Five of Pentacles

Meaning: A test of resources, adversity.

Depiction: Ishmael is trudging along on a snowy street with his carpet bag, body bent against the cold wind, looking for an inn he can afford. His hand is in his pocket clutching his last pieces of silver. He is walking past a wall with a  brightly painted sign featuring five doubloons.

Text:  Chapter 2 - The Carpet-Bag
Now having a night, a day, and still another night following before me in New Bedford, ere I could embark for my destined port, it became a matter of concernment where I was to eat and sleep meanwhile. It was a very dubious-looking, nay, a very dark and dismal night, bitingly cold and cheerless. I knew no one in the place. With anxious grapnels I had sounded my pocket, and only brought up a few pieces of silver,—So, wherever you go, Ishmael, said I to myself, as I stood in the middle of a dreary street shouldering my bag, and comparing the gloom towards the north with the darkness towards the south—wherever in your wisdom you may conclude to lodge for the night, my dear Ishmael, be sure to inquire the price, and don’t be too particular.

Photo by Vivienne Gucwa

Comments: The church window on the original RWS card could be substituted for the painted sign with doubloons, as Ishmael does pass "a negro church" on his wanderings; I  decided not to follow the original card that closely.