Two of Pentacles Meanings (Upright & Reversed)
Last Updated: October 29, 2022
The Two of Pentacles is the second 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.
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 Tarot, 2’s are usually symbolic of relationships (personal, romantic or otherwise) and pentacles are symbolic of resources, stability and the material world. When we combine the two together, this card can give us messages regarding our relationship to the tangible things around us like money but also the intangible things around us—like time.
In this article, we will explore the different meanings of the 2 of Pentacles in various tarot reading contexts.
Table of content
- Traditional depiction
- Key correspondences
- The upright Two of Pentacles meaning
- Upright meaning for love
- Upright meaning for career
- Upright meaning for health
- The Two of Pentacles as feelings
- The Two of Pentacles as a person
- The Two of Pentacles as advice
- The Two of Pentacles Zodiac sign
- Is the Two of Pentacles a yes or no card?
- The reversed Two of Pentacles meaning
- Reverse meaning for love
- Reverse meaning for career
- Reverse meaning for health
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 Two of Pentacles depicts a man in the midst of juggling two gold pentacles. A balancing act! He also stands on one foot. More symbolism of the precariousness of the situation. Entwining the pentacles is a green infinity symbol. This tells us that this is not a situation that is meant to be solved—but one that is meant to be managed.
In life, there will always be things that try to knock us off balance. And while we won’t always have a say in what knocks us off our feet, we DO have a say in how we respond to it. Behind the man are two boats that appear to be caught in the unpredictable sea waves. This symbolizes the ebb and flow of life and how sometimes, all we can do is ride the waves until we find our flow again.
The Two of Pentacles key correspondences
Upright keywords | Balance, Adaptability, Multi-tasking |
Reversed keywords | Disorganization, Imbalance, Stress |
| Yes or No | Maybe |
| Numerology | 2 |
| Element | Earth |
Ruling Planet | Jupiter |
| Astrological Sign | Capricorn |
What does the upright Two of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?
For myself personally, whether upright or reversed the Two of Pentacles indicates there’s some work to be done. It truly is one of those nebulous cards where no matter what meaning you arrive at, there will always be a catch!
When upright, assume the Two of Pentacles is asking you to: weigh your options, prepare for more than one opportunity, balance a few things or relationships in your life, or mind your finances.
When pulled in the upright position, the Two of Coins is linked with balance, adaptability, and multitasking.
What does the upright Two of Pentacles mean in a love reading?
In a love reading, upright Two of Pentacles can mean you and your partner are doing a great job at balancing your lives together, or a message to prepare for more to be added to your plates! New jobs? Marriage? Moving in together? Are you ready to take on more?
If you’re single it could mean new dating prospects to weigh and getting clear on what you want from a prospective relationship/partner.
If you’re not looking to date yet, it’s a great time to manage the other priorities in your life, leaving space for you to grow into a relationship if that’s what you decide.
What does the upright Two of Pentacles mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, upright Two of Pentacles can mean new opportunities coming your way as well as more responsibility or even the possibility of a second income stream—just make sure you’re not taking on too much!
If you own a business, this card shows up to remind you to balance the books and your finances need a keener eye – revisit profit and loss, revisit best banking options for yourself, and look at ways to tidy up the profit so as to not increase any loss (such as switcher to a cheaper vendor supplier where you may have a better relationship).
What does the upright Two of Pentacles mean in a health reading?
In a health reading, the upright Two of Pentacles can mean to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and making time for things that make you feel good. Maybe it’s adding a little bit more exercise to your day or meditation, or cooking at home more. Be adaptable to new changes so that you have access to more options.
This means potentially trying something new to bring in a better balance in terms of spiritual health or mental wellbeing, these could be exactly what you need right now.
The Two of Pentacles as feelings/emotions
If you are asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling the Two of Pentacles can mean this person is unsure of their feelings! While that might not be the answer you’re hoping to hear—the silver lining is that Two of Pentacles gives us choice. You now have the space to choose for yourself how to proceed and prioritize your OWN feelings instead. Perhaps the Two of Pentacles is reflecting your own indecision back to you? Look inwards.
The Two of Pentacles as a person
As a personality archetype, the Two of Pentacles represents someone who might be having trouble discerning where their money, resources, time and energy go. Alternatively, they could be excellent at handling finances, can be fantastic for frugal fun and bring out new choices for bringing balance to our lives.
