Introduction
The Four of Pentacles is where we have landed after the fruitful and lucrative cooperation of the Three. It is often portrayed as a negative card, but it is a natural progression from one to four. This is about stability in the material world. We have been given the power to create our living conditions and the things we need and desire, but now we are uneasy about what we should be doing with it all. Should we hang on to it? Give it away? What’s the best thing to do?
Imagery
A well-dressed man sits on a stone bench. He wears a crown topped by a gold coin, inscribed with a pentacle. He holds another across his chest. His arms are placed in an odd way — instead of simply holding the coin in his hands, he has placed his left forearm on the top of the coin and cradles it with his right arm. Beneath his orange-clad feet are two more golden coins. His expression appears to be a little dour and worried. In the background lies a busy city. Bright roofs, flying flags and verdant avenues make it appear inviting. The man, however, has turned his back on all that.
General Meanings
The man in the image has worked so hard to get where he is but now he is terrified that he could lose it all. He can’t move because of having to hang on to his worldly goods. He doesn’t even look very comfortable. He’s blocking the flow of energy and also blocking the flow of money. What’s the use of money if it isn’t doing good?
When the Four of Pentacles appears in a reading, firstly congratulate yourself for making it to this level of security. Well done, you. Now try to discover where you are blocking the flow of energy in your life. Are you clinging to your children? Afraid of spending money? Are you hoarding possessions because one day they might come in useful? All this prevents you from enjoying life; in fact, you are creating a prison for yourself. Loosen up: give some stuff away, spend a little cash, have a bit of fun — after all, you can’t take it with you.
The reversed card would suggest that someone is being downright miserly. If it’s you, then do something about it fast.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
You are happy-ish in your work. You feel safe and secure, and you avoid change and hate it when change is thrust upon you. You like to know where you are, what you need to do and how much will be in your pay at the end of each month. Predictability is the name of the game. Except it’s not a fun game at all. You have become set in your ways. You worked hard to achieve this level but have lost the motivation to try for a higher position — you tell yourself you don’t want the responsibility. That’s okay, but don’t get jealous when your coworkers get chosen over you for juicy promotions.
If you are looking for work, then you may have hit a brick wall. You are going to have to step outside of your comfort zone and improve your skills and possibly your attitude. Potential employers want to see your ambition, your ideas and your drive to make their organization better.
Love
Your love-life is comfortable. You and your partner have settled into a routine. Sure it’s a little dull, but that’s how you prefer it. However, your partner might be bored. S/he might be taking a look around and seeing a more exciting life out there. Be careful, you are skating on thin ice. Instead of a nice cup of hot chocolate, break out — go do something different and put some life back into your love.
If this card is reversed in a love reading, then you or your partner may be over-controlling and bullying. Seek advice.
Finances
Finances are good. How could they not be? However, know that you are acting as a dam to the stream of money. Money is much better when it can flow in and then out and back in again.
If money is short, then break the cycle by making tiny gifts of one of your unit of currency, whether it be dollars, euros or pounds. Put a dollar in an envelope and leave it where someone can find it. Repeat every week. You’ve got the flow going — now more money can begin coming to you.
Health
You must move. You are spending too much time in a sedentary position. Get up, walk, dance or skip. Increase your energy levels and a feeling of delight will thrill you.
Spirituality
Stop focusing on the day-to-day stuff and explore the unseen a little. You are very rooted in the material world, but you need to know that there is much more to life. Try having a radical clear out of all your accumulated worldly goods – it is very uplifting and frees space in your life for spiritual insights and personal growth.
