The 5s

Starting from where we left off in our story arcs, with the static 4s, the 5s add a new element and that produces conflict of a nature determined by the suit involved.  In the 5s, something usually seems to come between us and what we want or need.  Although this can sometimes be quite unpleasant, it can present opportunities for new growth, and it certainly produces movement that breaks us out of our rut.

5 of Swords, Universal Waite Tarot

In the 5 of Swords we see the idea of conflict represented most clearly.  The sweeping clouds and the garments of the largest figure indicate a strong wind or passing storm.  Two of the people walk away looking dejected, while one is smiling and collecting swords.  To me the subject of this card appears to be the victor in a battle--perhaps a verbal dispute, given the nature of the suit of swords--but at what cost?  He's made his point (no pun intended) but driven away his friends.  We've all been browbeaten by this kind of person, and at times, we've been this person ourselves.  Sometimes we care more about being right than being good.  And yet there are times when we do need to stick up for ourselves and defend our point of view.  Just be careful how you do it if you want to keep your friends--is a tongue-lashing really necessary?  You can stand your ground without cruelty, and you should be able to do so after that nice little clarity break you took in the 4 of Swords. 

5 of Cups, Rider-Waite Tarot

5 of Cups, Shadowscapes Tarot

They say there's no use crying over spilt milk, but that's exactly what's going on in the 5 of Cups.  Three of the cups have tipped over and spilled out their contents (satisfaction, fulfillment, love) and the subject of the card feel grief, disappointment, and guilt.  It's okay to be sad, but beware of this becoming a full-on pity party.  If the subject of the 4 of Cups gave in to his/her sense of dissatisfaction, this is very likely where they might end up.  There are two cups left, though, so not all is lost.  I like the imagery on the Shadowscapes Tarot 5 of Cups--the figure gazes into her fishbowl when she's surrounded by an entire ocean!  So this card often points to a necessary change of focus, from the narrow to the big picture, or from the past to the future.

In the 5 of Pentacles, we see the tired, hungry, and sick.  No matter how tightly you cling to what gives you security (the 4 of Pentacles), misfortune can happen.  This card can signify poverty or illness, but there is more to it.  Note the church window in the background.  Shelter and charity are at hand, so why don't these two avail themselves of it?  Probably because they have been--or feel themselves to be--rejected and cast out by whatever they perceive to be in authority.  This authority stands between them and the physical necessities represented by the suit of pentacles.  Of course, as is so often the case, this can be more a matter of perception than reality, but what you perceive is real for you.  In terms of advice, this card tells you that it's not weakness to ask for help when you need it--but people won't know you need it if you don't speak up. 

Remember the party represented by the 4 of Wands?  Well, in the 5 of Wands it has gotten a little out of hand and the neighbors have called the cops. It looks like some of the guests had a few too many and are now in the midst of a drunken brawl.  It's not a serious fight (you can see how none of the figures on the card appears to have suffered crippling blows), and will likely be forgotten by morning, but it is chaotic and kind of stupid.  Everyone has his/her own opinions and is prepared to passionately defend them.  While this card usually represents annoying setbacks or squabbles, the good news is that there's no shortage of ideas or passion.  Another thing that comes to mind with this card are those couples that bicker and fight constantly yet always manage to somehow make up and stay together.  Keep your head down and ride out the storm.  If you are the boss of these people, they'll need a firm hand.