General Overview: The Court Cards

Now that we have covered the aces through to the tens of the minor arcana, as well as their ten parent major arcana, it is time to move on to the court cards of the minor arcana. The court cards include the pages, the knights, the queens and the kings of their respective suits.

Often court card will represent a particular person in the querant's life. When suggesting a particular person the pages usually represent children, the knights represent older youths, teens, and perhaps young adults; whilst the queens and kings represent male and female adults respectively. Remember though that this is a generality.

Pages may also represent a messenger of information. They are also aligned with the Fool, someone new to their element, immature in some way, perhaps eager and excited, such as a student or apprentice. The knights may represent travellers or journeys. The queens can represent creators and passion, whilst the kings can also represent levelheadedness and managerial tasks.

Overview: The Wheel of Fortune & The Tens

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the wheel of fortune and the tens

The Wheel of Fortune & The Tens

 

 

The Wheel of Fortune

The tens' parent major arcana card is the wheel of fortune. It is a circle, a return to the beginning, but in returning to the beginning it carries with it the past experiences of all of the previous cards. The wheel of fortune symbolises transcendental completion. It is not just the completion of a task, that is represented by the nines, this is more the wrapping up of all the loose end, tidying up, and carrying on. The wheel also represents transition, movement and change. This card represents the rises and falls that we experience in life. Never assume that the story that starts with twos, threes, fours, going through up to the nines - that the end result is assured success. You never know.

The Tens

With ten comes a replacement of the old with the new, a mastery of previous things, but with some parts of life being pushed towards the bottom and others being pushed towards the top in the ever turning wheel. The tens are a combination of one (a new beginning) and zero (emptiness or nothingness) This is a far different place than where you can pause and say that completion has been achieved. Thus, you need to think of the tens as both a time of closure and also a time of new beginnings - where you are entirely open to new things and new experiences. Whatever responsibilities or obligations you faced in the past are now behind you and the wheel of fortune continues to turn - deciding the fate of your new encounter.

The Ten of Swords

The ten of swords depicts a man, he is dead, with swords in his back, his blood has been spilt. Remembering that swords represent ideas of the mind and communication, they represent big ideas and large goals. In that instance this card serves as a reminder that ideas too face death. There can be an end or enquiry, an examination, there can be a finalisation of a project; an end to a dream or an idea. Depending on its position in the reading, this card may also remind the querant that certain ideas, goals or ambitions have already been explored and examined. It may not be necessary or wise to repeat old mistakes again. In terms of interpretation the card as involving murder it may indicate that another person has killed ones idea, goal, or reputation. It can indicate that idea has been beaten to death, or it has been driven into the ground. It may indicate that a new path, idea, or goal ought to be pursued, rather than lingering upon what has passed. This card may also indicate pain, affliction, tears, sadness, loss, or desolation.

The Ten of Wands

The ten of wands depicts a powerful broad shouldered man carrying a burdensome collection of wands. He is in command, in charge and with that comes the burden of responsibility. This card represents the burden of success. There is an indication that the man is working too hard, perhaps needing to lighten his load. Perhaps he bit off more than he could chew? Now might also be a good time to take on new endeavours, lest the querant remain burdened by his past. The querant could use this time to rediscovered the joys that were once had in the querant's pursuits before they became complicated and overburdening.

The Ten of Cups

The ten of cups depicts a celebratory scene, it represents stability of home life, bountiful blessings, emotional well-being and fulfilment. It represents a happy home life in your relationship with others, the attainment of purity and happiness through the integration of emotional experiences. This card suggests the querant has the instincts, control and emotional maturity to handle situations. It predicts good times with those who we love - holidays, reunions and special occasions.

The Ten of Pentacles

The ten of pentacles depicts a scene of comfort and wealth. In fact this is sometimes referred to as the wealth card. With the pentacles representing material possession, coupled with the tens that indicate towards completeness - we see a picture of harmony and comfort. Everyone is sharing the wealth, their bounty, and this is also in the spirit of the pentacles. This card serves as a reminder to share and be generous, to create goodwill, harmony, and even loyalty (as represented by the dogs that have been depicted.)

