Ten of Pentacles Tarot Meanings

The card of legacy, wealth, and establishment.

Last Updated: March 16, 2024.

Pulling the 10 of pentacles during a reading is like arriving at the epilogue chapter of your new favourite novel, one that promises a grand finale of wealth, legacy, and setting down unshakeable roots.

Take a quick look at the card’s illustration and you’ll understand… this card is essentially a snapshot of what life looks like when everything falls perfectly into place – think of a family reunion where everyone’s laughing, the kids are playing in the yard of a big, cozy house that’s been in the family for ages, and there’s this unspoken understanding that everyone’s taken care of.

Seeing this card in a reading is like getting a big thumbs up for achieving a level of success and stability in your life that’s not just for the moment, but something that’ll last for a long term. It’s a nod to the idea that all the hard work you’re putting into life – whether that’s in your job, your family, or your personal growth – is on track to pay off in a big.

If the 10 of Pentacles intrigues you, keep on reading. A little further down the page, we will touch upon the meaning of this card in various reading contexts: love, career & more, whether in the upright or reversed position.

Illustrative Symbolism

Each card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is filled with symbols and imagery that are rooted in traditional tarot iconography, but they also incorporate elements from a variety of esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, alchemy, and astrology.

This makes the deck particularly appealing to tarotists who look beyond the surface images to understand the deeper, more hidden meanings.

Elderly Figure

Imagine this: an older person is sitting comfortably amidst the Ten of Pentacles scene, often seen as the head of the family. This figure symbolizes wisdom, accomplishment, and the passing down of knowledge and wealth through generations. It’s like having your favourite grandparent, who’s been through it all, sharing stories and lessons from a lifetime of experiences.

Family Members

There’s a couple of younger family members nearby, sometimes with children or pets. They represent the continuation of the family line, and the beneficiaries of the elder’s legacy. Think of it as the family baton being passed down, with each generation running their part of the race, adding to the story and wealth that’s been carefully built up over time.

Pentacles Arrangement

In the illustration, ten pentacles are usually arranged in a way that might remind you of the Tree of Life from Kabbalah. This layout isn’t just for show; it’s a deep symbol of life’s interconnectedness, the various paths we take, and the balance between material and spiritual wealth. It’s as if the pentacles are stars in the sky, each one a dream or achievement that’s been realized, all connected in a grander constellation of family and legacy.

Architectural Elements

Often, the card includes grand architectural elements like archways, castles, or walled gardens. These aren’t just random backdrops; they’re potent symbols of stability, protection, and the establishment of a lasting domain. It’s akin to building your dream home, brick by brick, with the intention of it being a sanctuary for your loved ones, a place where memories are made and cherished.

Dogs or Pets

Frequently in the different decks, dogs or other pets make an appearance in the scene, symbolizing loyalty, protection, and the unconditional love that binds a family. They remind us that wealth isn’t just about money or property; it’s also about the bonds we share and the sense of security in connection and belonging we cultivate. It’s like coming home to a wagging tail, a purr, or even a cheerful chirp, knowing you’re surrounded by love, no matter what.

Important Associations

Upright keywords	Roots, Family, Tradition, Stability, Privilege, and Foundations.
Reversed keywords	Family disputes, Conflict over money, Instability, Breaking traditions, General loss, and Unexpected changes
Yes or No	Yes
Numerology	10
Element	Earth
Ruling Planet	Mercury
Astrological Sign	Virgo
Tarot timing	September 12th-22nd

Interpreting the Ten of Pentacles in the upright position

The Ten of Pentacles is the tenth card in the suit of Pentacles (also known as the suit of coins, suit of disks, or suit of rings) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Pentacles represents the physical, material, financial and earthly aspects of our lives.

The Ten of Pentacles comes as a positive sign that you have reached a point of completion and accomplishment in your life. Pentacle energy means these accomplishments are likely to relate to financial situations & building a strong healthy home environment.

When this card comes up in your tarot reading, it shows you are surrounded by wealth & blessed with financial security and your personal achievements have helped you get to where you are now. The Ten of Pentacles is the Minor Arcana card of domestic harmony and can signify a traditional approach to family values.

This card represents a lasting foundation for success, you can see how your accomplishments have got you here and you are now in a position to share your abundance. You can be seen as ‘the provider’ ensuring your family have everything they need to live a happy and comfortable life. There is no waiting for you anymore you have everything you need right there.

Family is a big theme with the Ten of Pentacles, being surrounded by those you love is your happy place. You are strongly connected to your heritage and family traditions.

What it means for love

When this card appears in a love reading it can represent a strong, happy financially stable relationship.

If you’re already in a relationship this card gives you the message of abundance & luck. It is likely that you have reached a milestone within your relationship such as saving for a house or starting a family of your own. Your relationship is a happy & strong one.

If you are single this card can show you are looking for a long-term relationship. It can also signify the start of a relationship with a long-term friend or friend of the family. A relationship that would gain the approval of those closest to you. This card reminds you that happiness and stability are achievable.

What it means for career

Pulling the Ten of Pentacles in a career reading is a sign of great things to come within your career. You are building an empire whether that be starting a business of your own or with a member of your family, gaining security in your job and providing you with long-term financial stability.

