The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith-Five of Pentacles & The Animal Totem Tarot - 5 of Pentacles (Tarot birth wheel explained).

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The Rider-Waite depiction of the Five of Pentacles places a strong emphasis on the common theme of feeling "out in the cold," portraying a more straightforward illustration compared to some more esoteric decks. In this rendition, the focus is on the tangible aspects of loss, specifically in terms of profession and financial resources. The scene features a destitute couple passing beneath a stained-glass window of a medieval church, evoking a sense of hopelessness and spiritual deprivation.

Within the window's stained-glass art, the five Pentacles are prominently displayed, symbolizing the material challenges faced by the individuals in the illustration.

In the realms of Western Hermetic Qabalah and Thoth Tarot, the Fifth Sephira on the Qabalistic Tree of Life is Geburah, which governs the Fives. This energy associated with Geburah is characterized by its severity and corrective nature. It serves as a form of intelligent assessment, prompting self-reflection rather than being inherently karmic in nature. The severity inherent in Geburah's influence encourages individuals to evaluate and refine themselves on a deeper level.

Both numerology and gematria attribute distinct yet interconnected characteristics to the number 5, each within their respective traditions. Here’s an overview of the number 5's characteristics in both systems:

Numerology

In numerology, numbers are seen as symbols that carry specific vibrations and meanings. The number 5 is often associated with:

1. Freedom and Adventure:

   • The number 5 is considered the number of freedom, adventure, and change. It is dynamic and full of energy, symbolizing the pursuit of new experiences and the desire for independence.
   • Individuals influenced by the number 5 are often seen as explorers, curious and eager to embrace life's variety. They tend to resist routine and seek excitement and diversity in their experiences.

2. Versatility and Adaptability:

   • The number 5 is also linked to adaptability and versatility. People with this number in their numerological chart are usually quick to adapt to new circumstances and are comfortable with change.
   • This number reflects a flexible and resourceful nature, capable of handling different situations with ease.

3. Sensuality and the Physical Experience:

   • The number 5 is closely associated with the five senses, symbolizing the physical experience and the pleasures of the material world. It represents a deep appreciation for sensory experiences, including taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell.
   • This connection to the senses also ties the number 5 to creativity and expression through various forms of art and physical activity.

4. Restlessness and Impulsiveness:

   • The energy of the number 5 can also manifest as restlessness or impulsiveness. People under its influence might struggle with consistency or long-term commitments, as they are driven by the need for constant stimulation and new experiences.

Gematria

In Western Hermetic gematria, each Hebrew letter corresponds to a number, and these numbers carry deep mystical significance. The number 5, represented by the Hebrew letter "ה" (Heh), has its own set of meanings:

1. Divine Grace and Creation:

   • The letter Heh is associated with divine grace and the breath of life. It is often seen as a symbol of creation, as it represents the breath of God that brings life into existence.
   • In Kabbalistic thought, Heh's connection to creation makes the number 5 a symbol of divine intervention and the manifestation of spiritual energy in the material world.

2. Names of God and Holiness:

   • The number 5 is significant in the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the ineffable name of God, where the letter Heh appears twice. This repetition emphasizes the sacred nature of the number and its association with holiness.
   • In this context, the number 5 represents the presence of God in the world and the sanctity of creation.

3. Pentateuch (Five Books of Moses):

   • The number 5 corresponds to the five books of Moses, also known as the Torah, which are central to Jewish religious teachings. This connection reinforces the number's association with divine wisdom, law, and spiritual guidance.
   • The number 5, therefore, represents the foundation of spiritual knowledge and the covenant between God and humanity.

4. Geburah - Strength and Judgment:

   • In Kabbalah, the fifth sephirah on the Tree of Life is Geburah, meaning "Strength" or "Severity." Geburah represents the force of judgment, discipline, and the application of justice.
   • The number 5, in this context, is connected to the energies of Mars, symbolizing courage, action, and sometimes conflict. It represents the necessary power to enforce boundaries and uphold divine order.

Comparative Summary

• Freedom and Adventure vs. Divine Grace: Numerology emphasizes the number 5's association with freedom, change, and adventure, while gematria focuses on its connection to divine grace, creation, and the breath of life.

• Versatility vs. Holiness: In numerology, 5 signifies versatility and adaptability, while in gematria, it relates to holiness and the sacred names of God.

• Sensuality vs. Spiritual Law: Numerology links 5 to the physical senses and sensual experiences, whereas gematria ties it to the Torah and spiritual law.

• Restlessness vs. Strength and Judgment: The potential for restlessness in numerology contrasts with the disciplined strength and judgment represented by Geburah in gematria.