Overview: The Hermit & The Nines

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the hermit and the nines.

 

The Hermit & The Nines

The Hermit

The nines relate to the hermit. The hermit card depicts a wise and old man alone, leading his way by a light, which if you look closely is actually a shining star, which leads him through the darkness. The hermit is not hiding away, although nothing appears to surround him, the hermit is out searching, seeking, travelling. The hermit represents peaceful knowledge, no longer fighting or struggling, the hermit has found inner peace and understanding. The hermit is a light unto himself, and as he journeys alone, he needs no other. He knows his route and he understands his life. This card represents peace and solitude, withdrawal, careful thought, organisation, rumination, putting ones affairs into order. The hermit may represent a wise or inspirational person in the querants life, such as a friend, teacher, therapist or mentor. This person s someone who the querant usually sees alone, perhaps, other people in the querant'slife do not even know this person, or know of them. The hermit helps the querant to put things into perspective, helps them to find what they are seeking. The hermit also indicates a need to be alone, a need to withdraw and be with ones own thoughts. The querant may be antisocial or have a need for quiet time in order to reflect. Perhaps the querant needs time to sort things through on his or her own without the rush of outside influence. This may represent a time of great creativity or insight as the querant allows time for reflection and introspection; quite likely involving, not a retreat from the world, but a personal exploration in other new directions. This card symbolises the integration of all we have done and all we have achieved. 

The Nines

The nines are a number of completion. If we think back to our building blocks metaphor with the number ten being the end of the the line - nine is pretty much complete. The main work is now done, all that remains is the cleaning - the tidying up of all the loose ends. We shall discuss why there is a reason that ten isn't just the completion stage, and this is mainly due to the fact that the ending of an endeavour is also a new beginning. Therefore, with the nines we get more of a sense of completion. We get the rewards and sum up the costs of our endeavours. Perhaps we reflect positively on the experience or perhaps we take on the hard life lessons about how to do better next time. Whatever the experience for the querant, the lessons and experiences to be drawn from the effort are now clear. 

 

The Nine of Swords

The nine of swords depicts a man wakened by a dream or startled awake, in great sadness and grief. Nine swords behind him on the wall, two going through his back and another slicing behind his head. This card depicts physical pain from mental anguish, disturbed thoughts, fears, failures, disappointment, deception, despair. This card depicts sleepless nights, worrying about problems and fears that overwhelm you. This is the height of anxiety, when you are completely self focuses and self critical. This card also serves as a reminder to wake up and see the world as it truly is, because it is not as bad as it is in your mind.

 

The Nine of Wands

The nine of wands depicts a wounded man, he almost appears to be at attention or on guard, he is uptight and cautious, completely aware of those that may seek to wound him further. Yet he remains at his post vigilantly holding tight to his wand, not surrendering or giving up. This is the last step, the last push . Whatever it is that the wands will bring to this man he is there to see it through to the end, but he is nonetheless waiting impatiently. This suggests delay or suspension, waiting. Perhaps the man is guarding against something that has not yet come to pass.

 

The Nine of Cups

The nine of cups depicts and innkeeper with nine cups set out for guests, this is a card of hospitality, generosity (both given and received.) This is a card of attainment, the receiving of something good. As a cup card the thing received will be of a spiritual or emotional nature, possibly the support of friends or the discovery of something that moves your heart or your soul. This card involves the satisfaction of relationships, joy and camaraderie, creativity and happiness, both given and received. 

 

The Nine of Pentacles

The nine of pentacles depicts a woman tending a lush garden, in commune with nature. Like the hermit she is alone, but unlike the hermit she has surrounded herself with things of natural beauty. The goals of the pentacles suit, of luck; money; solid work - are achieved with this card. There is no opulence or extravagance, but there is comfort that extends beyond the self. This card predicts a small paradise - it might be a car, a new home, or a small indulgence that satisfies you tremendously; something that you may carry forward for much of your life. It could also symbolise the attainment of some sort of recognition, that comes with a nice gift attached (such as the proverbial gold watch.)