This job could be within a long-standing family-run business. It is a card that shows your commitment to creating a long-lasting career for yourself.

The Ten of Pentacles as feelings/emotions

If you are asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling the Ten of Pentacles means that this person is feeling content and stable within their relationship with you. There are strong feelings of love & security.

The Ten of Pentacles represents feelings of commitment and creating a stable future, this card upright can also represent a marriage proposal. When this card is pulled during a love reading there is likely a strong soul connection between you both, and a connection of strong values as a foundation.

The Ten of Pentacles as a person

As a personality archetype, the Ten of Pentacles represents someone who is the rock of the family, a group of friends or possibly even within the workplace and they are grateful for everything they have. They have material abundance and their family often plays a very central role in their life.

This card represents someone who makes solid connections within their family and community. The Ten of Pentacles as a person represents someone who has made investments in their lives and when they are rewarded they share with those closest to them.

The Ten of Pentacles as advice

If you are asking the tarot for advice regarding a specific situation in your life, pulling the Ten of Pentacles means that you should take care of your family, manage your money well & celebrate the abundance you have been given.

If you are going through a hard time at the moment reach out to your family and let them help you where they can. This card is all about the legacy you are building. What positive steps are you taking to create this legacy?

This card can simply advise us to count our blessings and make use of a gratitude practice.

Astrological Association

Virgo is the zodiac sign associated with the Ten of Pentacles. Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by the planet Mercury, considered the healer of the zodiac a perfectionist, highly focused & reliable. Virgo values working hard and being part of a team. The Ten of Pentacles focuses on Virgo’s service to others.

Is the Ten of Pentacles a yes or no card?

When the Ten of Pentacles is pulled in an upright position this is a yes card, indicating good fortune & stability are on their way to you and is a reminder to keep moving forward.

Below are some of my interpretations based on different types of questions:

Question: Will I get the job?

Card Interpretation: Yes, this job could provide you with long-term financial stability.

Question: Is this new person in my life good for me?

Card Interpretation: Yes, this person could bring new stability into your life and will help you commit or provide additional service to your values.

Question: Will I achieve my current goals?

Card Interpretation: Yes, keep reminding yourself of the long-term benefits of what you are trying to achieve. The Ten of Pentacles pulled in a reversed position is best seen as a no to your question. Stay put for now, don’t make any big decisions (especially regarding work, finances, and home life) at this time. Take a step back and look at all the details.

Question: Should I start my own business?

Card Interpretation: This is not the time to embark on a new business venture, go back to the drawing board. Think about the idea of finding a business partner, possibly a family member.

Ten of Pentacles as Timings / Timeframes

Tarot timing involves assigning precise timeframes or durations to the events and transitions indicated by the tarot cards in a reading. Personally, I use the tarot decan wheel, an astrologically-based method that aligns each Minor Arcana card with a distinct segment of the zodiac calendar.

Based on that, I determined the timing of the 10 of Pentacles to be from September 12 to September 22.

Interpreting the Ten of Pentacles in the reverse position

When you pull the Ten of Pentacles in a reversed position it generally indicates you may experience a loss in finances, family/relationship stability or job security. It can mean you are focusing too much on your short-term successes in turn this can harm your long-term achievements. This card also comes with the reminder that money doesn’t always bring happiness, your feelings of self-worth may be inadvertently wrapped up in your wealth.

The main message I personally get from this card in reverse is to take a step back and re-evaluate, make a plan of action on how to regain your worth and get you back on track to creating the life of your dreams.

What it means for love

When this card appears in a love reading it can mean that what your family and others think of your relationship is paramount, this can result in conflict. This card can signify instability, insecurity & unhappiness.

If you are in a relationship there may be some conflict between your partner and your family or friends. They may not approve of this person deeming them unsuitable for you. This type of conflict can put a great amount of pressure on your relationship, don’t accept their opinions without thinking for yourself. It may be time to set some boundaries. It can also simply mean you yourself are questioning whether this relationship is really for you.

If you are single you may not be ready for a long-term relationship and are placing too much importance on what your family & friends think of your love interests. Constantly questioning whether they would be happy with your choices. You may be asking yourself questions such as ‘Is this what my family wanted for me?’ You need to let go of those thoughts and focus more on the emotional connection you find with another.

Alternatively, this card can indicate that a non-traditional or unconventional relationship may be on the cards for you.

What it means for career

In a career reading, this card can mean things may not be going well for you at the moment. If you are a business owner this card can signify the loss of a company or bankruptcy.

If you are employed this card can signify your current job may not give you the long-term stability you desire.

Conclusion

Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Tarot archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.

The 10 of Pentacles tarot card is a powerful symbol of roots, family, tradition, and stability. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you are in a period of prosperity and abundance. It can also be a reminder to appreciate the things you have and share your blessings with your loved ones.

What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?

Share your thoughts and experiences with me :). Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.

Written by Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is a tarot/oracle reader & astrologer from Essex. Helping people on their spiritual journey using divination, astrology & meditation since 2019. Follow on Instagram @theessexwitchx