The suit of Pentacles symbolizes the element Earth, and correlates to Diamonds in a playing card deck. All cards within this suit represent an aspect of elemental Earth that exists inside of us or is present in our lives. Depending on the tarot deck, this suit may also be called Coins or Disks. By any of these names, this suit represents the physical realm.

To better appreciate this suit, consider the properties of the Earth herself, particularly soil. It is solid, manifested reality that we can hold in our hands. It provides the very foundation for life in this dimension we call reality. Compared to the other suits, Pentacles indicates characteristics that are the most perceivable and measurable. Our physical bodies are of the Earth, and so are associated with this suit. Money is too, because (fairly or unfairly) it is the symbol of our worth in this physical world.

Within the psyche, Pentacles is the realistic, down-to-Earth part of our nature. It’s not about hopes, dreams, and feelings. Rather, Earth is about results. Show me the money; get it done! Earthy personalities are practical, sensible, and reliable. They’re likely to have a good work-ethic, be astute in business matters, and be praised for their ability to complete the jobs they commit to.

  • Elemental Earth is analogous to the solid state of matter.
  • The Pentacles suit can be summarized as “I Do”.
  • The Earth Zodiac signs are Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.

(Note: All images Rider Waite Smith tarot deck, available in many versions from US Games)

Ace of Pentacles

The card indicating the start of something new and tangible, like a job or creative project. Otherwise, it may represent financial reward for something that you’ve done. As the essence of element Earth, this card also suggests a taking a practical approach and using commonsense thinking. Get REAL. Focus on the task and keep your eyes on the prize.

  • A golden opportunity
  • A new job or creative project
  • A reward for what you’ve done
  • A realistic, practical approach
  • Focus on the goal

Keywords:  Opportunity, Reward, Realistic, Prosperity, Gain

Astrological Correspondence: Root Powers of Earth

2 of Pentacles

The card of transition or juggling priorities. When life throws challenges at us it’s a good idea to keep a cool head and not get stressed out. Change can be difficult or fun; the choice is yours. Stay flexible and optimistic and take comfort knowing the only constant in life is change. Multi-tasking may be required.

  • Changing circumstances
  • Juggling priorities or options
  • Going with the flow
  • Adapting to new developments
  • Stress over change

Keywords:  Change, Flexibility, Life Balance, Adapting, Multi-Tasking

Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Capricorn

3 of Pentacles

Good things are happening in the work you do, or it’s time they did. Create something of value or collaborate with another on a mutual task. It may be within your job or through a creative project. Are you settling for “good enough”? This card suggests it’s time to show off your skills and abilities.

  • Creating something of value
  • Displaying your skill
  • The time and effort to produce quality
  • Collaboration or planning for a project
  • Passion for your work

Keywords:  Skill, Inventiveness, Collaboration, Craftsmanship, Quality

Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Capricorn

4 of Pentacles

A very rigid card, for better and worse. The stability of the number 4 is combined with the solid element Earth. Consider your attitudes around success and financial security. On the plus side, this card represents wealth, stability, and power. On the other side, however, there may be inflexibility, possessiveness, and greed.

  • Success, money, and power
  • Enjoying financial security
  • Resistance to change
  • Focused on material things
  • Feeling in control

Keywords:  Stability, Control, Security, Power, Greed

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Capricorn

5 of Pentacles

This is the card of dealing with hardship or despair, either in a major way or a minor one. Look honestly at what is causing you pain, or the sense that your life is lacking in some important way. There may be physical illness, emotional hurt, or a mental attitude of victimhood. Pain is part of life, but we need not remain in a state of suffering.

  • Physical illness or pain
  • The victimhood or lack mentality
  • Suffering through hardship
  • Focusing on what’s wrong or missing
  • Wanting more; neediness.

Keywords:  Lack, Victimhood, Sickness, Hardship, Despair

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Taurus

6 of Pentacles

This card invites you to look at your attitude and habits around being successful. Humility and generosity are not just products of success but key ingredients to creating success. To have or to have not is a matter of mindset and positive action. Be wise with where you focus your time and resources.  

  • Having a generous spirit
  • Giving as you are able
  • Successful mindset and actions
  • Being of service to others
  • Prioritizing where to focus your resources

Keywords:  Charity, Humility, Prosperity, Success, Justice

Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Taurus

7 of Pentacles

Taking a good look at your life, often in the areas of work and career. It may feel like you’re at a crossroads, not sure how to proceed. Be honest about what has worked and what hasn’t. Patience may be required now. This is an opportunity to learn from what’s occurred in order to determine where to go from here.

