This card shows two destitute figures, walking outside a church. It looks as if hard times have really fallen upon them, quite hard. This card, as with all fives in the tarot deck, deals with hardship and trials.
Appearance and Symbolism
Rider Waite tarot card it is cold and snowy outside and we can see a poor couple battling through the snow. They are incredibly poor and in bad shape. The man uses crutches to walk, because of his crippled leg and the woman holds her threadbare shawl around her shoulders, trying to keep out the cold. The window of the church is brightly lit, inscribed with the five coins that make up this card. A bell hangs around the man’s neck, and we can imagine it ringing in the still of the night, as he battles onward.
Stained glass is a symbol of our perception. It reminds us how our mental, physical and spiritual vision can change; according to our beliefs and the way we see the world. When we see these windows, we should ask ourselves how well we can see and how well we can perceive our current situation. Another interpretation of these windows is the light coming from within.
We see the warmth coming from inside, but these two figures are outside, cast away from the light and the warmth. This represents how often in times of hardship, those around us will ignore us and refuse to help us, but as soon as times are good again – they’ll be back. They are commonly known as fair-weather friends.
The snow we see in this card backs up the interpretation of the windows. These two figures are literally (and figuratively) out in the cold. They are isolated from the rest of the world and are being exposed to terribly harsh conditions. When snow comes up in a reading though, remember that in order for the flowers of spring to burst into bloom, we need to have the bite of the snow first. We all go through hard times in our lives, but when we get through to the other side we can see the beauty of existence once again.
Interpretation
During a free tarot card reading online the Five of Coins can be seen as a sign that financial troubles could be coming your way. This card can also be read in terms of psychological state as well, and your attitude towards money.
This card represents failures and losses. In the case of this card though, these losses are related more to material than personal losses. You might experience troubles and loss in your career and perhaps with others you work with. Maybe someone in your family is unhappy about their financial situation, their partner or even possible infidelity – but you could be too emotionally drained to help them or comfort them in any way.
This card can also relate to a feeling of abandonment or loneliness you feel in your life. It may indicate that you feel you need a little more comfort and support in your life in order to feel secure.
Inverted Interpretation
When you see this card inverted, you can smile. It indicates an end to hardships and difficult times. You might be feeling that life is picking up and getting better and that your self-belief and self-confidence is returning after a period of hardship. If you have gone through financial problems or sickness, this could also mean an end to those problems too.