This wintery February day brought to my mind the mood expressed in the Five of Pentacles. I know that many of us in the northern hemisphere have dealt with severe winter weather conditions this year. Today we are having a major snowstorm where I live, destined to last throughout another day as well. Next the wind will come, and then the fahrenheit single digit temperatures will arrive. Fortunately, this feeling of malaise will pass once a bit of warmth and a ray of sunshine reappear. When faced with the Five of Pentacles card, it may indicate that the feelings of woefulness and despair run a bit deeper. Could it be a good time for self reflection, and perhaps a personal wake-up call?
The Five of Pentacles suggests that we “pick ourselves up by the bootstraps”, as the saying goes. Dwelling on our problems and personal misery is a very limiting personal world view. It keeps us bound to the outer experiences of the material world. It inhibits us in our ability to access our inner resources and potential, where we may discover some wonderful opportunities just awaiting our recognition. The possibility of a positive upturn in events is also an important aspect of this card.
The Red-breasted Nuthatch sees no limitation when faced with winter weather. It can even be seen out in a storm foraging and climbing up, down, and around with great agility. Symbolically, this little forest bird is known as the innovator of new and fresh perspectives. It is a master of the spiritual quest. It represents our ability to dig deeply into emotional and mental issues, and freeing ourselves from the impediments keeping us from a positive outlook in life. The nuthatch shows us the way with bravery and courage.
The imagery on the Five of Pentacles offers two other important keys. One is the Garden Snowdrop. It often pops up right through the snow, and is the first flower to appear as winter subsides. The symbolism for this plant includes consolation, hope, and faith in times of adversity. The other noteworthy image included in the card is the lighted stained glass window in the background. It is clearly beckoning us toward new and positive opportunities.
Amid predominantly difficult conditions, and as far away as it might seem, Spring really is just around the corner.
