Pentacles refer to the element of Earth. Steady constructions and all regards to physical well-being - of wealth and health.
Aces are very powerful, positive cards and they will tune down any misfortune showing up in a Tarot spread. They represent great potential but not guaranteed results. Ace is a seed that has yet to grow into something more substantial. See this card as the creative spark, new endeavour, new energy, that comes into your life. It needs fuel to manifest.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Perfect Contentment, Felicity, Prosperity, Triumph; Reversed: Purse of Gold, Money, Gain, Help, Profit, Riches.
Agreement. Arrangement. Making a deal. Managing finances.
A.E. Waite (1911): A hand--issuing, as usual, from a cloud--holds up a pentacle. Divinatory Meanings: Perfect contentment, felicity, ecstasy; also speedy intelligence; gold. The most favourable of all cards. Reversed: The evil side of wealth, bad intelligence; also great riches. In any case it shews prosperity, comfortable material conditions, but whether these are of advantage to the possessor will depend on whether the card is reversed or not. A share in the finding of treasure.
New potential. Opportunity for Prosperity, Profitability, Prospects, Possibility.
Unexpected money. Gift. Offer. Wealth. Loan. Assets.
Investment opportunity. Good yield. Pay rise. New income.
Something pays off. Great riches.
Comfortable material condition.
Economy. Banks. Financial Institution.
Two Aces showing up in a reading is an extremely rare occurrence. It is a powerful moment. An Ace-Ace pair shows that a new energy is entering one's life.
Reversed Ace of Pentacles
Attachment to riches. Greed. Bad side of wealth.
Attachment to riches. Greed. Bad side of wealth.
Money mismanagement. Overspending. Money laundering.
Financial risk, loss. Poor investment.
Repayment. Paying off debt. Paying bills. Credit cards.
Look deeper within for the source of wealth.
Two of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Embarrassment, Worry, Difficulties; Reversed: Letter, Missive, Epistle, Message.
A.E. Waite (1911): A young man, in the act of dancing, has a pentacle in either hand, and they are joined by that endless cord which is like the number 8 reversed. Divinatory Meanings: On the one hand it is represented as a card of gaiety, recreation and its connexions, which is the subject of the design; but it is read also as news and messages in writing, as obstacles, agitation, trouble, embroilment. Troubles are more imaginary than real. Reversed: Enforced gaiety, simulated enjoyment, literal sense, handwriting, composition, letters of exchange. Bad omen, ignorance, injustice.
Choice. Decision. Evaluation. Estimation. Assessment.
Multitasking. Juggling options. Two jobs.
Coping with demands. Strict schedule. Important deadlines.
Financial advice. Balancing books. Buying and selling.
Stock Exchange. Shares. Trade. Gambling. Swap meet.
Transferring money. Reinvestment. Business partnerships.
Reversed Two of Pentacles
Tricky choice. Indecision.
Tricky choice. Indecision.
Overloaded schedule. Lack of organisation, balance.
Problems with car.
Over-investing. Expenses.
Struggling with payments.
Contingency plan. Rainy day.
Alienating power of money. Out of social clique.
Life is not a banquet when the poor are starving.
Reversed Five of Pentacles
Sharing energy, time, resources. Helping others as a duty.
Giving money to a good cause. Charitable donations. Fundraising.
Giving away money, gifts. Compelled or obliged to help others.
Reversed Seven of Pentacles
Resources may be scattered. Rewards are not significant.
Dissatisfaction with job, investment, project.
Further education or study.
Focus and dedication in studies.
Skills learned will stand in later in life.
Diligence. Perseverance. Focus on what's in front.
Being part of a greater whole.
Successful, popular craftsman.
Working for free. Low salary. Unhappy prospects.
Methodical dedication. Clear plan in place.
Successful, established business. Well established career.
Over-investing. Expenses.
Struggling with payments.
Contingency plan. Rainy day.
Three of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Nobility, Elevation, Dignity, Rank, Power; Reversed: Children, Sons, Daughters, Youths, Commencement.
A.E. Waite (1911): A sculptor at his work in a monastery. Compare the design which illustrates the Eight of Pentacles. The apprentice or amateur therein has received his reward and is now at work in earnest. Divinatory Meanings: Métier, trade, skilled labour; usually, however, regarded as a card of nobility, aristocracy, renown, glory. If for a man, celebrity for his eldest son. Reversed: Mediocrity, in work and otherwise, puerility, pettiness, weakness. Depends on neighbouring cards.
Process and progress. Work. Job. Employment.
