Ten of Pentacles Explained - Upright & Reversed Meanings
Last Updated: October 29, 2022
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.
In a general sense, this card represents solid foundations, happiness within the home & security.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Ten of Pentacles in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher. The Ten of Pentacles depicts an elderly white-haired man who represents retirement, his cloak has symbols representing his accomplishments through life. The two dogs at his feet represent friends, loyalty and dedication.
In the near distance, you can see a younger couple with a child they’re shown together in the courtyard of a castle showing the family’s wealth, comfort and security.
The elderly man looks over at the young couple and his surroundings, his accomplishments throughout his life have given them all they share today. The archway and flags the family are under show the family are blessed and are living in harmony.
The pentacles are dotted around the card showing that money is not made in just one area and the wealth is shared.
The Ten of Pentacles key correspondences
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 |
What does the upright Ten of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?
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.
When pulled in the upright position, the Ten of Pentacles is associated with roots, family, tradition, stability, privilege, and foundations
What does the upright Ten of Pentacles mean in a love reading
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 does the upright Ten of Pentacles mean in a career reading?
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.
What does the upright Ten of Pentacles mean in a health reading?
When the Ten of Pentacles appears in your health reading it can signify good health and long life. If you are trying to lose weight or just live a healthier life, stick with the traditional basics. You won’t get results overnight, but you can control what you do today.
If you have been experiencing health issues, look into hereditary factors that may provide an explanation. Always negotiate health concerns with your medical support team, however, and do not rely solely on the tarot.
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.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Ten of Pentacles?
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.
What does the reversed Ten of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?
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.
When pulled in the reversed position, the Ten of Pentacles is associated with family disputes, conflict over money, instability, breaking traditions, general loss, and unexpected changes.
What does the reversed Ten of Pentacles mean in a love reading?
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 does the inverted Ten of Pentacles mean in a career reading?
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.
What does the upside-down Ten of Pentacles mean in a health reading?
Pulling the Ten of Pentacles reversed in a health reading can mean there has been an unexpected change in your health either physically or mentally, this card is a strong indicator that the condition could be hereditary.
It comes with the reminder to make your health a priority and remember what you have been through and overcome in the past to help you build a strong and healthy future. Always negotiate health concerns with your medical support team, however, and do not rely solely on the tarot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 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.
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 (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Ten Of Pentacles appeared? What was the outcome? 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 in the comments below. 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
Learn more about the Suit of Pentacles
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.