Both systems highlight the transformative and dynamic qualities of the number 5, whether through the lens of personal freedom and exploration or through spiritual creation and divine order.

The Animal Totem Tarot - 5 of Pentacles illustrates 5 expired racoon dogs in the back of a fur trader's wagon. The situation looks ominous for the racoon dogs, but for the fur trader it is how they feed their families. The fur trade is controversial to say the least, and fur traders were recently found to pass off racoon dog fur as faux fur, hoping to sell more, which incurred some unwanted court action. Hence, this card warns us of repercussions from our decisions.

The 5 of Pentacles implies that right now your situation serves you. However, find out why you cling to this energy, so that you can come in out of the cold.

The Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), also known as the Tanuki, is a unique animal native to East Asia, primarily inhabiting countries like China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of eastern Siberia. They have also spread westward, notably becoming established as an invasive species in parts of Europe (e.g., Finland, Germany, and other northern and eastern European countries). Despite the name, Raccoon Dogs are neither raccoons nor dogs but belong to the Canidae family (true dogs), although their facial markings resemble raccoons.

Physical and Ecological Characteristics:

• Appearance: They have a stocky build, with thick fur that changes seasonally, a masked face, and a bushy tail. Their resemblance to raccoons is superficial, primarily due to facial markings.

• Habitat: Raccoon Dogs prefer moist forested regions, marshlands, and river valleys. They adapt well to various environments, including human-altered landscapes, showing high resilience.

• Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, secretive, and opportunistic omnivores, their diet ranges widely, including fruits, insects, amphibians, small mammals, and birds.

Cultural Significance:

In East Asian cultures, especially Japan, the Tanuki (Raccoon Dog) is deeply embedded in folklore, myth, and spiritual symbolism. Unlike many other animals exploited for fur, Tanuki occupy a special cultural niche.

• Japan: The Tanuki is prominent in Shinto mythology, often depicted as a trickster figure endowed with magical shape-shifting abilities. Statues of Tanuki—traditionally portrayed with exaggerated physical features symbolizing prosperity, luck, and abundance—commonly adorn storefronts and restaurants, signifying wealth, good fortune, and joyful abundance.

• China and Korea: Although less culturally iconic than in Japan, Raccoon Dogs still appear occasionally in myths, seen as creatures of adaptability, cunning, and resilience, reflecting their ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments.

Animal Totem, Spirit Guide, or Power Animal Symbolism of the Raccoon Dog/Tanuki

In modern spiritual practice, especially within Western esoteric and neo-pagan circles (which often draw insights from indigenous and traditional cultures), the symbolism of the Raccoon Dog is primarily derived from East Asian folklore. Its unique blend of canine loyalty, raccoon-like ingenuity, and mythological magical abilities offers distinct spiritual teachings:

As an Animal Totem (Personal Symbolic Teacher):

• Adaptability & Resilience: The Raccoon Dog symbolizes the power to adapt to diverse environments, to embrace change without losing one's essential character.

• Transformation & Shape-shifting: Representing the magical potential within, the ability to shift perceptions or "masks," indicating a deep Hermetic insight regarding the mutable nature of identity (akin to Mercury’s Hermetic qualities).

• Resourcefulness & Ingenuity: Reminiscent of Mercury and Hermes, the Tanuki represents cleverness, the ability to seize opportunity and make the best of circumstances.

• Prosperity & Abundance: In alignment with Jupiterian or Venusian energies, Tanuki totems remind us to embrace joyful abundance, symbolizing fertility, wealth, and joyful living.

As a Spirit Guide (Teacher on Life Path):

• Illusion & Reality: As a spirit guide, Tanuki challenges perceptions—revealing the masks worn by self and others, helping discern illusion from reality. This aligns well with Hermetic teachings on distinguishing true Self from ego-driven identities.

• Playfulness & Humor: Encouraging a lighthearted, joyous approach to spiritual practice, reminding initiates that enlightenment need not be solemn or overly serious.

As a Power Animal (Source of Personal Empowerment):

• Stealth & Concealment: Empowering practitioners with the ability to move unseen, keeping personal workings secret (echoing Hermetic principles: "To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent").

• Community & Family Bonds: Emphasizes loyalty, social cohesion, and nurturing—qualities that resonate well with Lunar or Venusian Qabalistic symbolism.

Ethical Considerations:

Despite their rich symbolic potential, Raccoon Dogs are heavily exploited within the international fur trade, a practice controversial for ethical and animal welfare reasons. Awareness of their spiritual symbolism can be a powerful tool in fostering compassion, respect, and advocacy for the humane treatment of these animals.