Training. Practice. Apprenticeships.
Practical skills. Hands-on experience.
Craftsmanship. Manual job. Skilfulness.
Displaying expertise. Competence test.
Teamwork. Cooperation. Contribution.
Teamwork. Cooperation. Contribution.
Finding own place in workplace.
Being an integral part of a project.
Good project management pays off.
Getting things done. Competency and pride.
Recognition for own efforts. Being noticed at work.
Recognition for own efforts. Being noticed at work.
Job satisfaction. Some financial rewards.
Home renovation. Creative design.
Reversed Three of Pentacles
Skill shortage. Poor performance. Lack of quality. Mediocrity.
Lack of cooperation. Difficult to complete a job. Losing job.
Unappreciated, under-valued. Being a subject of envy by others.
Unappreciated, under-valued. Being a subject of envy by others.
Not much opportunity for growth. Frustrated with work conditions.
Prefer to go alone. Fed up with others.
Prefer to go alone. Fed up with others.
Perfectionism and egoism.
Four of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Pleasure, Gaiety, Enjoyment, Satisfaction; Reversed: Obstacles, Hindrances.
A.E. Waite (1911): A crowned figure, having a pentacle over his crown, clasps another with hands and arms; two pentacles are under his feet. He holds to that which he has. Divinatory Meanings: The surety of possessions, cleaving to that which one has, gift, legacy, inheritance. For a bachelor, pleasant news from a lady. Reversed: Suspense, delay, opposition. Observation, hindrances.
Financial stability. Material security.
Gathered Resources. Saved money. Savings plan.
Safe investments. Retirement plan. Long-term financial plan.
Safe investments. Retirement plan. Long-term financial plan.
Managing resources carefully.
Self-protection.
New-found wealth. Clinging to every coin. Hoarding. Stockpiling.
Holding on to possessions. Attachment
to material things.
Being protective of own resources. Not spending money.
Reversed Four of Pentacles
Minimalist lifestyle. Expected expenses.
Spending habits exceed saving habits.
Money is slipping through.
Greed. Pushing harder to generate more profit.
Scarcity mindset. Haunted by fears of poverty.
Stinginess. Penny-pinching.
Five of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Lover or Mistress, Love, Sweetness, Affection, Pure and Chaste Love; Reversed: Disgraceful Love, Imprudence, License, Profligacy.
A.E. Waite (1911): Two mendicants in a snow-storm pass a lighted casement. Divinatory Meanings: The card foretells material trouble above all, whether in the form illustrated--that is, destitution--or otherwise. For some cartomancists, it is a card of love and lovers-wife, husband, friend, mistress; also concordance, affinities. These alternatives cannot be harmonized. Conquest of fortune by reason. Reversed: Disorder, chaos, ruin, discord, profligacy. Troubles in love.
Adversity. Financial loss. Hardship.
Hitting a hard time. Rejection. Unemployment.
Illness. Deterioration in health. Grieve.
Old debts knocking on. Haunting past mistakes.
Economy goes bad. Tough time.
Old debts knocking on. Haunting past mistakes.
Economy goes bad. Tough time.
Material insecurity. Poverty mindset.
Feeling left out. Victim of circumstance. Recent life upheavals.
Alienating power of money. Out of social clique.
Life is not a banquet when the poor are starving.
Reversed Five of Pentacles
End to difficult times. Way out of financial difficulties.
Change is coming. Slow recovery from illness. Hope.
Hard knocks. Feeling unfulfilled and ‘empty’.
Spending money on trivial things.
Six of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Presents, Gifts, Gratification: Reversed: Ambition, Desire, Passion, Aim, Longing.
A.E. Waite (1911): A person in the guise of a merchant weighs money in a pair of scales and distributes it to the needy and distressed. It is a testimony to his own success in life, as well as to his goodness of heart. Divinatory Meanings: Presents, gifts, gratification another account says attention, vigilance now is the accepted time, present prosperity, etc. The present must not be relied on. Reversed: Desire, cupidity, envy, jealousy, illusion. A check on the Querent's ambition.
Financial support. Financial assistance.
Banks. Interest rates. Loans. Borrowing money. Credit.
Social services. Benefits system.
Social services. Benefits system.
Sharing energy, time, resources. Helping others as a duty.
Giving money to a good cause. Charitable donations. Fundraising.
Giving away money, gifts. Compelled or obliged to help others.
Asking for money. Being financialy dependent.
Receiving gifts, loans, benefits.
Relationship are affecting material security.
Outside forces in control of finances.
