The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Five of Pentacles upright represents hardship, struggle, and feelings of lack – often financial trouble, health challenges, or a sense of exclusion. It’s the image of being out in the cold, and it acknowledges that you're facing a tough time or feeling unsupported. However, the lit window in the card suggests help or hope is not far away; sometimes pride or fear keeps us from seeking it. Upright, this card reminds you that challenges are part of the journey, but they are temporary. It encourages you to not lose faith and to reach out if you need assistance, whether it’s financial aid, advice, or emotional support. Better times will come; keep going and remember you’re not as alone as you think.

Reversed: The Five of Pentacles reversed indicates recovery and improvement. You might be coming out of a period of hardship – maybe finances are starting to heal, or you find support that brings you in from the cold. It can also mean a shift in mindset: from one of scarcity to one of possibility. Perhaps you’ve realized that help is available and you’re taking steps to better your situation. Alternatively, it might warn that you fear hardship even when things are improving, clinging to a “poverty” mindset out of habit. In any case, the reversed card encourages gratitude for the turnaround and continued effort to rebuild. Keep seeking solutions and you’ll continue to move from isolation to security.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: A cold night, a feeling of abandonment—this card suggests hardship in love, whether emotional distance, financial strain, or loneliness. Yet, warmth and shelter are near; love is not lost, but pride or fear may prevent you from seeking support. Remember, even in hard times, love can be found in kindness and shared burdens.

Career: Financial struggles, job loss, or career difficulties may be present. However, help is available if you seek it—whether through mentorship, assistance, or a change in perspective. This is a temporary hardship; resilience will lead you to better days.

Spirituality: A dark night of the soul, a sense of isolation from the divine. This card suggests feeling lost or disconnected, but faith remains within reach. Seek guidance, whether through meditation, prayer, or community—light will return.