Fives - Harsh Lessons
Fives are numbers associated with the state of our physical and mental health and our ability to think rationally. It indicates what happens when we allow ourselves to grow through the adversity of life.
Five of Wands - Fierce Competition
There is a need to fight for worthwhile dreams, and a great deal of patience is required to overcome the many petty and vexatious obstacles that present themselves at this time. Other people have a way of interfering and blocking progress now, but the questioner is energized by the struggle involved in making their dreams real.
The card reversed shows disagreements and pointless struggles that seem to be never-ending. There is weariness and discouragement attached to a cycle of glitches, delays, and complications wrought by legal difficulties, bureaucratic bungles, and trying people.
Five of Cups - Loss and Regret
This card denotes devastating losses and difficulties getting past associated crushing disappointment. With two full cups, there is still something emotional involved, maybe regrets and certainly grief in the aftermath of separation, divorce, betrayal, death of a loved one, or loss of a friend.
The reversed card shows a sense of loss passing and the return of hope through reconciliation and restoration of what previously existed. Considerable courage is used, and will is summoned to close wounds.
Five of Swords - Hostile Deceit
Selfishness and arrogance, devoid of conscience or care, compels an individual to seek gain at another’s expense. There may be open hostility and willful cheating perpetuated through lies and trickery. This card speaks of viciousness and abuse.
The card reversed involves someone recognizing another as a vicious troublemaker and putting his or her own needs first. This may involve putting distance between them and abusive situations such as a domestic dispute, an abusive employment situation, a thief, or even a stocker for protection, as the other cards may show.
Five of Pentacles - Impoverishment
The severe material hardship shown by this card indicates the desperation that occurs when basic material needs go unmet. The haunting feeling impoverishment brings leads to anxiety and, in extreme cases, impaired health and can last a lifetime in the form of low self-esteem and even miserliness.
The card reversed indicates a slow recovery from conditions of impoverishment, perhaps in the form of employment, although the employment may only be temporary. There may be a spiritual dimension to the recovery in that this person becomes empathetic to others and remains resolute in his decision to return the support he found.
