Pentacles in Tarot
The Pentacles suit in tarot is about the material world, resources, and how we relate to the physical and practical aspects of our lives. Pentacles reflect our relationship with finances, work, security, and the concrete elements of existence. When Pentacles appear in a reading, they often address questions regarding material stability, career, and how we build the foundation for our future success and well-being.
This suit reminds us that our outer world reflects our inner state. How we manage resources, both physical and mental, is an indication of our ability to create balance in life. Pentacles show that through patience, hard work, and practical thinking, we build our lives and achieve success. At the same time, they remind us to be mindful of our attitude toward material things—if we place too much value on them, we may lose touch with the more spiritual and emotional parts of life.
The Pentacles suit encourages us to seek stability and security without letting the pursuit of material success overshadow our inner wealth and values.
Pentacles Tarot Cards and Their Meanings
Click on a card to read its meaning.
Pentacles
Examples of How Pentacles Can Be Interpreted in Tarot Readings
Three-Card Spread: Challenges with Material Growth
Past: Nine of Wands
You’ve worked hard to protect what you’ve achieved. The Nine of Wands shows that you’ve been on guard, defending your progress against external threats and internal insecurity. It represents a time of resistance where, despite challenges, you kept moving forward, but with a sense of exhaustion.
Present: Ace of Pentacles
Here, there is a new opportunity for material growth and stability. The Ace of Pentacles signals that it’s time for a fresh start in the material world, whether it involves work, finances, or health. In contrast to the struggle you’ve faced before (through the Nine of Wands), the Ace of Pentacles offers a chance to build something new and lasting. This card suggests you have the opportunity to plant a seed for the future—it could be a new career path, a financial opportunity, or a change that brings long-term security.
Future: Three of Swords
Despite the new opportunity, the Three of Swords indicates that the future may come with emotional trials. There may be sorrow or heartbreak affecting your ability to fully embrace the material stability that the Ace of Pentacles offers. This challenge could arise from old wounds resurfacing or a loss that impacts you deeply emotionally. While the Pentacles suit stands for something stable and reliable, the Three of Swords suggests that emotional obstacles may need to be addressed before you can fully take advantage of the new opportunity.
Five-Card Spread: Navigating Material Uncertainty
Past: Five of Pentacles
A time of material lack or feelings of exclusion. The Five of Pentacles suggests that you’ve been through a period where financial difficulties or a sense of lacking support were prominent. You may have felt isolated or worried about your financial future. This card reminds you that you’ve been in a challenging situation, where your resources were scarce, and you sought security.
Present: Six of Cups
Now, you are in a time of nostalgia and reflection on the past. The Six of Cups suggests that you may be seeking comfort in old memories or trying to reconnect with a sense of security from earlier in your life. It may be a time when you’re looking to revive old relationships or patterns from childhood to create a sense of comfort. This card shows a desire to reconnect with simpler, happier times.
Obstacle: King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles in this position reflects an obstacle in your pursuit of material security and stability. This card represents a person or situation overly focused on the material. You may encounter someone too preoccupied with money, status, or success, creating a block for you. Instead of finding a balance between material and emotional security, the pursuit of wealth or power may stand in the way of your goals.
Advice: Seven of Swords
Be cautious with your choices. The Seven of Swords suggests that you may need to think strategically and not trust everyone around you. It’s a card that warns of manipulation or hidden motives. If the King of Pentacles represents someone in your life, there may be a reason to be wary of their intentions. You may need to protect your resources or be on the lookout for possible deceptions.
Future: Four of Wands
If you can navigate these obstacles and be mindful of both emotional and material traps, stability and celebration await. The Four of Wands represents a home, community, or a sense of having achieved a basic level of security and stability. Ultimately, this card shows that a period of balance and joy is possible, but only after you’ve dealt with both material and emotional challenges.
Four-Card Cross Spread: Financial Choices and Consequences
Situation: Seven of Pentacles
You’re at a crossroads, evaluating what you’ve achieved so far. The Seven of Pentacles is about reflection on your efforts and results. You may be wondering if it’s worth continuing on your current path or if it’s time to make changes. This card represents a time of patience and consideration, where you reflect on the seeds you’ve planted and what they’ve yielded.
Challenge: Three of Cups
Your challenge lies in social connections and group dynamics. The Three of Cups suggests there may be a distraction through celebration or a social environment. Perhaps you’re too focused on keeping others happy, which causes you to neglect the material progress you’re trying to make. This card hints that you need to be cautious about how much energy you spend on satisfying others’ needs, especially if it causes you to lose focus on your own goals.
Advice: Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords advises you to think clearly and rationally. You need to make a decisive choice based on facts and logic rather than emotions or outside influences. It’s a call to cut through confusion and get straight to the point, particularly when it comes to evaluating your financial choices and future direction.
Future: Four of Pentacles
The future shows that if you’re not careful, you may become overly obsessed with material security. The Four of Pentacles reflects a tendency to cling to what you have, sometimes to the point of blocking future growth. The card warns that an excessive fear of loss could lead to stagnation, preventing you from taking risks that could benefit you in the long run.