Fives in Tarot signify conflict and change. They are midway between the ace and number ten, therefore halfway in the arc of the suit’s journey. Here we are midway in the journey of pentacles: material wealth, resources, earthly values.
A destitute couple trudge barefoot in a snowstorm. The man is on crutches and looks up to the heavens in defiance. The woman is bundled in rags and huddled over, eyes downcast. They are so caught up in their despair they don’t notice the illuminated pentacles in the stained glass window of the church at their side. Help is at hand if only they would lift their eyes from their despair to notice it.
When problems come they tend to take over our entire perspective and we get caught in a negative mindset. We go over the problem, how it started, how awful it is, how impossible it is to solve and we become closed off to any chance of awakening to a possible solution. If we don’t believe a problem can be solved then how can we ever be receptive to a solution?
These unfortunate souls in this picture remind us of the pitfalls of a scarcity consciousness. Times may be difficult and challenging. But sure as the Wheel of Fortune goes up and down, nothing lasts forever, there is always change, and even in the darkest night there is the light of the stars.
The King of Pentacles is the quintessence of earthly success. He sits on his throne adorned with carvings of bulls (showing his alignment with the zodiac sign of Taurus), holding in one hand the golden scepter and in the other a golden coin. He wears a robe that is embellished with a lush pattern of grapes and vines. A castle looms in the distance. He symbolizes wealth and abundance. The reversal here encourages us to explore our relationship with money and wealth. We are spirit incarnated in a physical body and are here to enjoy the blessings of the earth. Individuals have different notions on the subject: to some this is a garden teeming with fruits and vegetables, to others a stunning car or vintage watch. The reversed King asks you to come to terms with your consciousness regarding wealth and abundance. Do you let it slip through your fingers, hold onto it for dear life, or rest somewhere in the middle?
This week be on the lookout for a wealthy businessman, entrepreneur, bon vivant to step into your life. Perhaps he’s a wealthy uncle or the boss from overseas. He ushers in the good life, enjoys wining and dining and brings a sense of security and abundance. Don’t be too fooled by the ease and abandon. Notice the heads of bulls on this king’s throne? They refer to his Taurean nature where he can be stubborn and a bit narrow minded. However, it takes a lot to ruffle this fellow. He’s happy to enjoy the fruits of his labor and to extend this bounty to all in his sphere. Or perhaps this is a week for you to dream big and to treat yourself to a luxury item just to see how it feels…
What a perfect card to pull for the week ushering in Christmas and the end of 2018. Normally we see this kingly fellow sitting in front of his kingdom holding down his material possessions. He is the picture of stability, his resources under his feet. in his hands and crowning his crown. However upside down he looks a little panicked and the stability and foresight has turned into grabbing and miserliness. When I pulled the card and saw this picture, the first thing I did was go to my favorite charity and give a gift. I hope you’ll do the same. Money is good, stability is important, and shepherding one’s resources is a necessary part of life. BUT as that famous sage Dolly Levi of Thornton Wilder’s classic play, “The Matchmaker” (basis for the well-known musical “Hello Dolly”) says, “Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around, encouraging young things to grow.” Money, possessions, resources, love–it’s all good to spread around.
SpiritedTarot 