We move into a new era with its own dragons to conquer. The Fives in Tarot often represent a test of mettle for the querent. Through conflict and sudden shifts, these cards illustrate challenges that show us who we are in the heat of the moment.

The Quality of the Fives

The Fives represent the first tide of change in their respective suit. As long as we’re human, we will encounter difficulties and change, and the Fives illustrate the kind of uncertainty we face when we attempt to move onward and upward. The ideal perspective is to look at these adversities as trials to pass and lessons to learn, rather than a place to sulk and feel sorry for yourself.

Some of these challenges are internal, like in the Five of Cups and Five of Pentacles. Others have to do with interpersonal conflict like in the Five of Swords and Five of Wands. When the Fives show up in a reading, we’re being told to pay attention to the pain that’s been inflicted onto us or harm we’ve been inflicting onto others. There can be feelings of inadequacy or overwhelm because of the flurry of activity. Overall, you’re being asked to think on your feet and think creatively about your personal situation.

Themes of the Fives are uncertainty, preliminary obstacles, disagreements, hardships, and competition.

Numerology of Five

The Fives in tarot represent instability, so it’s no surprise that numerological Five is ruled by agile Mercury. The number five is swift and adaptable, happy to move from one idea, person, place or thing to the next. Therein lies the remedy to the frustration within the Fives in Tarot: find peace in the chaos and it will become a more seamless experience. Of course this takes time and maturity to realize, but the lesson to implement is radical acceptance of your particular circumstance. The innate curiosity and explorative nature of the number five allows for receptivity. On the other hand, however, this can lead to fickleness, a childish attitude and restless nature.

Trumping Tradition: The Hierophant & Temperance

This Hierophant represents ideas that would be diametrically opposed to the radical and harsh ideas of the Fives, and in some obvious ways they are, but this major arcana does have one trait can be useful when dealing with the energy of the Fives.

The Hierophant is the stalwart traditionalist. He upholds conventional wisdom and expectations and represent the teachers, guides, and mentors in a querent’s life. Often renamed the High Priest, this card represents institutions like religion and formal education. He values conformity and shuns anything other than societal cohesion. The Hierophant enforces divine order. So, why then is he placed in the ever-changing fives, where things are in constant flux?

I believe, as a Major Arcana card, the Hierophant can represent the conviction necessary to get through the Fives. The minor arcana represents the daily life, and even though going through hardships is not a small thing, if there is a belief you value and is worth fighting for, the Hierophant can represent you taking a stance on what is right. This becomes especially true in his reversed position, where he is fragmented by the traditions he upholds and desires change.

Temperance (XIV) is more pure in its representation of radical change. This is Major Arcana #14, in which its numbers at to 5. Temperance, while it does value moderation and patience, is the opposite of the Hierophant. With an openness to experimentation and a need for alchemy, this card welcomes paradoxes. The angel represented on the traditional card is shown as intersex and is depicted pouring water in a diagonal line without a single drop out of place, like its magic.

Keywords for the Fives in Tarot

Upright Meanings:

• Conflict
• Uncertainty
• Tides of Change
• Competition
• Grief and Loss
• Fluctuations
• Arguments and Disagreements
• Hardships

Reversed Meanings:

• Overcoming one/some/all the above
• Avoiding one/some/all the above
• Taking a helpless stance because of one/some/all the above
• Internalizing one/some/all of the above

Fives in Tarot Overview

Five of Wands

Conflict and competition is on the horizon. Neutrally, however, this can also mean having passionate discussions and perhaps being introduced to new more challenging perspectives. Petty hassles, like stepping on gum or spilling coffee in your car, are probably more likely. There is a test of patience as well.

Five of Cups

Sadness, loss and regret are themes of this card. There’s also this need to focus on negative emotions and a tendency to throw pity parties. Too much sulking will limit opportunities, so forgiveness is a key component to moving on and thinking on the brighter side.

Five of Swords

We typically see a depiction of a few characters at the end of a fight. One has a grin plastered on their face and the others are walking away, heads hanging low with the shame of loss. This card often speaks to a “me vs. them” mentality, usually through intellectual one-upmanship. It’s okay to take a stand, but picking your battles is often the message that comes with this card. You can agree to disagree and reserve your strength for something worth more than satisfying your ego.

Five of Pentacles

Isolation, poverty and/or shame is often associated with this card. This card can also indicate poor health, or just having a scarcity mindset. At its best, this could mean you may lose an item, at its worse, it can be the degradation of wealth or status. Perhaps this could be a period where you’ve paid all your bills and now have to skimp by for a while. Overall, the feeling is that you are going at it alone or that money’s just tight.

Deck used: The Sugar Skull Tarot by David A. Ross