The Cross

The Page of Coins appears to be calling us to learn something new. This page can teach us much about our resources as well as all things physical in our world. We are encouraged to surround ourselves with natures most precious teachers, the animals of this world, for they have so much to offer and impart on us, if we just listen and learn.

The slow stubborn energy of this card can also be a downfall if we allow it to creep in as fear, procrastination or laziness.

The one certainty in life is death. In this image we see a bird whose decay will fertilize the flowers growing by the shore. Just as the previous card, the Hanging Man, teaches us to surrender attempts to control what we cannot, Death reminds us that nature has the final control of all things.

When this card appears, we expect change. This could be a change of job, home, attitude or family situation. Death ill-dignified speaks of stagnation and stubbornness. This asks us if we are being too stubborn, if we are stuck, or if we should dig in our heels and stay the course.

Ah, there’s nothing quite like the challenging energy of change found in all of the tarot fives! There is a restlessness in the number five that desires to move past the status quo. On top of that we are in the heart of the suit of swords, which by their very nature are quite troublesome because while the power to reason gives humanity a huge advantage, our thoughts can create trouble as well when we dare to speak our minds.

How we interpret this five of swords depends upon our point of view and can be deduced from surrounding cards. Perhaps the man shown on the card has just spoken in our defense and his willingness to speak up about what is right rather than what is easy will be a boon to us. On the other hand, this may represent someone who in his self-righteous manner of adhering to what he views as the truth ignores the need to be humane. This may be a moment where the battle has been won but it is uncertain as to whether or not the war can be won as well.

Now is the time for us to take advantage of the ‘easy picking’ or ‘low hanging fruit’. Avoid over analyzation so we don’t get paralyzed with fear of ‘doing it right’. The baskets won’t fill themselves and there is no time to rest just yet. If we enlist the help of our trusted friends or co-workers to get the job done we can celebrate and relax sooner.

Procrastination, over indulgence or indifference may delay the harvesting and allow the fruit to spoil. Also, resisting the change that has taken place can thwart our efforts to get ahead.

There is nothing in existence that is not subject to the cycles of nature. We, like the animals pictured in this image, like the planets that revolve around the sun, have no choice but to live within our life cycles, making the most of each turn of the wheel.

This image serves to remind us of our place on the planet, and of the things we can't control. It cautions us to pay attention to the patterns in our lives, and to nurture only the patterns that serve us.

When well-dignified, this card suggests that the wheel turns in our favor, and the wind is at our backs. When poorly dignified, there may be misfortune at hand.