Five of Pentacles as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Five of Pentacles, it means that you may be experiencing a period of financial hardship or feeling isolated or unsupported. This card suggests a time of struggle, where you may feel like you’re navigating a difficult situation alone, perhaps dealing with financial difficulties or emotional distress. The challenge here lies in finding ways to overcome these hardships and seeking the support you need to navigate through this difficult period.

The Five of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge can represent financial loss, poverty, isolation, or a feeling of being left out in the cold. It signifies a phase of life where you may feel excluded or unsupported, either financially or emotionally. The card encourages you to seek help, whether it be financial advice or emotional support, to help you move past this challenging phase.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Five of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that one or both parties may be feeling emotionally or financially insecure, which could hinder the development of the relationship. This card suggests that insecurities, whether they are related to money or emotions, can impede the natural progression of a relationship. Communication and mutual support are key to overcoming these insecurities and building a strong foundation for the relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Five of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that financial stress or feelings of isolation may be causing strain in the relationship. The card indicates that financial difficulties or a sense of loneliness, even within the relationship, can create tension between partners. To address these issues, open communication about financial plans and emotional needs can help alleviate the strain and strengthen the bond between partners.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that feelings of loss or isolation may be affecting your ability to move on. This card suggests that the end of the relationship may have left you feeling emotionally or even financially bereft, making it difficult to move forward. The challenge here is to confront these feelings, seek support if necessary, and begin the healing process.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that you may be facing financial difficulties or feeling unsupported or unappreciated in your work. This card suggests a period where you may feel undervalued or neglected professionally, or you may be dealing with financial constraints. It prompts a reassessment of your work situation and financial strategies, and encourages you to seek the support or acknowledgement you deserve in your professional life.

Reversed Five of Pentacles as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Five of Pentacles reversed, it means that you’re in a period of recovery from hardship, financial troubles, or isolation, but you might still struggle with feelings of scarcity or fear. This card signifies an upward trajectory from a difficult time, but the lingering psychological effects, such as fear or a mindset of scarcity, can still be an obstacle. It encourages you to recognize the progress you’ve made, while also acknowledging and addressing any residual fears or insecurities that may be holding you back.

The Five of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent lingering effects of past hardships or difficulties, including insecurity, fear, and a feeling of not having enough. This card suggests that although the worst of a difficult situation is likely behind you, the psychological impacts may still be present. The challenge lies in overcoming these residual feelings of insecurity and scarcity, and shifting your mindset towards abundance and positivity.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Five of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that the fear of past hardships or scarcity could be inhibiting the willingness to open up to a new relationship. This card suggests that past experiences of hardship or loss may make one or both parties hesitant to fully invest in a new relationship. To overcome this obstacle, it may be helpful to communicate about these fears and work towards building trust and security within the relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Five of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that recovery from a difficult period may be causing residual stress or fear. This card indicates that while you and your partner may have moved past the worst of a hardship, the lingering effects can still cause tension or insecurity within the relationship. The challenge lies in acknowledging these feelings and working together to continue healing and strengthening the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that the after-effects of a painful breakup or feelings of abandonment might still be affecting your ability to move on. This card suggests that although the relationship has ended, the emotional impact, such as feelings of abandonment or loss, may still be present. It encourages you to address these feelings and work through them in order to fully move forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that recovery from financial loss or hardship at work is happening, but lingering fears or insecurities could be hindering progress. This card suggests that while you’re on the path to financial recovery or professional improvement, residual fears or insecurities may be preventing you from fully embracing new opportunities or advancements. To overcome this, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings and work towards building confidence and optimism about your financial and professional future.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, 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.