The Suit of Pentacles and its Role in Tarot
Last Updated: September 22, 2023
Ah…the most grounded of the minor arcana suits, the Pentacles. Here we have 14 cards, which are also referred to as Coins or even Disks, that are associated with the element of Earth. The Earth, as we know, is known for being practical, stable, secure, and supportive. Providing us with the ground to sew our seed, to build upon, to grow, to sustain from. Earth is the solid foundation that can measure up to time and win – as it, quite frankly, holds up against the test of time.
This suit of the Minor Arcana pertains to your physical world, to your possessions and the material aspects of your life, such as your work, education, health, money, and property. With this suit being associated with the element of Earth, when it comes to astrological signs, the Pentacles suit is linked to Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
The positive of this suit is that they can represent tangible manifestation, progress, success, and prosperity. But at the other end of the scale, they can represent greed, being too materialistic, not being realistic and overindulging, and being poor with money.
Symbolism
The Pentacle is a five-pointed star within a circle, that was utilised famously by Aleister Crowley and the Golden Dawn, but seen through pentagram imagery in history from the likes of Pythagoras (to show secret societal status) to coins. Symbolically speaking, the Pentacle’s five points all connect to the five elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Mathematically, the star follows the golden ratio, otherwise known as divine proportion, which is thought to equate to its connection to harmony.
In the past, this star was deemed a symbol that represented good and protected oneself against evil. Even now though there is still some misconception surrounding the pentacle, it’s used in a way to represent the connection of all things.
The circle surrounding the star can be seen as representing the universe as it symbolises unity with bringing all of the elements together. A circle also represents wholeness, there is no start nor an end, it’s complete, no edges, no sides, there is no alpha or omega to the shape of a circle. Nothing can be added to perfect the shape, it is already complete. Because of this, it’ll probably come as no surprise that the pentacle, overall, is seen as a symbol of protection. The unity of all things within the protected boundary of the never-ending circle, the space within fully symmetrical, in line, and supported. It symbolises the true and perfect balance between the material and spiritual world.
Pentacles in a reading
If you’re doing a reading, and many Pentacle cards show up, you may be left wondering “hmm…what does this mean, exactly?” as in, how could this be influencing the direction the reading is going? In short – the presence of quite a few Pentacle cards means that the cards are drawing to your physical world, the material around you, as it’s all very much based in your real world. Be mindful that the cards would also be referring to an actual person too, especially a Taurus, Capricorn, or Virgo, this could even be yourself! However, the cards can relate to a person with another sign, and just represent them based on personality/who they are acting as in the given situation the cards are describing.
What the pentacles can mean depending upon the type of reading you’re doing: (remember that each card will specifically go into more details, whether that be considered positive or negative)
In a general reading
it suggests that there is something within your physical world that currently needs your attention; make sure your focus is on your priorities.
In a love reading
It can represent an Earth sign or the traits of someone (you or another), but Pentacles will bring realism to a love reading; they won’t beat around the bush, regardless of positive or negative, you’ll get the reality – unapologetically.
In a career reading
It’ll add an attitude of realistic; is your job serving you or not? Or are you in the right place right now with great opportunities? The Pentacles will focus on this.
In a money reading
Pentacles know that cash isn’t the answer to everything, but they also understand that financial freedom and stability equates to a level of happiness. They can be there to remind you to be realistic with your money to better yourself, with potential great opportunities coming your way, and to avoid the worst, especially if you’re being silly with your finances.
In a health reading
Pentacles will focus on the reality of your health and where you’re at, not where you think you’re at. They will highlight if there is any imbalance that is having an effect on you.
How the Pentacles interact with the other minor arcana suits:
Suit of Swords
how can your logical and objective thoughts affect your physical and material world? Is one causing the other to be off balance? Pentacles can look to bring balance between your actual reality and your most logical thoughts.
Suit of Cups
when Pentacles and Cups appear together, they will be drawing attention to both reality and the realm of our emotions. Sometimes those two things go hand in hand, and sometimes they don’t. Pentacles appearing alongside Cups can demonstrate harmony between the two realms, or, as an example, show that one is causing the other to be off balance.
Suit of Wands
Pentacles can interact with the Wands suit to try and find a realistic balance between your reality and the likes of your creative endeavours. How can one help the other?
The 14 Pentacles Tarot Cards
Ace of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Ace of Pentacles is associated with opportunities, success, physicality, manifestation, prosperity and stability.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the Ace of Pentacles represent missed opportunities, hesitancy, frivolousness, instability, lack of mindset, feeling trapped and self-doubt.
- Numerology: 1
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Saturn
- Astrological sign: Capricorn
- Yes or No card? Yes
Two of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Two of Pentacles is associated with balance, adaptability, and multitasking.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 2 of Pentacles represent disorganization, imbalance, and stress.
