THE FIVE OF PENTACLES
“The Lord of Material Trouble”
Mercury in Taurus
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
An image of poverty and distress greets us as we view two destitute figures struggling to survive in a winter storm as they pass by a lighted stained glass window decorated in a colorful decor on which five pentacles are engraved. The man uses a crutch as he appears to have a crippled leg and the woman attempts to protect herself from the cold with a worn shawl. A cruel fate has overtaken them as they wander homeless and freezing throughout the long winter night.
ASTROLOGICAL CORRESPONDENCE
The mind of Mercury comes face to face with the stark material troubles that often abound in the material ground of Taurus. In spite of our best-laid plans, unfavorable developments or poor financial and personal decisions can lay us low in the blink of an eye forcing us to confront the dark cruelty of a world built on the worship of money.
ORACLES
When Appearing Upright in a Reading
Trouble has come. Hardships and financial difficulties lie on the road ahead. Poverty and adversity could result. Be especially cautious and conservative at this time as wrong financial decisions may cause you to loose a substantial amount of money, your employment or your home.
When Appearing Reversed in a Reading
Hardship, financial distress or the possibility of unemployment is facing you. Disorder may enter your affairs. No other source of income will be available to you except through your own hard work. You need to take control of your life and finances now as you may be facing some hard decisions in the future. This will be a difficult period in your life but eventually it will come to an end and a new cycle of positive growth will emerge.
THE TREE OF LIFE
“The Sphere of Severity”
When the sphere of severity manifests on the earth plane difficulties begin to plague us and often force our life to a standstill. It is then we are forced to reevaluate our priorities and must strive to rebalance our lives in favor of developing a spiritual dimension to compliment and complete our material pursuits.