The number 5 represents the need for adjustment, some kind of change, or that added something that brings the situation out of balance again.  It represents the struggle and challenge of inner and outer growth; adapting to feedback about your action; working out the kinks.  Coins are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane, the body, health and physical or sexual activities.  Coins can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic. 

You're experiencing shifts and adjustments in your inner sense of security or centeredness.  You may feel that you basic groundedness is being challenged.  You're changing the ways in which you feel connected with the earth.  You're altering or questioning your "security blanket". - Gail Fairfield

When I looked at the Arcus Arcanum card what I was struck by was the sense that not only had this couple lost everything, it had been forcibly taken from them.  In light of what is going on with the economy right now, this is not the most comfortable card to draw.  But as I considered it, I realized that losing your possessions can be very traumatic but feeling that they were stripped from you by an outside force makes it so much more difficult.  There is a cruelty and harshness to it that adds insult to injury.

I also connected with other side of this coin - that no one will actually take anything from me.  This provides a certain level of comfort.  It gives me more of a sense of control and options.  That doesn't mean things might not get bad, but at least I'll have some ability to steer the course and make decisions about how it plays out.

On the Dark Grimoire Tarot the figure huddled in the doorway watches a robed group of figures walk past with a tentacled shadow.  In this deck Pentacles represent shadows and I can easily see how that suits this particular deck.  But is also reminded me of people who become involved in pursuits (spiritual, financial, whatever) that lead them down a path that might lead to glory and power but ultimately disconnects them from their families, their communities and even themselves.  That is what the Lovecraft Cthulhu mythos has always reminded me of - people (usually men) who let their thirst for power or material possessions lead them astray.  By the time they realize what they have lost it is too late and the shadows overtake them completely.  That has got to be a horribly lonesome feeling. 

So I guess the cornerstone of this card for me is that it's important not to lose yourself in the pursuit of things because it will ultimately leave you bereft and unsatisfied.  It's also important to realize that no one actually took anything from you.  You may lose things but that may ultimately be the result of choices made and paths followed.  It can frightening and lonely but once you make it through it is likely you will have acquired wisdom that will last the rest of your life.