Understanding the Basics of Tarot Cards—Pentacles

The Pentacles suit, also occasionally known as the Coins suit, is one of the four suits within the Minor Arcana, consisting of fourteen cards. These cards often revolve around wealth and success, whether in terms of monetary value or emotional prosperity. They are the epitome of abundance, safety, and security within your life and your personhood. While they all share the same overarching themes, each card has its own purpose and meaning.

Ace of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles is seen as future fulfillment. Think of it as a seed, when nurtured, watered, and given sunlight, it grows and turns into something beautiful and fruitful. Therefore, if you continue to treat your goals and needs with attention and some tender care, it will bring you happiness and success. When this card arises, it’s meant as a sign of support and encouragement to keep moving towards your long-term goals, but to do so gently, steadily, and lovingly. It will only happen if you really want it and work for it.

Two of Pentacles

The Two of Pentacles is asking you to dig deeper and to ask more questions. The success you seek is not certain, and more needs to be learned and considered before an action or final say is made. This card is asking you to be patient, to avoid rushing success and fortune. You have plenty of time, even when it feels urgent. Stay calm, gather the needed information, and everything will slowly work its way out.

Three of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles is the card of knowledge and focus. When this card is pulled, it’s pushing you to stay focused and keep your goals in mind. Use your mind to turn visions into realities and create something beautiful. However, it’s important that you do so out of passion and enjoyment rather than out of necessity, the best you can do is when you truly want to do it.

Four of Pentacles

The Four of Pentacles is the representation of security. With more support and security, comes the daunting tasks of responsibility and decisiveness. Therefore, this card wants you to be cautious about your finances, success, and environment, but not to be fearful. Continue to trust your instincts and maintain good judgment. When this card is pulled, you may be trying to maintain financial and materialistic control, but need to let go and take a deep breath to reach true contentment.

Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles is the card of ultimate desire. You may be finding yourself grasping for gratification, no matter how short-lived it is, and therefore falling into disappointment over and over again. This card is asking you to take a step back and reflect on what you have rather than what you want. Instead of barrelling forward to gain just a little bit of gratification, give a moment to acknowledge the people, events, and values that have placed you where you are today. This card also wants to remind you that money should not be your means for living, and while it can be nice to have, you can be rich is more than just monetary value.

Six of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles is the card of generosity and balance. It’s wanting you to reflect on if you give just as much as you receive. Pay the generosity forward. Think of it like this: if someone has given you their time, money, knowledge, or support, you should also be willing to give that same special attention and give it back to someone else. Or, if you find yourself continuously giving with nothing in return, you should seek balance and equality in taking, and vice versa.

Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles is about putting in the time, work, and energy. This card is urging you to finish what you started and not to give up so easily when times get tough. Even if you find yourself in a difficult or frustrating situation, you need to stay patient and strong in your efforts. You are more likely to get the results and success you want if you keep chugging forward.

Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles is a card of improvement and progress. Rather than focusing on finishing a project or goal, focus on finishing it well and to your best abilities. It can be easy to become obsessed with work and cranking out project after project. When this card is pulled, it’s encouraging you to continue completing your work as well as you can, while still putting energy into having a balanced work and personal life.

Nine of Pentacles

The Nine of Pentacles is revolving around financial security, self-sufficiency, and independence. This card is telling you that you will obtain fortune and luxury, but only if you make sacrifices and work diligently for it. It’s important to balance the hard work you put into your everyday life and what you do with the rewards given to you. While it’s nice to spoil yourself, remember not to spend more than you get, and to save your wealth for your future self.

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles is the representation of your long-term efforts paying off and supplying you with the abundance and wealth that you desire. The card signifies pride and high accomplishment. It’s the completion of a goal or want in life that you’ve continued to chase and pine after. This card is either telling you that your success will be fruitful, or urging you to create long-term goals that are achievable with patience and passion.

Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles is a manifestation of the student. It’s telling you to learn from those around you, to master your skills, and to let your mistakes assist you in your growth. It’s telling you to seek out knowledge and to gain experience. Think of a goal, and do the research and actions needed to better understand how you can realistically achieve it. This card is telling you to focus more on preparation and knowledge building than on action.

Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles is a peaceful figure of growth. He is asking you to view the bigger picture and to continue being dedicated and methodical. Rather than honing in on one aspect of your goal, analyze every step that must be taken to get there. He is a reminder to remain practical in your goals and desires. Letting you know that it's perfectly okay if your life isn’t all glitz and glamor, because your reward will come with commitment and the preservation of knowledge.

Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles is a card that provides good sense and problem-solving. She is often seen as an advisor and nurturer who seeks to guide you through difficult situations and roadblocks that seem impossible to climb over. When her card is pulled, it’s to let you know to care for yourself and your overall well being. Make sure to give yourself the enrichments and comfortability that you need, as well as allowing others to support you in your endeavors. She is telling you to be kind and compassionate towards yourself, to not grow frustrated or self-destructive simply because things aren’t going how you expected them to.

King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles represents someone who has continued to succeed in life, and is showered in wealth due to it. He holds a high amount of financial power and is respected across the community. His success however is in more than just money and wealth, but in personal values and self-growth. When this card is pulled, it’s telling you to pick the most reliable path and to continue moving forward, even when you want to give up.