Overview: Strength & The Eights

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing Strength and the eights 

Strength & The Eights

 

Strength

This isn't just physical strength, it's about the strength  will and determination, power through persuasion. Other people see the blocks of our building being placed and they no longer question what they are doing, they accept it They too begin to share your vision, they can see it too, so they go along. The strength card shows a maiden in control of a lion. Is this really strength? She isn't fighting the lion or killing it, she is showing a different kind of strength. She is controlling the lion with her strength of character, her strength of intuition, of intelligence, of understanding. A strength of will. This is symbolic of resourcefulness, of harnessing the power we have to control our environment. Remember the chariot driver struggling to control the sphinxes that were pulling in different directions? Well with the eights we have mastered that accomplishment, we are no longer struggling to control the forces. We have the confidence, skills, and natural ability to do it intuitively and instinctively; and by doing so we achieve harmony with our surroundings. Strength does not mean fighting a lion with your bare knuckles, as the card illustrates the effect is far stronger than that. Which is more powerful? A lion struggling in your clutches, or one beside you obeying your command? Your strength is far more than your physical abilities. 

The Eights

Let's go back to the idea of the four cornerstones of a building, with the arrival of the eights, we now have blocks above them. A structure is now forming. Progress is being made, we now have momentum, and one of the things about momentum is it is very difficult to stop. That what the eights, and their parent card strength are all about. 

The Eight of Swords

The eight of swords depicts a woman bound and blindfolded surrounded by the symbols of those in power: the swords. This maiden is not tied to her position, she can walk but she is surrounded by danger, and cannot see the path out. These are the limitations we oppose upon ourselves - our blindness to our own weaknesses and predicaments. We become surrounded by our conflicts and crises and problems when we second guess ourselves or our own thoughts. We place a blindfold upon ourselves, and in ding so we make our position more precarious than it needs to be. This card acknowledges our fears and inhibitions, it is a card that symbolises limitation, but also as an eight, it suggests a way out. But can we remove the blindfold to see it? Can we continue on? The parent of this card is strength, so do we dare continue on our path knowing that the swords surround us? Much like the taming of the lion, this is not a test that will be won with physical strength, but with creativity; wisdom; understanding. Do we face our fears along as we are? Or do we find the resources we need to overcome our problem?

The Eight of Wands

The eight of wands depicts eight wands flying through the air - a speedy deliver - what comes comes quickly. This is an exciting time! So hold on to your hat and brace for change. Coupled with the association with strength, be prepared for rapidly changing events that demand creative clever action. Things may not land exactly where you expect them. Move quickly to weather the attack.
 

The Eight of Cups

The eight of cups depicts a man leaving the cups behind, walking up the shoreline, perhaps having returned from a successful journey, and now returning to a very different life. He heads off in the direction of the moon - literally this may be referring to walking away from vice or addiction, which is certainly a form of strength. This man is walking away from something he felt passionately about. What would make him do that? Strength. There is something better out there, something worth pursuing, worth surrendering other passions to pursue. He seeks the unknown, whilst forsaking the comfort of that which is known to be pleasant to him. He seeks something greater than he has known and leaves the comfort and contentment of his current life. He leaves love to seek out something greater. He has an idea in his mind, a plan, and yet it is not without sadness that he leaves the other things behind.

The Eight of Pentacles

The eight of pentacles depicts a tradesman or a hard worker labouring over his work. This is another kind of strength, that of determination and steady endeavour. This hard suggests effort and hard work - the slow and challenging way to a comfortable life. He works alone, no one over his shoulder, content to focus on the object of his efforts. Whilst concentrating and accepting, he is no longer seeking to impress rich financieers as he was in the three of pentacles, nor is he holding tightly to his rewards as he was in the four of pentacles. He is not enduring a great loss as he was in the five of pentacles. He simply works, does his jobs and accepts his situation, and realises that hard work (not fortune) can bring him to where he wants to be. This card is about diligence and focusing on the task at hand, not showing off or hoping for something more; just a simple pride in your work. It serves as a reminder to pay attention to details, research, train and do what is needed in order to excel. It is an understanding that achievement will not come from the recognition of others but by the personal satisfaction of a job well done.

