Five of Pentacles
The Five of Pentacles (The Unquiet Grave) depicts consuming grief that prevents rest for both the living and the dead; imagery such as the rebuffed lover, spirals in hair, a red rose among dead leaves, and ivy clinging to a dying tree illustrates the tension between holding on and release. The card emphasizes how clinging to loss keeps you stuck and prevents closure. It advises recognizing when mourning becomes unproductive and choosing to let go so life can continue. Ultimately, it calls for moving forward rather than preserving grief as proof of devotion.
Keywords
Card Title
Five of Pentacles (The Unquiet Grave)
Story
The “Unquiet Grave” was an English folk ballad about a man’s insufferable grief for his dead sweetheart. The man’s daily tears caused the weary ghost to finally break her silence: “Oh who sits weeping on my grave, and will not let me sleep?” When he requested a kiss, she rebuffed him and sent him on his way so that she could finally rest in peace. Her hair is adorned with spirals symbolizing the spirits’ desire to move beyond the confines of the living. The red rose juxtaposes the dead leaves, contrasting life and death. The dying tree is host to growing ivy, a plant that will not relinquish its grasp.
Divinatory meaning
Even if things don’t pan out like you thought they would, instead of mourning your losses indefinitely, let go and move on.
Ghosts and Spirits tarot
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