better in your own situation. Perhaps they make you realize that your situation isn’t that bad after all. You may feel compelled to help this person. Whatever the case may be, with Mercury in Taurus’ energy, you are guaranteed to learn an important life lesson from this person. 

Reversed Five of Pentacles as a Person

If the Five of Pentacles reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person needs help, but is unwilling to ask. Perhaps they’re too prideful to ask for help, or perhaps they subconsciously enjoy having a victim mentality. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Pentacles reversed as a person represents someone who tries to shape their physical appearance in a way that they believe will make them more acceptable to others. Self-care is part of this person’s healing process. This person is still hurting, but they are attempting to make an effort to put themselves out there again. For example, they may have gone through a difficult divorce, but they are now starting to put feelers out there to start dating again.

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Pentacles reversed as a person represents two distinct mindsets. Reversed cards manifest their energy in extreme and polarized ways. This may represent someone who refuses to get help because of their pride. Alternatively, it may represent someone who enjoys playing the victim. This person is having a hard time letting go.

For careers, the Five of Pentacles reversed can represent someone who, similar to their upright counterpart, may be in a position to help others. They may be a spiritual leader or a social worker. Alternatively, this may represent someone who is trying to get on the right track. This person may have just been released from prison, and they are now trying to find gainful employment. Perhaps this person is coming back to work after a period of time off due  to an injury or illness. This card may also symbolize someone who is never happy with how much they earn. Especially because this card is in the reverse, this person may earn a decent income, but it just never seems enough for them.

The Five of Pentacles reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel frustrated. Know that you can only help somebody who is willing to be helped. If you are romantically involved with this person, you need to understand that they will not change for you. In order to change, they must truly desire change for themselves. 

Conclusion

For love readings, the Five of Pentacles represents hardship and loss. Though it is often a difficult pill for us to swallow, we often learn the most important lessons through our struggles and grief. Know that this is not permanent, and it is just part of the journey. Better times are ahead. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.