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

Interestingly enough one of the meanings I have traditionally associated with this card is a sense of aloneness and not being able to ask for help or even realize it is available.  One of the positive and pleasant results of my spending a few days with Sasha is the realization that I'm not alone with regard to certain life experiences.  Like the woman on the Druid Craft 5 of Pentacles, I often covered my eyes and didn't want to look at what was around me.  Instead I became lost in my own misery.  I was unable to see that others might be able to help me through the process.

When I first saw the image of the 5 of Stones I was rather creeped out.  They reminded me of this odd bird creatures in the movie The Beastmaster that would wrap victims in their bat-like wings and devour them.  Quite a suffocating and frightening image.  But as I looked at them more I realized they are serving as a source of light.  They are the guides that might help me move through and passed some of the wounds I've acquired in life. 

As a result of some of the experiences I've lived through I have begun to realize that I am rather distant from my own body.  I may appreciate it because it is functional but I don't necessarily like it or even connect with it.  The disconnect from my body began in childhood and just worsened over the years.  It is only in the last 5 years or so that I've realized this fact and begun to take some steps to change it.  Working with others who might have similar life experiences might be part of the healing process for me.

I've never been a fan of support groups because for so many people I know they become crutches.  Instead of helping each other work passed their wounds, they commiserate with each other and wallow in them.  As anyone who knows me can attest - I'm not a big fan of wallowing.  I prefer to face situations head on and just keep moving.  I realize this is not the best approach for some folk but it seems to suit my nature best.  I also realize that, much like Capt. Kirk in Star Trek V, my pain has made me who I am today.  I may not have enjoyed some of these experiences and wish that I hadn't gone through them but I can acknowledge that much of who I am today resulted from surviving them.  However life is about more than just survival.  Perhaps now that I have reached this point of self-awareness the next step for me is being open to seeking support and assistance from others.  Ultimately I may find myself able to accept support as well as offer it.  Then I'll know I'm much closer to truly healing these wounds.