Overview: The Chariot & The Sevens

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing  the chariot and the sevens

The Chariot & The Sevens

 

While the sixes lend themselves to passion and desire, the sevens create instability again. Are you noticing the up and down nature of the cards yet?  How much it is like life itself, where we cannot recognise the ups without experiencing the downs? The Tarot is almost like a roller coaster ride, and with the sevens, things get a little out of control. There is the power of all the cards before it, including the lowers which came before. There's momentum, but it must be harnessed. Thus, the chariot comes in - the harnessing of powerful, wild, perhaps even dangerous forces. So the sevens relate to the chariot, the sevens represent the coming together of many, often contradictory parts. The light and dark sphinxes depicted on the chariot serve as it's horses, but notice that they are poised to pull in opposing directions. The driver wears the sun on his head but also the crescent moons upon his shoulders - also depicting opposing forces. Yet the driver of the chariot and the horses must all be working in unison. Seven is about the bringing together of forces that are often contradictory to one another. They are also a symbol of victory and success, albeit hard won. Nothing can get in your way, but you may have to stand alone and you will have to take control 

The Seven of Swords

The seven of swords depicts a thief taking away five of seven swords. The thief is looking over his shoulder which suggests treachery. This is a successful raid but it also suggests something left behind. The querant should be careful of theft of loss. Being a sword card this may likely be a theft of great ideas or inspiration. Just as swords are a symbol of power, the theft may indicate the loss of that power. Bearing in mind that seven is a lucky number and one of upcoming success with the proper precautions, this card may only represent a minor setback. Another way to look at this card is that the thief could merely be a watchful eye who spots impending trouble and comes to protect what it is his. Perhaps he is not a thief but merely the protector of the swords. This duality of meaning actually reflects the same message - protect that which is yours. Do not let your plans, goals, dreams, or the items that you are depending upon to achieve those ideas or dreams be taken away from you. Annoyance, hope, wishes, quarrelling, disagreements of ideas - which may or may not become verbalised, are all encompassed in the seven of swords.

The Seven of Wands

The seven of wands depicts a man under attack. While he remains above his aggressors in an advantageous spot h is outnumbered and the outcome may be  uncertain but he stands his ground, prepared to weather the attack. Keeping with the meaning of the wands this attack could be an attack upon something that the querant has created or built for himself, such as an idea or philosophy or way of being. He must be aware of the challenges, and the others who might stand in the way, or seek to take it from him.

The Seven of Cups

The seven of cups depicts a man with options, some appear good and some still mysterious. He stands there with his arms out in awe or surprise, but he remains stationary, unable to choose. This is the torment of daydreamers, they see so many options and possibilities that it becomes nearly impossible to choose between them. This is an impulse that needs to be reigned in. It is rooted in the idea of excess - having too much time, or a lack of a need for a direction. The cups are full but cannot all be realised, and this causes stagnation, the inability to choose for fear of making the wrong choice. This card is a positive one, it means the querant has options, however opportunity may slowly be dropping out of reach if decisions are not made. It serves as a warning to the querant to focus on their desires, needs and wants, and yet to be realistic and honest with themselves; to make sound decisions; to pursue only the best; and leave the rest behind. This card can also encourage reflection whilst looking at options and possibilities. It can represent seeing the potential in oneself and realising all of the possibilities that are really out there. Why limit yourself? Remember that the cups are the suit of passion, they are meant to be explored and indulged in, just don't let it get to the point of "analysis paralysis", where nothing gets done because there are too many choices. This is the warning of the seven of cups.