Reversed Six of Pentacles
Borrowing money. Unable to pay back.
Lack of gratitude. Taking advantage.
Over-commitment. Tendency to spend or give away.
Helping others does not count.
Debts. Increasing interest rates.
Selfish side of charity.
Seven of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Money, Finance, Treasure, Gain, Profit; Reversed: , Worry, Anxiety, Melancholy.
A.E. Waite (1911): A young man, leaning on his staff, looks intently at seven pentacles attached to a clump of greenery on his right; one would say that these were his treasures and that his heart was there. Divinatory Meanings: These are exceedingly contradictory; in the main, it is a card of money, business, barter; but one reading gives altercation, quarrels--and another innocence, ingenuity, purgation. Improved position for a lady's future husband. Reversed: Cause for anxiety regarding money which it may be proposed to lend. Impatience, apprehension, suspicion.
Financial efforts. Harvesting. Buying. Affordable.
Situation is paying off a little.
Labouring, saving. Invested time and effort.
Being on the long path to fruition.
Being on the long path to fruition.
Focusing on long term results.
Working hard for few months.
Quite satisfied with current progress.
Things are showing progress, after long effort.
Receiving small return on investments.
Assessing progress. Pondering where else to invest.
Taking a closer look at financial matters.
Kind of fatigue. Work seems tedious.
Considering options. Doing a cost-benefit analysis.
Small success in long future.
Reversed Seven of Pentacles
Resources may be scattered. Rewards are not significant.
Dissatisfaction with job, investment, project.
Wasting resources. Not delivering results.
Not reaping the rewards. Harvest is destroyed.
No guarantees.
Coming to realisation that it is not worth more time.
Eight of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A dark Girl, Beauty, Candour, Chastity, Innocence, Modesty; Reversed: Flattery, Usury, Hypocrisy, Shifty.
A.E. Waite (1911): An artist in stone at his work, which he exhibits in the form of trophies. Divinatory Meanings: Work, employment, commission, craftsmanship, skill in craft and business, perhaps in the preparatory stage. A young man in business who has relations with the Querent; a dark girl. Reversed: Voided ambition, vanity, cupidity, exaction, usury. It may also signify the possession of skill, in the sense of the ingenious mind turned to cunning and intrigue. The Querent will be compromised in a matter of money-lending.
Continuous effort. Commissions. Working hard. Gaining expertise. Self-improvement.
Time of commitment, perfection. Self-discipline.
Methodical work. Industrious. Much work to be done.
Daily routine. It may seem boring, mundane.
Neither excited nor egocentric about work.
Focus and dedication in studies.
Skills learned will stand in later in life.
Diligence. Perseverance. Focus on what's in front.
Paying attention to the details.
Hammering out the commissions.
Being part of a greater whole.
Successful, popular craftsman.
Reversed Eight of Pentacles
Detrimental work. Feeling frustrated. Being disappointed. Bad side of perfectionism. Preoccupation.
Lacking skills and talent. Losing health. Losing the big picture. Too much detail. Overwork. Working hard without the desired outcome. Busy with small, unimportant tasks.
Lacking skills and talent. Losing health. Losing the big picture. Too much detail. Overwork. Working hard without the desired outcome. Busy with small, unimportant tasks.
Under-charging for services.
May have changed work, education or financial circumstances.
Some important changes in life.
Some important changes in life.
Nine of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Discretion, Circumspection, Prudence, Discernment; Reversed: Deceit, Bad faith, Artifices, Deception.
A.E. Waite (1911): A woman, with a bird upon her wrist, stands amidst a great abundance of grapevines in the garden of a manorial house. It is a wide domain, suggesting plenty in all things. Possibly it is her own possession and testifies to material well-being. Divinatory Meanings: Prudence, safety, success, accomplishment, certitude, discernment. Prompt fulfilment of what is presaged by neighbouring cards. Reversed: Roguery, deception, voided project, bad faith. Vain hopes.
Dignity. Prestige. Comfort. Self-worth.
Financial satisfaction. Material gain. Fulfilment.
Sense of own value. High standard of living.
Happy retirement. Well-deserved, well-earned break, holiday.
Finally enjoying fruits of own efforts.
Enjoying the good life. Celebrating own efforts.Leisure time. Relaxation. Serenity.
Connecting with nature. Gardening. Picnics, walks in the park.
Reversed Nine of Pentacles
Working for free. Low salary. Unhappy prospects.
Feeling underappreciated. Yearning for financial assets.
Not being able to celebrate, to enjoy own work.
