In cartomancy with playing cards, the Five of Spades (5♠) is the card of imprisonment.

From a graphical standpoint you can see the idea of prison represented by the single pip being hemmed in by Spades all around. From a numerological standpoint, all fives deal with change, and the Five of Spades signifies, usually, either lack of (positive) change or changes in the wrong direction.

Broadly, the card is the opposite of the Five of Hearts, representing lack of opportunities, dearth, dejection and the need to make great sacrifices. At best, it represents that the querent will need to give up something important in order to achieve what he wants.

The Five of Spades ca  a card of prison in the more classic sense, and more generally it signals troubles with the law. The idea of prison, however, can apply to all things that we feel imprisoned by, such as guilt or addictions.

When describing a relationship, the Five of Spades signals not feeling well, or even feeling confined. One of the two partners may be jealous (and jealousy is a strong component of this card). More broadly, it can show a relationship that is withering away and is becoming rigid and brittle, and it shows that the querent (or the other person) does not derive any pleasure or fulfillment from it.

In work readings the Five of Spades is equally bad. It can show feeling chained to a job, dead-end jobs and the inability to move on to something better. With very evil cards it can point to mobbing and abusive work environments, if not downright slavery. In money matters it shows a situation of great sacrifice and can point to dejection and poverty. If with positive cards, it can describe a miser.

The Five of Spades represents lack of change or negative change. It can also signify forced change, especially when at the beginning of a sequence.

Psychologically, it is connected to feeling trapped or without the resources you need. On the other hand, it can point to jealousy, envy and codependency.

Some Combinations:

K♠ – 5♠ – 9♠ = a literal prison sentence or verg big trouble with the law
8♦ – 5♠ – A♠ = shutting down a business
Q♥ – 5♠ – K♣ – 8♠ = a woman who is possessive and abusive toward the querent (the fact that she’s a heart card points to her emotional motivation. This can be a mother. If Q♣, it’s more likely the querent’s wife or girlfriend)
5♠ – 5♣ = making great sacrifices to achieve a goal
J♠ – 9♠ – 5♠ – 10♠ = abduction