In a Hermetic context, drawing spiritual lessons from creatures exploited by human industries can catalyze ethical awakening. Through empathy, understanding, and advocacy, the practitioner helps transmute suffering into awareness and healing, following Hermetic alchemical principles: transforming the base (exploitation) into spiritual gold (compassionate insight and action).

A Forward-Thinking Hermetic Perspective:

Viewing the Tanuki through a Hermetic and Qabalistic lens, this animal becomes a symbol of the Mutable energy within the magician’s journey, a Mercury-like initiator of transformation and adaptation. Its symbolism invites practitioners to explore and embrace personal multiplicity, adaptability, and cleverness—qualities essential for navigating the modern esoteric path. Moreover, advocating for their ethical treatment exemplifies the Hermetic ideal of spiritual wisdom in practical action.

Thus, beyond mere symbolism, the Raccoon Dog/Tanuki invites Hermetic practitioners to reflect deeply on interconnectedness, ethical awareness, and the ongoing alchemical work of personal and collective transformation.

The message in the image of this card is much the same as that of the Rider-Waite-Smith 5 of Pentacles which is that of hardship, abandonment, and isolation. Hence, life may be seeming a little dark and isolated at the moment or it is a terrain feature in front of your journey in life. Take this cautionary message as a time to seek support and guidance. You are not alone; natural ups and downs are part of the waves of life. We are all vulnerable to these waves so swallow your pride and accept help. Some day you may be able to return the favor.

What is traditionally assigned to this card is Mercury in the house of Taurus which combines the communicative and analytical qualities of Mercury with the stable and sensual nature of Taurus. Here are some key characteristics:

1. Practical Communication: Mercury in Taurus brings a practical and grounded communication style. Ideas are expressed in a clear, straightforward manner, focusing on tangible and realistic aspects.

2. Stability in Thought: Taurus is an earth sign associated with stability, and when Mercury is in Taurus, there is a preference for well-thought-out and steady ideas. Decisions are made after careful consideration, avoiding impulsiveness.

3. Thorough Thinking: Mercury in Taurus individuals tend to be thorough thinkers. They take their time to process information, ensuring a deep understanding before forming opinions or making decisions.

4. Reliable Communication: There's a reliability in communication. People with this placement value consistency and are likely to follow through on their words. They may not be as quick to change their minds once they've formed an opinion.

5. Sensual Expression: Taurus is associated with sensuality and the enjoyment of physical experiences. Mercury in Taurus individuals may express themselves in a tangible and sensory way, appreciating aesthetics and the beauty of language.

6. Resistance to Change: Taurus is known for its resistance to change, and this influence can be seen in Mercury's communication style. These individuals may be more resistant to altering their perspectives and can sometimes be perceived as stubborn.

7. Attention to Detail: There's an attention to detail in both thinking and communication. Mercury in Taurus individuals often notice and appreciate the finer points, whether in language, art, or practical matters.

8. Financial Focus: Taurus is associated with material possessions and financial stability. When Mercury is in Taurus, there may be a practical focus on financial matters, and individuals may communicate about money matters in a grounded manner.

It's important to consider the entire birth chart for a comprehensive understanding, as other planetary placements and aspects can modify these general characteristics.

The Tarot Birth Wheel, especially as understood within the Western Hermetic tradition using Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, is a profound symbolic tool that combines astrology, numerology, and Tarot symbolism to give deep insights into a person's inherent personality traits, spiritual potential, karmic pathways, and life purpose.

Structure of the Tarot Birth Wheel

A typical Tarot Birth Wheel consists of a central circle and multiple surrounding rings. Its arrangement is designed to integrate astrological correspondences, Qabalistic symbolism, numerological influences, and the archetypal energies of the Tarot cards. Each layer or ring reveals a specific dimension of the querent’s spiritual identity and life trajectory.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Central Circle (Innermost Core) - Astrological Signs

At the very center, you have the twelve signs of the Zodiac arranged in their traditional order:

• Aries ♈︎, Taurus ♉︎, Gemini ♊︎, Cancer ♋︎, Leo ♌︎, Virgo ♍︎, Libra ♎︎, Scorpio ♏︎, Sagittarius ♐︎, Capricorn ♑︎, Aquarius ♒︎, Pisces ♓︎.

This core represents the fundamental astrological energies that frame your incarnation. Your Sun, Moon, and Ascendant (Rising sign) positions within these signs indicate foundational personality characteristics and life orientation.