Need to retreat to a natural setting. Taking a rest.
Reducing work commitments. Loosing some money, energy.
Ten of Pentacles
MacGregor Mathers (1888): House, Dwelling, Habitation, Family; Reversed: Gambling, Dissipation, Robbery, Loss.
A.E. Waite (1911): A man and woman beneath an archway which gives entrance to a house and domain. They are accompanied by a child, who looks curiously at two dogs accosting an ancient personage seated in the foreground. The child's hand is on one of them. Divinatory Meanings: Gain, riches; family matters, archives, extraction, the abode of a family. Represents house or dwelling, and derives its value from other cards. Reversed: Chance, fatality, loss, robbery, games of hazard; sometimes gift, dowry, pension. An occasion which may be fortunate or otherwise.
Fullness. Heritage. Legacy. Traditional wealth.
Very positive sign. Completion. Accomplishment.
Successful career. Smart financial investments.
Stable home life. Considerable wealth.
Stable home life. Considerable wealth.
Relishing wealth with others.
Feeling proud of own achievements.
Having everything. True happiness.
Goals and dreams fulfilled.
Lasting foundation. Sustainable future. Long-term benefits.
Success last the test of time.
Sharing success with others. Bringing financial stability.
Happy and comfortable life. Satisfaction.
Family is very important. Connected to family history and heritage.
Established family and home life
Reversed Ten of Pentacles
Unsustainable situation. Expenditure. High spending/borrowing.
Massive expenses. Expensive things. Burning material reserves.
Pushing too much. Dissatisfaction.
Too high standard of living. Unwilling to ‘downgrade’.
Wrapped up in material possessions.
Staying in the same job for decades. A job may be at risk.
Wealth can be a trap. Too much of everything. Boredom.
Diminishing cash-flow. Investments may lose significant value.
Challenges with financial security and family stability.
Page of Pentacles
Pages are messengers. They are of a small useful service. Represent an emerging situation or a communication, information. They are in the process of formation, so no specific outcome yet. It is usually an offer, an encounter, a suggestion that should serve well.
Pages may point out to a young or immature person in your life that has some special meaning in the situation.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A dark Youth, Economy, Order, Rule, Management; Reversed: Prodigality, Profusion, Waste, Dissipation.
A.E. Waite (1911): A youthful figure, looking intently at the pentacle which hovers over his raised hands. He moves slowly, insensible of that which is about him. Divinatory Meanings: Application, study, scholarship, reflection another reading says news, messages and the bringer thereof; also rule, management. A dark youth; a young officer or soldier; a child. Reversed: Prodigality, dissipation, liberality, luxury; unfavourable news. Sometimes degradation and sometimes pillage.
New prospects. News about the material situation.
Hope to get a job. Hope to earn money.
Passive income. Growing up in financial matters.
Yearn to earn.
Learning practical skills. Starting a new project.
A young person with money on the mind.
Curious about wealth and money.
Curious about wealth and money.
Judging by the material value.
Looking at own gains. Materialistic.
Reversed Page of Pentacles
Not able to handle money. Financially disorganised. Impractical.
Not ready to move forward. No skills to succeed.
Putting an idea on hold. Procrastinating. Lack of plans.
Lacking commitment.
Daydreaming about new goals. Not taking any action.
Not considering money in life. Downsize of material life.
Knight of Pentacles
Knights are on a special mission - to deliver something or to defend something, each accordingly to the suits they belong. Knights are always in service. The nature of their service depends on whom they serve. Any Major Arcana or Court Card in a spread will be the lord over them. Surrounded only by Minor Arcana may suggest that the knight is not serving a high and mighty purpose, as he should. He's mission might be degraded to the common pursuit - often of vanity, low desires, immature, hasty action.
More: Tarot - The Knights
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A useful Man, Trustworthy, Wisdom, Economy, Order, Regulation; Reversed: A brave Man, but out of Employment, Idle, Unemployed, Negligent.
A.E. Waite (1911): He rides a slow, enduring, heavy horse, to which his own aspect corresponds. He exhibits his symbol, but does not look therein. Divinatory Meanings: Utility, serviceableness, interest, responsibility, rectitude-all on the normal and external plane. An useful man; useful discoveries. Reversed: inertia, idleness, repose of that kind, stagnation; also placidity, discouragement, carelessness. A brave man out of employment.
Delivering products. Meeting obligations.
Getting things done. Commitment to work.
Practical outcomes. Realistic venture. Future securities.
Methodical dedication. Clear plan in place.
Sticking to the schedule. Repetitive, routine work.
