Four of Pentacles
Four of Pentacles — Upright
The Four of Pentacles symbolizes stability achieved through personal financial security and power. Discipline and organization lead to financial prosperity. The card expresses the Capricornian idea that 'Money is power'.
However, the character on the card is reluctant to share their wealth. Sometimes this is beneficial, as the card indicates the presence of money for the Querent (in moderate amounts), ensuring their solvency.
If there are cards in the spread indicating selfishness, then the Four of Pentacles describes a situation where a person is unable to give or receive. The card also symbolizes possessiveness instinct, which may relate to family, a partner, or business.
In its best sense, it's a card of financial stability, economic strength, and control over the situation.
A meaning is only the beginning.
Explore what this card brings to your own question.
Four of Pentacles — Reversed
Symbolizes loss of control and power. It signifies a loss of financial stability due to recklessness, where money is lost due to imprudent behavior. In business and financial matters, the querent encounters obstacles and difficulties, feeling a sense of powerlessness.
Astrology
This card aligns with the Sun in Capricorn, highlighting stability, control, and material protection. The Sun shines on identity and value, while Capricorn brings caution and security. It reflects both preservation and fear of loss.
Numerology
Number 4 symbolizes stability, foundation, and celebration. It reveals the card’s role in the progression of the Wands suit, showing a stage of 4. The reduced number 4 emphasizes recurring life themes in creative or passionate pursuits.
Symbolism & Archetypes
Explore the symbolism — open a section to read more.
The character, crowned with a pentacle on their crown, holds another pentacle close to their chest; two additional pentacles are placed at their feet. They firmly hold onto what they have.
Prophetic meanings: Confidence bestowed by wealth, the ability to hold onto one's possessions, a gift, an inheritance.
Reversed card: Insecurity, delay, obstacle.
In the Golden Dawn system, this card is known as the Lord of Earthly Power. Waite represents this concept as a king on a throne with a crown adorned with one pentacle, another pentacle held close to his chest, and two pentacles serving as supports for his feet.
Behind the king is depicted his empire, symbolizing his earthly authority.
This card is perceived as a reflection of the Major Arcana, Arcanum IV - The Emperor, where a triumphant ruler is also depicted on a stone throne.
However, unlike The Emperor, who holds symbols of authority, the King of Pentacles embraces his wealth like a shield.
The four pentacles on the card correspond to the arrangement of the four letters of the Tetragrammaton in the Zohar.
The pentacle on his head represents Yod (ruling the East), the one on his heart represents Vav (ruling the West), and the pentacles beneath his left and right feet represent the double Heh, with the right pentacle symbolizing the first Heh (ruling the South), and the left pentacle symbolizing the second Heh (ruling the North).
Astrologically, the card is associated with the third decan of Capricorn, where the Sun is in Capricorn. Although direct attributes are not depicted, the card is infused with the spirit of Aries, rather than Capricorn.
Nevertheless, the idea of possessing wealth and power, as well as the protection they provide, is characteristic of Capricorn, which is reflected in the overall theme of the card.
Keep exploring
All 78 cards →
A READING THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
Your cards.Your kind of clarity.
Go beyond a card meaning. Explore personal tarot readings, choose your reader and keep the conversation going in Lumi.
Your next reading is a download away.
