Minor Arcana · numerical family
Book T places this four-card family in Geburah. The shared number describes a stage of force; Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles show how that stage changes when expressed through Fire, Water, Air and Earth.
The Fives bring resistance. The suit's growing force meets conflict, obstruction and the test of whether it can continue under strain.
Book T classifies the Fives under Geburah and says that the surrounding cards determine whether the struggle ends in success or failure.
One number, spoken four ways: through the fire of Wands, water of Cups, air of Swords and earth of Pentacles.
Baton
Cinq de Baton
Five of Wands: energy meeting competition and testing itself through friction. The card joins the fire nature of Wands to its place in the numbered sequence.
Coupe
Cinq de Coupe
Five of Cups: grief focused on what is lost while something valuable remains. The card joins the water nature of Cups to its place in the numbered sequence.
Épée
Cinq de Épée
Five of Swords: victory that leaves loss, alienation and dishonour behind. The card joins the air nature of Swords to its place in the numbered sequence.
Denier
Cinq de Denier
Five of Pentacles: material hardship and exclusion occurring beside possible shelter. The card joins the earth nature of Pentacles to its place in the numbered sequence.