The Seven of Pentacles

The seven of pentacles depicts a labourer dissatisfied over a harvest, or the yield from his endeavours. His patience may be wearing thin, he may doubt the value of his efforts, or the quality of the fruits that his effort will bare. As a seven, remember that these cards signify the harnessing of divergent or challenging conditions. Clearly the farmer faces doubts and concerns, but what can he do about it? He cannot will the plants to grow, he cannot control getting an early start for next year, he can only sit and wait - hoping and worrying. Does this make the fruit grow faster?

Overview: The Lovers & The Sixes

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing  The Lovers and the sixes 

 The Lovers & The Sixes

 

 

The Lovers

The sixes relate to the lovers. The card depicts two lovers with the snake of temptation in the background, a divine spirit with open hands above them and a radiant sun. This card is not so much about two people however as it is about one. The person who has the experience of love feels the passion and desire for another, be it another person or another endeavour or goal. In this way, the lovers is about that feeling inside you that allows you to know something with absolute certainty, even when it might not be entirely certain.  The lovers are that instinctual drive that we create within ourselves, from the most intense and mysterious desires. This card represents falling in love with something or someone.

The Sixes

Just as the fives lost their balance with the asymmetry they created within our building blocks metaphor, the sixes regain their balance. Two lovers, each with a heart, a mind and a body share six parts between them. In this way, the sixes represent the coming together of the parts. They indicate a return to harmony and balance after a time of frustration and strife. The sixes help achieve balance, equilibrium, a soul mate. Just as someone or something that balances your life that you feel completes you.

The Six of Swords

The six of swords depicts the beginning of a voyage, this could be a literal or figurative voyage. The relationship between the oarsman and the passenger is symbiotic. The oarsman receives a fair in exchange for the passengers safe passage over the river. Note however, that the cargo consists of the swords, which is symbolic of carrying ones troubles or challenges along. However in this card the path is moving forward, these people are on their way to finding balance and harmony, as the number six suggests. The oarsman represents a guide or a leader, taking the others in the right direction whilst avoiding the dangers. This could be a counsellor, partner or perhaps even a book in which the querant finds comfort. This is a happy journey, a positive one, but it is not without its dangers, as represented by the turbulent waters. Although the shore is in sight, they have not yet arrived, and this journey is not necessarily smooth sailing.

The Six of Wands

The six of wands depicts a triumphant arrival. A man on horseback, his staff adorned with a wreath signifying victory and achievement. People surround him with their staffs high in recognition of his accomplishment. He has achieved not only victory but the adoration of those who surround him. However, it is important to understand that this victor-parade is illusory. While the recognition may be deserved, it is not going to be long lived. Indeed, parades are not given all the time. They're a special reason to celebrate, perhaps, but as the laurel wreath around this man's head may remind us, a man can not rest on his laurels - the pomp and circumstances for this parade will soon be gone. The parade is not lasting, and the triumphant person does not exist for accolades - the work must continue. Savour the moment, but do not forget the work that brought you here.

The Six of Cups

The six of cups depicts two children surrounded by six flowering cups. They are full and lush. The older child has her arms outstretched, sharing the joy with the younger child. This card is a card of nostalgia or memories or simple pleasures - particularly of sharing those feelings with others. This may represent an idea from out past which brings us pleasure, or a person whom we derive mutual joy. However, like all the sixes, this too is a temporary fleeting moment. It will not last. This cards serves as a reminder to enjoy the moment, savour it, but be aware that more challenging times may lie ahead.

The Six of Pentacles

The six of pentacles depicts a man with scales in his left hand hiving to others. Contrast this with the five of pentacles, with the couple shut in from the outside. Understanding the emotions of these characters reminds the querant of both sides of generosity - giving and sharing when you can, and also the relief that comes from receiving when in need. This card challenges the querant to identify their position, assess what can be given by them, and also what is being offered to them. This card reminds s to choose to make a positive difference but also, not let pride get in the way of someone who is able to help them, if they should find the shoe on the other foot.