They are usually ambitious and want to have and do it all. It’s very admirable in theory—but much harder in practice! Enjoy being motivated by them, but use your intuition for key guidance
The Two of Pentacles as advice
If you are asking the tarot for advice regarding a specific situation in your life, pulling the Two of Pentacles means that you need to weigh your options carefully and work to strike a balance.
Check-in with yourself often to make sure you’re directing your energies in the right place to see the best results.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Two of Pentacles?
The Two of Pentacles is associated with the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is the workhorse of the zodiac. As a cardinal earth sign, they are known for being ambitious, and occasionally this can result in them taking on too much and having to balance multiple things at once! Something the Two of Pentacles want us to mind.
The Capricorn zodiac symbol is the sea goat. Symbolizing their connection to both the material world and the spiritual one. This blend of elements (earth and water) exists in the symbolism of the Two of Pentacles as well. We see it in the pentacles being balanced, and the tumultuous sea carrying two boats.
This is a reminder that our outer world often reflects our inner world. Capricorns work very hard to make their dreams come true—but it should never come at the expense of their peace of mind. Going with the flow and being adaptable is key.
Is the Two of Pentacles a yes or no card?
The Two of Pentacles is neither a yes nor a no. It’s always a maybe. Frustrating? Absolutely! But if you look closer, you can see the Two of Pentacles is not here to tell us what to do—but instead to help us choose for ourselves and be flexible and adaptable in those choices.
Below are some of my interpretations based on different types of questions:
Question: Will I get the job?
Card Interpretation: Is this the job you want? If not, be open to more opportunities. If you are in a role already but want something different, look at what is financially viable for you right now, and whether it’s a good option not to move roles at this time.
Question: Is this new person in my life good for me?
Card Interpretation: Where are your doubts coming from? If you feel like they are likely to cause an imbalance, this card shows up to confirm it.
Question: Will I achieve my current goals?
Card Interpretation: Are you prioritizing the things that will help bring you closer to success? This card has “hard work” energy about it, but if you are juggling too many things right now you may end up dropping the ball.
Question: Should I start my own business?
Card Interpretation: Are you prepared to take on all the responsibilities of having your own business?
What does the reversed Two of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?
Right-side up or reverse the Two of Pentacles is one of those cards that almost means the same thing no matter how you look at it! Just like the infinity symbol on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Two of Pentacles reminds us that what we put in is what we get out.
How can you prioritize and redirect your energy to see better results? Where is the stress coming from and what can you take off your plate to alleviate yourself and find more balance? How can you create more flow in your life?
When pulled in the reversed position, the Two of Coins is linked with disorganization, imbalance, and stress.
What does the reversed Two of Pentacles mean in a love reading?
In a love reading, upside down Two of Pentacles can mean you need to prioritize your partnership more. If you are in a couple, maybe work and financial worries are sucking the romance and passion out of your relationship. This can be a message to make time to reconnect.
If you’re single this card can signal being overwhelmed with the dating pool! Get more clarity on what you expect from a potential partner.
What does the inverted Two of Pentacles mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, inverted Two of Pentacles can mean you are taking on too much at work and are reaching your limits. It can also indicate an unwillingness to move on or let go. Is it time for a new job? Have you avoided asking for a promotion? It’s time to take matters into your own hands.
This card can also show up when you own your business and financially things are a bit of a mess – it’s time to balance those books and deadhead any flowers that aren’t blooming for you in terms of profit.
What does the upside-down Two of Pentacles mean in a health reading?
In a health reading, reversed Two of Pentacles can mean it’s time for self-care! Have you put yourself at the bottom of your list of priorities? Have you been deeply feeling overwhelmed? As within, so without. If your life has been feeling like chaos lately—what can you do internally to find your balance within the situation?
Remember, change is constant—we only have control over how we react to our circumstances. Not always the circumstance itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2 of Pentacles tarot card is a powerful symbol of balance, adaptability, and multitasking. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you will have to juggle many different responsibilities in the near future. However, it is also a reminder that you are more than capable of handling whatever comes your way. Keep your head up and stay focused, and you will be able to achieve anything you set your mind to.
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 Two 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 Kasandra Martinez
Kasandra (she/her) is a professional Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Founder of Style By The Signs. She is a triple earth creatrix who loves providing misfit unicorns with creative guidance and making cute AF cosmic shit for witchy babes. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter (@stylebythesigns) or book a reading with her at stylebythesigns.com
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.