The number 5 represents that added something that brings the situation out of balance again.  It represents the struggle and challenge of inner and outer growth.  Cups are associated with emotions, love, pleasure in life; matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and the inner planes, and the element of water.   This card often symbolizes the need to let go of our emotional connection to something that has passed out of our lives.  

"Your feelings are in flux.  Everything that seemed emotionally sure, now feels as though it's changing and shifting.  You are adapting your emotional foundations.  You may be sensing emotional uncertainly, discomfort or confusion.  You may be feeling vulnerable.  Your feelings and relationships are being challenged.  Old feelings or relationships that weren't resolved in the past may be re-emerging for current resolution." - Gail Fairfield

Don't cry over spilt milk; don't get lost mourning the past; don't let what you've lost consume the rest of your life.  All these statements and more could certainly be associated with this card.  My initial response to these statements has often been "oh please, give me a break".  After all, holding on to emotional issues from my past has been something of a hobby of mine.  Sometimes I find it so difficult to focus on the positive things in life; the good that remains.  As I grow older I realize the problems this can cause.  

Sometimes it's possible to feel that holding onto those hurts makes us stronger.  We vow that no one will hurt us like that again so we cling to the memories and the pain.  In reality, I've found that all this does is embitter me to such a degree that I am unable to enjoy the blessings and positive things in my life.  I don't want to live that way.  I don't want to become so lost in the mourning and sadness that I don't see what is still sweet and enjoyable.

The image on the Dante 5 of Lights has a very different take on this card.  The meaning offered in the LWB is "Heaven of the Sun; energy; well-being; healing; invention; discovery".  Apparently this is more in line with Dante's world in his Divine Comedy.  The suit of Lights describe the steps necessary to ascend into Heaven.  By that definition, the 5 of Lights would represent a half-way point.  Much work has been done but the journey is only half completed.  The struggle to achieve paradise continues.  Maybe at this point what is required of the human spirit is to begin letting go of the sadness, bitterness and emotional negativity that has been holding us back; preventing us from ascending.  Instead of looking down or behind us at what is being left behind, we need to up forward and upwards to see what lies ahead.  We need to celebrate the joys and happiness that remains in our life rather than mourning and bemoaning what has been lost.

So maybe today is a time to celebrate the blessings I have - my husband, my family, my wonderfully supportive friends and my Tarot tribe.  They are what will help me move forward and ascend in my life.