The Adventurer

Personality

Five stands in the middle of the numbers from one to nine, and numerologists describe the 5 life path as the person at the crossroads, always aware of other routes. Fives are said to be curious, quick and sensual, drawn to new places, people and ideas, and to feel confined by routine. Their motto, in the tradition's portrait, might be that life is to be tasted rather than watched.

Strengths

The strengths of Five are adaptability, energy and resourcefulness. Fives are pictured as fast learners who can turn their hand to many things, think on their feet and stay cheerful in unfamiliar situations. They are described as persuasive, witty and good company, with a talent for bringing fresh perspective to stale problems.

Challenges

The tradition warns that Five's love of freedom can become restlessness or excess. A Five may change direction too often, avoid commitment, act impulsively or chase stimulation for its own sake. Numerologists speak of the need to master the senses rather than be mastered by them. The lesson assigned to this number is that true freedom includes the freedom to choose and keep a course.

Love and friendship

In relationships Fives are described as exciting, affectionate and adventurous, but needing space and variety. They are said to do best with partners who share their curiosity and do not take a need for independence as rejection. As friends they bring stories, plans and spontaneous invitations.

Work and calling

Numerology links Five with work that involves movement, variety and people: travel, journalism, sales, marketing, entertainment, languages, emergency services, entrepreneurship and any field where no two days are alike. Fives are said to dislike close supervision and repetitive tasks.

In history and symbolism

The Pythagoreans called five the number of marriage, because it unites the first even (female) number, two, with the first odd (male) number, three. The five-pointed star was used by Pythagoreans as a sign of health, according to later writers such as Lucian, and it became a widespread symbol of protection and of the human figure, with head and four limbs. Five is also prominent in scripture and religious practice: the five books of the Torah, the five wounds of Christ in medieval devotion, the five pillars of Islam and the five daily prayers. Chinese philosophy counts five phases, wood, fire, earth, metal and water (see Yin-yang and the five phases). In Kabbalah the fifth sefirah is Gevurah, Strength or Judgement. The Hierophant is card V of the tarot.