- Numerology: 2
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Jupiter
- Astrological sign: Capricorn
- Yes or No card? Maybe
Three of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Three of Pentacles is associated with teamwork, collaboration, and mastery.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 3 of Pentacles represent selfishness, close-mindedness, and a misaligned team.
- Numerology: 3
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Saturn
- Astrological sign: Capricorn
- Yes or No card? Yes
Four of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Four of Pentacles is associated with possessiveness, security, material possessions, and scarcity.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 4 of Pentacles represent release, control, and materialistic tendencies.
- Numerology: 4
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Saturn
- Astrological sign: Capricorn
- Yes or No card? Yes
Five of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Five of Pentacles is associated with loss, worry, poverty, crisis, limitation, isolation, hopelessness, and risk.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 5 of Pentacles represent the fear of losing a job, depression, paying debts, positive change, and improvement.
- Numerology: 5
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Taurus
- Yes or No card? No
Six of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Six of Pentacles is associated with generosity, balance, and sharing resources.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 6 of Pentacles represent debt, self-care, and inequality.
- Numerology: 1
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Venus
- Astrological sign: Taurus
- Yes or No card? Yes
Seven of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Seven of Pentacles is associated with reaping what you sow, reflection, and taking stock.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 7 of Pentacles represent wasted energy, evaluation, and walking away.
- Numerology: 7
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Venus
- Astrological sign: Taurus
- Yes or No card? Yes
Eight of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Eight of Pentacles is associated with diligence, knowledge, detail, and hard work.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 8 of Pentacles represent hyperfocus, isolation, and overworking.
- Numerology: 8
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Virgo
- Yes or No card? Yes
Nine of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Nine of Pentacles is associated with Abundance, Independence, Luxury, Self-sufficiency, Achievements, and Success.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 9 of Pentacles represent Overinvestment in work, Hustling, Self-worth, Wreckless spending, Lack of substance, Superficial, Instability, and being guarded.
- Numerology: 9
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Virgo, September 2nd – September 11th, Venus in Virgo
- Yes or No card? Yes
Ten of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Ten of Pentacles is associated with roots, family, tradition, stability, privilege, and foundations
- When pulled in the reversed position, the 10 of Pentacles represent family disputes, conflict over money, instability, breaking traditions, general loss, and unexpected changes.
- Numerology: 10
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Virgo
- Yes or No card? Yes
Page of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Page of Pentacles is associated with trust, prosperity, and practicality.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the Page of Pentacles represents stalling, suspicion, and insecurity.
- Numerology: 11
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Venus
- Astrological sign: Taurus, Capricorn, & Virgo.
- Yes or No card? Yes
Knight of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Knight of Pentacles is associated with stability, responsibility, persistence, hardworking, patience, control, and loyalty.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the Knight of Pentacles represents stubbornness, delay, slowness, irresponsibility, complacency, and pessimism.
- Numerology: 6
- Element: Earth (Knights) and Air (Pentacles)
- Planetary correspondence: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Virgo
- Yes or No card? Yes
Queen of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the Queen of Pentacles is associated with nurturing, providing, and abundance.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the Queen of Pentacles represents self-reflection, imbalance, and insecurity.
- Numerology: 3
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: Saturn
- Astrological sign: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
- Yes or No card? Yes
King of Pentacles
- When drawn in the upright position, the King of Pentacles is associated with Success, empire, goals, stability, father figure, and wealth.
- When pulled in the reversed position, the King of Pentacles represents instability, gambling, failure, unsuccessful, and greed.
- Numerology: 4
- Element: Earth
- Planetary correspondence: N/A
- Astrological sign: Taurus (but also Capricorn and Virgo – the Earth signs)
- Yes or No card? Yes
Conclusion
The Pentacles are an important part of a tarot deck as without them, where is the balance? With the suits all being linked to different elements, we couldn’t have those present without the element of earth. To gain a full perspective, we need everything present, whether or not they come up in a reading is a different story! They might not be needed or relevant for one question, but they will be another! And you cannot tell a story if you remove some chapters, it’s incomplete.
So, there is no need to shy away from this suit. Perhaps you feel you may struggle with the truths you will hear from the Pentacles with what they pertain to. But just as the seasons change, we must face and accept the seasons of ourselves too.
Spending time working with the Pentacles and not shying away from them will not only help you bond with your tarot cards, but it can make the ‘unknown’ just that little bit less scary. It’s almost a given that the tarot cards will eventually bring up points that we may have been hiding from, and sometimes we don’t want to face the reality of that, but remember that the Pentacles, like the other cards, are only here to serve you and better you.
Written by Amy Gent
Continue your tarot journey ✨
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