Utah 

Dear Velvet Tarot Column

Dear Velvet 

August 2003

Dear Velvet,
Thank you for a wonderful site.
I am concerned about my finances and wish to have some insight into this area of my life

"Drained"

Dear Drained,

The Fives in the Tarot are definitely challenges that come up in various forms.  In this case regarding your concern, the Five of Cups represents a feeling of loss, defeat, worry, and depression . . . probably some of the very same feelings you are dealing with at this time.  And because this card is from the suit of Cups, your situation can easily make you emotional in these present worries.

In the card's image, we see a couple who are assessing their situation.  It seems they are experiencing some delays and setbacks.  They are finding empty Cups -- or as in the question we are looking at for you . . . definitely a situation of drained financial resources.  With this energy, every penny counts at this time.  Thus careful budgeting is vital to help bring you to more stability, and there may be a need to consolidate in some way.  When I look at the Five of Cups from this deck, there are two things that particularly stand out . . . one is that this man is wasting that last drop in his cup by turning it upside down.  Thus, it will be important for you to ensure that you are not unintentionally doing this as well.  For a time, there will be a need for you to make do with less so that you can get back on top of things.

The second thing which is significant to this card is that the couples' backs are turned to the window, which lets in the light and beckons to better things.  They are in a rut, however, and fail to see this.  A window of opportunity is missed because of dwelling on what has been lost.  And so, despite the lack or loss that can be felt with this card's energy, it's still important to be thankful for that which remains . . . and to become aware of opportunity toward improvement.  The Tarot wants you to know that even in the worst of situations, if you look hard enough, you will find an avenue which you can use to improve or rebuild the stability and security you need :-)

Additionally, if you look at a glass as being "half empty," then you will fail to realize the value of what is left and what you still have to work with.  This kind of mindset also leads to stress, depression, and giving up.  Therefore, this card encourages you to see the glass as "half full" with potential to use that and create something more from what remains.

Good luck to you!!

Velvet Angel