 

Overview: The Hierophant & The Fives

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing The Hierophant and the fives

The Hierophant & The Fives

 

The Hierophant

The fives relate to the hierophant, a high priest. He sits perched upon his throne as two other holy men kneel before him. We see a man who leads his flock and shared communal rituals. Remember, he is the leader of a flock - not of individuals. The hierophant focuses on the group, leading them to their destiny, soothing their worries and fears. His power comes from tradition and consistency, providing his followers with comfort through stability. He also represents mercy and goodness, compassion, inspiration, and alliances.   

The Fives

Fives are about the instability in loss, severity and fear. If you picture the four corners of a building, like we described in our overview of the fours, you can see that if there's any space inside the fifth stone cannot be supported in any symmetrical way. The fifth stone may lie in the middle of an empty space, or be placed upon another stone - thus creating asymmetry.   Some loss of the perfection we had as fours is represented by the fives. However, it is not a total loss, progress continues to be made, but there are periods of struggle; times when things don't align. This is the time of the fives, but, fives also remind us of the strength that is gathered from these difficult times. The fives present a severe problem, yet also point to a way of escaping it. Give up? Or continue building? Dealing with this upset in the development of our passion, (or idea, or our work)  humbles us, it teaches us and matures us. It is however not a pleasant experience and our pride especially is likely to suffer, but it strengthens us nevertheless. 

The Five of Swords

The five of swords depicts a man successful in battle, watching his vanquished foes depart. The card depicts winners and losers. That all of these men were equipped for battle indicates that this was not a game played by novices, but rather a competition of importance. The victor holds their swords in his left hand and his own sword, now at rest, being held to the ground. He has clearly defeated others as is shown by the other swords on the ground. He is overconfident. This card serves as a warning against pride and overconfidence. The losers departing disarmed and in disgrace, shrink away into the distance. What lessons will they take away from this? Had they been tricked into a losing battle? Did they let their own overconfidence shield them from the realities they faced? Either character may represent the querant. Whether the querant is winning or losing this card serves as a warning against  overconfidence, and the dangers of rushing in too soon. 

The Five of Wands

The five of wands depicts children of a younger age engaging in play and mock fighting. The activities of youth which teach the beginnings, they serve as training for more serious pursuits.  Imitations, a sham fight, a quest for achievement. The competitors in this card are of equal stature and position. This is not a struggle against Goliath but rather a struggle against those on equal footing. The inexperience and apparent lack of consequences may appear to make this game even unimportant. However, as we saw with the five of swords it is from winning these small battles that the opportunity is gained to partake and excel in the greater ones. 

The Five of Cups 

The five of cups depicts spilt cups with a man in black sobbing in sorrow over their emptiness. His back is turned away from the cups that remain standing and full behind him. In relation to the suit of cups, a sign of passion, in this card we see broken heartedness and disappointment. However, this card can serve as a reminder that when you turn your back on emptiness you can find fulfilment. This card might be related to the idea of crying over spilt milk, particularly when that milk pertains to the way we invest in our passion with our efforts. Loss is perhaps the most painful when we turn our back on those things that we once loved, and focus only on the things that are gone. This card also signifies one who's perceived less than they had expected. 

The Five of Pentacles

The five of pentacles depicts a couple cold and poorly clothed, exposed to the elements and injured. They pass by a church with an opulent stain glass window. They do not stop in the church to warm up, they just pass by. But why? Remembering that fives reflect upon difficult times, the characters on the card may be shunned from this congregation, or viewed by this society as unfit. But notice - they remain together. The pentacles relate to material possessions, wealth and health, but the two people on the card remain together though they appear to have none of these things. This is a card of misery, but also one of hope, and a reminder of the constant support of others who surround you at any moment in time. It is a reminder that true friends, true partners, will stand by you and weather the storm with you. This couple may be rejected by one society, but they have now created their own. It may be very small, a society of only two for now, and others who are similarly situated may not seem to be close by - but if you seek them out, you will find them. The potential for loss may be devastating, but as this card depicts - you can never lose everything.