The Five of Pentacles is, for me, one of the saddest cards in the Tarot Deck.
The Waite version of this card depicts two (presumably) homeless and impoverished folks, trudging through the snow and winter storm, inadequately dressed for the weather. One of them is either injured or has a disability which requires the use of a crutch. The bleakness of the image is made even worse by the fact that they pass by a church along their way, complete with light shining through the stained glass window.
Like all of the fives in the deck, the Five of Pentacles (or Coins) represents change and adversity of some sort.
The irony of the card, is that it is clear that light and warmth are present, just inside the church. We do not know whether the couple are unwelcome, or merely unaware.
When I see this card, I am reminded that we are called to bring the light to each other. It’s not enough to sit in our comfortable church pews and keep the candles burning. We should work deliberately and actively to take that light out and share it.
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