  • A time for reflecting and assessment
  • Reevaluating how to define success
  • Learning from experience
  • Figuring out the best way forward
  • Dealing with regrets or fear of failure

Keywords:  Evaluation, Patience, Adjustment, Planning, Development

Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Taurus

8 of Pentacles

This card signifies work that you do repeatedly, probably at your job. You’re invited to consider how effective and efficient you are with your work. Is there a way to be working smarter, not harder? Or perhaps your work routine has become dull? If so, it may be time to change it up a bit. Take pride in being a professional and doing what you do so well.

  • The pleasures of an honest day’s work
  • Being effective and committed at your job
  • Improvement in skills or workflow
  • The discipline and dedication of a professional
  • Bored with the same routine; stuck in a dead-end job

Keywords:  Productive, Discipline, Routine, Proficiency, Professionalism

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Virgo

9 of Pentacles

This card signifies the attainment of success and enjoying the finer things in life. You’re being invited to focus your attention on self-reliance and financial independence, and what it means to you to “live the good life.” Abundance is a mindset which you can cultivate, beginning with how you treat yourself.

  • Living the Good Life, sense of refinement
  • Successful, independent, and self-reliant
  • Being in control of your life
  • Cultivating an attitude of abundance
  • Enjoying what you have accomplished

Keywords:  Abundance, Success, Self-Reliance, Accomplishment, Refinement

Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Virgo

10 of Pentacles

The final card of the minor arcana invites you to consider your life through the perspective of the Big Picture. What will be your legacy?  What will be left behind? This card symbolizes issues around wealth, family, traditions, and the passage of time. The ultimate measures of success are living true to your values and building something that lasts.

  • The legacy of your life
  • The big picture of what is most important
  • A culmination of success
  • Security of wealth, home, and family
  • Traditions and values

Keywords:  Wealth, Legacy, Culmination, Tradition, Values

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Virgo

Page of Pentacles

This part of your personality is practical and who’s a good worker who gets things done. You take a slow and steady approach to accomplishing tasks or learning new skills. You understand the importance of following instructions and pragmatism. You start new projects by avoiding procrastination and just getting to it.

  • Rolling up your sleeves and getting to work
  • Steady effort, focused on results
  • Learning by doing
  • A systematic approach to taking on a big task
  • Starting a new job or project with quiet confidence

Keywords:  Steady, Realistic, Pragmatic, Novice, Workmanlike

Elemental Correspondence: Earth of Earth

Knight of Pentacles

This is the hardest working card in the deck. As this personality type, you do whatever it takes to get the job done. You are extremely strong, determined, and reliable. This can also make you inflexible, not willing to change the plan or your approach to the task. All that hard work can lead to a dull and uninspired outlook.

  • Very hard working and reliable
  • Doing what you’re told without questioning
  • Toiling away without inspiration
  • Stop at nothing until it’s done
  • Unable or unwilling to change approach

Keywords:  Hardworking, Determined, Dutiful, Inflexible, Uninspired

Elemental Correspondence: Air of Earth

Queen of Pentacles

This aspect of you is kind and loving, but also tough and capable. Your warmth is matched by a pragmatic approach to life. You’ve learned practical solutions for solving life’s many little problems. This is also the domestic side of you that loves the comforts of home, and ably handles money and various work responsibilities.

  • Loving and nurturing, especially to family
  • Practical solutions to life’s problems
  • Able to handle many responsibilities
  • Wise in how the world really works
  • Keeps a loving and happy home

Keywords:  Nurturing, Responsible, Domestic, Practical, Capable

Elemental Correspondence: Water of Earth

King of Pentacles

This side of your personality creates opportunities because of your excellent work-ethic and positive attitude. You exude confidence and are well-respected for your self-discipline and all you’ve accomplished. You’re mature and know how to get things done. You’re in great physical shape, and successful in business.

  • Accomplished in business
  • Wealthy and successful leader
  • Positive attitude and excellent work ethic
  • Creates opportunity, makes deals
  • Mature, responsible, and no-nonsense

Keywords:  Successful, Savvy, Enterprising, Disciplined, Wealthy

Elemental Correspondence: Fire of Earth

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