Pentacles
Pentacles is the suit which embodies practical and material concerns,
our desire for security and our relationship to the natural world.
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Ace of Pentacles
Each of the Ace cards depicts the hand of a divine being holding the suit’s symbol, which represents the suit’s essential energy. Aces also signify beginnings and potential, and so The Ace of Pentacles, in keeping with its pragmatic theme, encourages us to plant seeds and cultivate our ideas. The Ace of Pentacles symbolizes prosperity and stability and can signify a new business venture or opportunity. |
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Two of Pentacles
A man juggles pentacles while ships ride on a rough sea behind him. The Two of Pentacles represents an extended period of juggling responsibilities or “riding the waves.” This card encourages us to find balance between work and play, and between being practical and spontaneous. It can also symbolize the oppressive feeling of being “on stage”—the pressure to be entertaining or engaging, especially in a work situation. The Two of Pentacles is also known as the Travel Card. |
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Three of Pentacles
A monk and another figure show blueprints to an artisan. The Three of Pentacles symbolizes collaboration, the execution of a plan, being creative in our work, tackling a project methodically, and receiving recognition for our skills and abilities. |
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Four of Pentacles
A man has a pentacle under each foot, one balanced on his crown, and another securely in his arms. The Four of Pentacles symbolizes the two different responses to insecurity—either being possessive and controlling, or taking a healthier approach by trying to create structure and stability. It can also symbolize saving or being protective of resources, including our free time. |
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Five of Pentacles
A barefoot man and woman, apparently impoverished and possibly homeless, are passing a church on a snowy night. Their plight symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity. The Five of Pentacles can also symbolize cynicism, nonconformity, and the choice to leave or reject a religious institution and its community. |
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Six of Pentacles
A man drops coins to beggars sitting at his feet. The coins represent not only money but any resource, including our free time. The Six of Pentacles illustrates being generous without giving too freely—weighing generosity against personal needs or a desire to control. It can also signify having affluence and privilege, or being disadvantaged and in need. |
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Seven of Pentacles
A man leans on a hoe, surveying the abundance of pentacles that have grown on his vines. His expression seems to ask, “What now?” The Seven of Pentacles symbolizes the period of evaluation that follows a successful endeavor. It encourages us to decide whether or not we have found our work to be personally fulfilling, and to consider what to do with the resources we have earned. |
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Eight of Pentacles
An apprentice hammers pentacles into discs at his workbench. The Eight of Pentacles signifies the importance of hands-on experience and the patience and diligence required in learning a new skill. It reminds us of the familiar adage, “Practice makes perfect” and encourages us to “hammer away at” our goals. |
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Nine of Pentacles
A woman stands in her vineyard, a falcon perched on her hand. The Nine of Pentacles represents an appreciation of what we have—enjoying the fruits of our labor. It is also symbolic of the gift or reward of leisure time, slowing down—notice the snail in the foreground—of being able to relax, and to find solitude and connect with nature. |
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Ten of Pentacles
An affluent elderly man sits at the archway of his estate petting one of his dogs, his family nearby. The Ten of Pentacles represents legacy and encourages us to consider the traditions and beliefs we have inherited and those we hope to pass on to others. This card encourages us to ask ourselves whether or not we wish to continue on the path that has been laid out for us or strike out in a new direction. The imagery of the card focuses on family but it can also be symbolic of our careers and studies. |
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Page of Pentacles
The Page has gone out into a distant field to explore. He is delighted by the pentacle he has found and is completely absorbed in its possibilities. The Page of Pentacles represents anyone who is stimulated and energized by discoveries or new pursuits, such as an intern, a student out in the field, a person investigating career choices, or training for a new job, or someone exploring outdoor activities. |
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Knight of Pentacles
A knight on horseback carefully carries a pentacle. This card represents a person who values security highly and who is cautious and slow to make act. The Knight of Pentacles also can symbolize a person who works hard, is dependable and committed, though possibly set or stuck in his or her ways, fearful of change. |
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Queen of Pentacles
The Queen of Pentacles sits on her throne in a lush garden. She represents a person who takes pleasure in earthly comforts, nurtures his or her body and spirit, and feels affection for plants and animals as well as others. |
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King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles sits on his throne on a balcony of his castle with grape vines and flowers growing wildly around him. This card represents a prosperous person who has earned distinction but also remains down-to-earth and enjoys and shares abundance without being ostentatious. He or she can also be generous in providing resources and connections to help others achieve their ambitions. |
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
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