Seven of Cups clarified by Five of Pentacles?

[Jessica]

Looking for some help with this one. I drew the Seven of Cups, and when I pulled another card to clarify I got the Five of Pentacles. I know 7OC speaks to illusions/unrealistic expectations, and while it doesn’t dissuade from dreaming big, it encourages balancing big dreams with a practical approach.

I asked for clarification, because I wasn’t sure what the “illusion” in question could be, and got 5OP. My initial interpretation was that pursuing a big dream or goal could lead to loss (bummer), but then I started thinking it meant that a fear of loss, failure, or difficulty could be the illusion (certainly more encouraging!). 5OP has always felt kind of complicated to me, because it can indicate any number of possible hardships, but it also has a hopeful message, that help is available should you ask for it.

Would appreciate some other thoughts, thank you in advance!

Discussion

[AlbaTross579]

Yes, loss and hardship is a key element of the Five of Pentacles. It’s easily one of my favourite cards due to the imagery and meaning, but it’s also one I dread seeing in a reading more than Death or The Tower.

One of the things that makes it one of my favourites though is the notion that there is a community of people who can help the people in the card through the situation they’re in, but they’re oblivious to it. Maybe the clarifier is simply saying that you don’t have to go it alone. Seeking help in achieving your goal is very much a practical approach.

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