Gradual progress. Working consistently. Loyalty.
Skilled with hands. Craftsman.
Overland journey. Vehicle.
Moderated and conservative. Sticking to tried and tested.
Daily tasks. Having patience. Not an exciting person, period.
Reversed Knight of Pentacles
Material ambitions. In need of self-discipline, schedule or routine.
Feeling stuck in the daily grind. Life has become boring and dull.
Unadventurous. Overly conservative. Resistant to change.
Hurdles in travel. Plan and check before going.
Wasting time. Waiting time.
Queen of Pentacles
Queens are 'mothers' of the element. They are mastering the element from inside and have deep understanding and fondness about it. They appreciate the element's gifts and inspire others to do the same.
The Queen's tap into the element's energy by nurturing and caring. They have gentle and subtle influence, yet with a strong impact.
As events, Queens represent creativity and ideas coming to fruition. They provide nourishment that will keep your ideas and actions going.
They may represent people aged between 30 and 50 with a good amount of life experience, some authority, strong personal power, mature character.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A dark Woman, a generous Woman, Liberality, Greatness of Soul, Generosity; Reversed: Certain Evil, a suspicious Woman, a Woman justly regarded with Suspicion, Doubt, Mistrust.
A.E. Waite (1911): The face suggests that of a dark woman, whose qualities might be summed up in the idea of greatness of soul; she has also the serious cast of intelligence; she contemplates her symbol and may see worlds therein. Divinatory Meanings: Opulence, generosity, magnificence, security, liberty. Dark woman; presents from a rich relative; rich and happy marriage for a young man. Reversed: Evil, suspicion, suspense, fear, mistrust. An illness.
Resourcefulness. Practicality. Down-to Earth.
Vigilance. Carefulness. Protection.
Reliable job. Doing one's own share.
Commitment to a full-time job. Stable income.
Contributing financially. Securing wealth.
Taking care of the material, practical.
Maintaining a comfortable working environment.
Fixing problems with minimal fuss.
Trade Unions.
Preparing nutritious meals.
Domestic responsibilities. Household duties.
Reversed Queen of Pentacles
End of a reliable job, stability.
Caring about oneself now. Working for yourself.
Work and home life are out of balance. Being taken advantage of.
Wasting financial resources. Neglecting responsibilities.
Consuming job, duties. Bringing work home. Too much work.
In need of additional home help. Overburden.
Cleaner, nanny, housekeeper. Unions dissatisfaction.
King of Pentacles
Kings most often stand in for other people. Expect a King to be of aid.
Since the Kings rule the suits, other cards from the suit will be beholden to the meaning represented by the king.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A dark Man, Victory, Bravery, Courage, Success; Reversed: An old and vicious Man, a Dangerous Man, Doubt, Fear, Peril, Danger.
A.E. Waite (1911): The figure calls for no special description the face is rather dark, suggesting also courage, but somewhat lethargic in tendency. The bull's head should be noted as a recurrent symbol on the throne. The sign of this suit is represented throughout as engraved or blazoned with the pentagram, typifying the correspondence of the four elements in human nature and that by which they may be governed. In many old Tarot packs this suit stood for current coin, money, deniers. I have not invented the substitution of pentacles and I have no special cause to sustain in respect of the alternative. But the consensus of divinatory meanings is on the side of some change, because the cards do not happen to deal especially with questions of money. Divinatory Meanings: Valour, realizing intelligence, business and normal intellectual aptitude, sometimes mathematical gifts and attainments of this kind; success in these paths. A rather dark man, a merchant, master, professor. Reversed: Vice, weakness, ugliness, perversity, corruption, peril. An old and vicious man.
Material efficiency. Financial knowledge. Economic power.
Managing money long-term. Setting up well for the future.
Continued prosperity. Steady and substantial material growth.
Financial institutions. Bankers. Corporations.
Financial investors, lenders. Developers.
Advice in financial and work-related matters.
Successful, established business. Well established career.
Self-worth. Stability. Confidence. Competence. Respect.
Stable foundation. Secure ground.
Tangible, practical, lucrative, person/situation.
Providing stability and security.
Not gambling or taking silly risks.
Financial Maturity. General welfare and prosperity.
Reversed King of Pentacles
Facing some issues. Concerns about health, career and money.
Loss in reputation. Selling soul. Dismissing anyone ‘below’.
Corruption. High-risk investment. Over-investing.
Stubborn, rigid attitude. False outer appearances.
Dullness. Boredom. Inactivity. Laziness. Apathy.
