V of Pentacles/Five of Earth

The Five of Pentacles is an intense card – the card of destitution.  However, like other cards that have a church-vibe, this helps us understand the some of the most divine aspects of the suit of pentacles – those of giving and community.  The Five of Pentacles shows us what happens if we cling to the miserly attitude seen in the previous Four of Pentacles card.

X of Swords/Ten of Air

The 10 of Swords is characterized by defeat and misfortune, possibly a betrayal by another.  However, it’s also a death to an old way of thinking – a new perspective is arising.  Like the saying says, it’s darkest before the dawn.  Old ways of thinking no longer serve you – you’re rising above those old thought patterns now.

V of Swords/Five of Air

The Five of Swords is about winning at all costs.  This is an intense contraction card where the figure with the three swords appears smug while at least one of the defeated figures appear distraught.  The figure also has his back turned to the ocean – in order to win he needs to turn his back on his feelings.  To win at all costs means winning but hurting those we care about.  There’s a storm brewing overhead – a good indication that all is not well despite winning the battle.

V of Cups/5 of Water

Like the other 5s in the deck, the Five of Cups is a contraction card.  The card is a card of loss and of sorrow, but also reminds us that in those moments of immense grief, we have cups that are still left standing.