Five of Pentacles
The Five of Skulls represents the destruction of suffocating structures and the painful but necessary breakdown of old security systems. Through trials, losses, and upheavals, we gain deeper understanding and pave the way for renewal and spiritual growth. This card teaches that our suffering is like birth pangs, ultimately leading to new beginnings and greater stability. It calls us to focus on what we can gain rather than what we lose, remembering that all situations are temporary and difficult times are merely milestones on the path to future wellbeing.
Keywords
Alchemy
Mercury in Taurus; Severity (Geburah) of Earth; Power of Material Form
Kindred Souls
Mibahaiah; Poyazl
Essence
Power of Matter. Anxieties, crisis or losses leading to renewal. Upheavals. Adaptability to change. Turmoil leading to deeper understanding. Counterbalance. Finding a solution or way out. Hard work, improvement and strength of spirit. Determination or courage. Learning patience, resourcefulness and trust. Learning hard lessons.
Primary Meaning
This card speaks of the destruction of orders and structures that have become suffocating. Often these structures represent something we have long been accustomed to and consider a source of our security. This makes the destruction of such formations a very painful procedure for us, leading to sudden changes, losses or conflicts and bringing us worries and anxieties. However, the bright side of this card is that by destroying our own security, we pave a path to new, even more stable security and clear our way to renewal. The Five of Skulls teaches that only through trials do we gain deeper understanding. Only by destroying old destructive principles or situations that bind us can we sharpen our insight and rise to a higher spiritual and emotional level. Often we ourselves do not realize that these structures can be destructive, and it is for this very reason that we experience separation from them so acutely. Without a compensating factor that breaks stereotypical forms, spiritual development is impossible—on the contrary, we can only become spiritually petrified. Our sufferings are in many ways similar to birth pangs, which result in a new beginning. This card also illustrates the process of finding a way out of a labyrinth, adapting to change, or solving problems. This process is often accompanied by our anxieties and turmoil, when we spend almost sleepless nights worrying. And for us to honestly overcome these trials, the Five of Skulls calls us to focus on what we can gain, not on what we lose. We must realize that everything is fleeting and transient and any situation inevitably comes to its end. Too often we find ourselves subject to illusions of helplessness and despair, but this card teaches us that everything passes, and difficult times are merely milestones on the path to our future wellbeing.
Predictive Aspects
This card may predict that a new challenge awaits us ahead that will lead to sharp and rapid development and individual growth. The Five of Skulls foretells a difficult task, time or situation and recommends that we not hesitate and act decisively. It is possible that the question or situation presents a serious problem for us, or the position we occupy in them is unreliable. However, the destruction of a security system does not always carry a negative connotation. This card may relate to some obstacle holding us back, or to an outwardly comfortable situation that must be ended to allow luck and happiness to accompany us again on our life path: for example, ending bachelor life or breaking free from destructive relationships. We may be forced by some power to move forward—it is this very card that is the force that compels us to strive for great achievements.
Guidance in Readings
When appearing in a spread, the Five of Skulls advises us to reconsider our point of view or beliefs, show determination and, without hesitation, take advantage of opportunities presented, or shows that we find ourselves at a crossroads between two mutually exclusive options and our choice must be decisive and unambiguous. If such conflicts of choice exist in our mind or heart and bring us pain, then this card recommends that we seek advice from a person whose opinion we value. Instead of worrying, we should direct our energy toward an optimistic attitude to the situation, restoration of our vital forces and individual development. Perhaps we have been drawn into some negative situation or put in a difficult position, or maybe we need to change our lifestyle, secure someone's support or emotional participation.
Analysis and Symbolism
Some intangible energy thickens above us. Excitement, fear and anxieties combine from it onto us and block our energy. This is a shapeshifter—merely our nightmare, phantom or illusion. This is our fear, originating in our unconscious and bringing us the most acute suffering and torment; if we can tame it and examine the situation from a rational point of view, without being distracted by emotions, then we will quite likely find a clear and obvious way out of it. Its victim lies gripped by unbearable pain and paralyzed by horror. She feels helpless and unable to undertake anything to escape from this desperate situation. When we realize that the overwhelming majority of our fears and nightmares arise from ourselves and that a way out of any situation can be found and will be found in due time, then we will again begin to breathe calmly and freely. Our sufferings become the seed of dark and gloomy beauty that defines joyful experiences in our life. The Five of Skulls is pain that causes tears, which wash the earth and prepare the dried and tormented soil for the return of spring.
Astrological Correspondence
This card represents Mercury in the constellation of Taurus. Mercury is swift and active by nature, and therefore its energy is restrained by the slowness of Taurus. This leads to the feeling that some question constantly turns in our head (and we, as it seems to us, cannot find an answer to it), but this kind of reflection is the very process by which we make the right decision and get out of the labyrinth. We must focus more on each of our steps, walking through the labyrinth, solve problems as they arise and use the power of Mercury to find the path and answers. This planet also possesses potential that we can use for clear and open communication, both with ourselves and with those around us. Often this card is a sign that we will need all our vitality and significant reserves of strength. When this card appears in a spread, it often indicates that the problem facing us touches the most delicate strings of our soul or that shadows of the unconscious torment us. In such situations, we can use the mighty forces of earthy Taurus to materialize and destroy phantoms with their help; bravely looking them in the eye, we force them to dissolve when we understand that they are often merely reflections of our thoughts. The Five of Skulls calls us to seek and find the essence of the problem in order to resolve it. Having done this, we will open the door leading from the labyrinth and discover new treasures behind it.
Symbolic Themes
The themes symbolized by this card include the destruction of old habits and behavioral patterns, painful changes and losses (primarily material). This card advises us to comprehend our anxieties and experiences in order to allow the relaxing and gentle flow of the Eternal to form reality around us, bringing us a sense of security in the most difficult situations. All Fives are connected with fiery energy, and here it acts as the force that independently breaks its way through suffocating earth. Like a Vampire bursting from his grave, rising from compressed earth and destroying the bonds that tied him to the earth with his renewed and saturated with new power energy. This card can also mean violent rejection, unjust laws or the need to free ourselves from certain conventions established in the public consciousness.
Shadow
Anxieties and worries. Losses. Despair, fears and nightmares. Vulnerability, loneliness. Exhaustion. Destruction of foundations, lack of systemicity. Pity or suffering. Financial losses. Barrenness. Mental anguish. Poor health. Lack of freedom or pleasures. Decline of strength, resource deficit. Confusing situations, difficulties or alienation. Helplessness.
Visual Description
A dark, wolf-like creature with glowing eyes crouches atop a stone tomb while a pale woman in a white gown lies slumped across the edge, blood at her throat. A large cross with a skull carved into it rises behind the beast, and a full moon glows through a murky sky. Blue and pink roses and thorny vines snake across the foreground and around the grave markers. A rounded headstone with circular symbols stands to the right, adding to the cemetery scene.
Tarot of Vampyres
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