2. First Ring: Major Arcana Cards (Atu) Linked to Astrology

The next ring aligns the twelve astrological signs to their corresponding Thoth Tarot Major Arcana cards:

This first ring expresses your fundamental archetypal forces, revealing the deep spiritual "character" of your personality—often indicating core lessons, strengths, and challenges.

3. Second Ring: Planetary Major Arcana

The second ring represents the seven classical planetary influences (plus associated Major Arcana):

These cards reflect how planetary energies express themselves in your character, suggesting innate tendencies or natural gifts, or areas of particular spiritual influence.

4. Third Ring: Court Cards (Personality Types/Elemental Signatures)

The third ring contains the 16 Thoth Court cards divided into elemental families (Wands, Cups, Swords, Disks), each associated with particular elemental energies:

• Wands (Fire): Passion, creativity, assertiveness.

• Cups (Water): Emotion, intuition, sensitivity.

• Swords (Air): Mind, intellect, communication.

• Disks (Earth): Practicality, stability, material resources.

Your corresponding Court card, derived from your birth astrology, pinpoints your personality’s elemental essence or typical manner of expression (e.g., Queen of Wands, Prince of Cups, etc.).

5. Fourth Ring: Minor Arcana (Numerical Pip Cards 2–10)

The fourth ring connects numerological values (2 through 10) of Minor Arcana to your birth numerology. For instance:

• 2s: Balance, polarity, choice

• 3s: Creativity, expression, expansion

• 4s: Stability, structure, manifestation

• 5s: Change, conflict, growth

• 6s: Harmony, beauty, equilibrium

• 7s: Challenges, discernment, testing

• 8s: Mastery, adjustment, strength

• 9s: Completion, culmination, integration

• 10s: Fulfillment, endings, renewal

Each number reveals how life’s energies naturally unfold for you—challenges, gifts, or spiritual tasks you’re predisposed toward.

6. Fifth Ring: Aces (Pure Elemental Potentials)

Finally, the outermost ring represents the Four Aces, each embodying elemental purity and divine potential:

• Ace of Wands: Fire – inspiration, vitality, willpower

• Ace of Cups: Water – emotion, love, intuition

• Ace of Swords: Air – intellect, clarity, truth

• Ace of Disks: Earth – abundance, groundedness, manifestation

The Ace corresponding to your dominant element signifies your fundamental spiritual potential or guiding impulse in this life.

How to Use the Tarot Birth Wheel Hermetically:

Qabalistic Insights:

• Sephirothic Connection:
  Align your Birth Wheel cards to Sephiroth (like Tiphareth, Netzach, Hod) to see spiritual purpose clearly. For example, Major Arcana resonate strongly with Tiphareth as spiritual destiny or higher self-expression.

• Hermetic Alchemy (Solve et Coagula):
  The Birth Wheel illustrates your personal alchemical formula—how to dissolve (solve) outdated or restrictive patterns and coagulate (rebuild) into higher spiritual states.

• Astrological Tarot Meditation:
  Meditation on each ring’s Tarot images within their zodiacal or planetary placement provides powerful keys to unlocking spiritual growth and harmonizing personal imbalances.

Forward-Thinking Hermetic Application:

A forward-thinking Hermetic approach uses the Tarot Birth Wheel proactively to consciously shape the querent’s spiritual evolution. Rather than passively reflecting "fated" qualities, each card becomes an active talisman, empowering intentional development and alignment with one's True Will.

For instance, if you identify strongly with the Atu "The Magus," your life journey involves mastering communication and magical skill—transforming intellect into inspired spiritual action (a very Mercurial/Hermetic journey).

In Summary:

The Tarot Birth Wheel is a sophisticated synthesis of astrological, numerological, Qabalistic, and Hermetic symbolism designed to decode one's inherent spiritual essence, personality archetypes, and karmic potentials. It helps individuals consciously evolve their character, harmonize with cosmic forces, and align their life journey with deeper esoteric truth and higher purpose.

When the Divination brings up the Five of Pentacles the querent is going through:

• A period of rumination, anxiety, or concern.
• Feelings of being left out of social events because of lack of money. 
• Challenges of insecurity, deprivation, and even exclusion.  
•  The mind is focused on survival issues and thus stopping creativity dead in its tracks as a feeling of helplessness and inertia take over. 
• A foretelling of material trouble for the next 5 weeks or 5 months. 
• This card reminds us that by focusing on what we have lost or don't have, we cannot create more. We need to focus on what we do have, and on the thing, we can do; just a baby step is all we have, but that is motion and is enough to get us going again. 
• The axiom, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" may be the solution to this worrying problem that confronts the querent's intellect.

If reversed, it implies:

• Failure.
• Collapse.
• Despair. 

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