Introduction
In the Six of Pentacles, and still down on our luck after the Five, we were given the means to begin again. The Seven of Pentacles shows us the result of that upturn. We must be a little self-congratulatory at this point because it wouldn’t have happened without a substantial investment of time and effort by ourselves. As we stand back and take a look at how far we’ve come since the desperate days of the Five, there’s a little doubt creeping in; is this all there is?
Imagery
A young man dressed in brown and blue stands to look at his beautiful crop. It is almost ready to harvest, and he is feeling worried about the timing. Should he go ahead now before the weather turns and ruins the crop? Or should he take the risk and wait? He is undecided. He wonders if there is a better and perhaps easier way to make a living. In the background are distant mountains and the sky is a noncommittal gray.
General Meanings
You are in the process of reaping rewards from your previous hard work. However, there is a certain dissatisfaction. Perhaps you expected greater rewards, or to feel more joy? Your mood is quite flat, and you are beginning to question whether you are in the right place for you. It’s hard to be specific because, on the face of it, you have everything you need, but you want more. More of what, you have no idea.
Reversed, the Seven of Pentacles shows that despite your hard work, you have not achieved your goals. You feel frustrated and somewhat angry at what appears to be wasted effort. The reversed Seven of Pentacles asks you to stop — you have achieved a lot even if the results aren’t as tangible as you hoped. You can build on what you have done, or you can take a slight change of direction and refocus for the next steps.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
Work is okay, but just okay. You feel slightly undervalued and your efforts, while acknowledged, seem to be dismissed lightly. Part of you feels happy with what you have achieved, but another part whispers that perhaps you should think about moving on. After all, there are other businesses out there looking for skillful, hardworking people like you.
If the Seven of Pentacles appears in answer to the “Will I find a job soon?” question, then it could be the card is telling you to stop looking for employment and direct your efforts in a different direction. Could you work for yourself? Might the volunteer sector hold opportunities? Perhaps a stint as an intern might open completely different doors to you?
Love
Despite all your efforts, your relationship is not quite as happy as you would like. You’ve been together a long time, and your material circumstances are comfortable. Your family is secure, and money is flowing nicely, but why do you feel as though you’ve disengaged from the world? Did you marry young, or have children quickly? Don’t worry too much — everyone feels the same way from time-to-time. Talk to your partner and work out ways to invigorate the relationship — your love is too valuable to allow it to die from lack of attention.
Although you are in the market for love, you have been distracted by work commitments. Fear not, soon you will have the time and energy to pursue romance and even find the love of your life.
Finances
Your investments are almost ready to mature. You would have liked them to be a little more fruitful but really, you can’t complain. Now you are wondering, “What next?” This time, you might need a challenge. Perhaps find a small business that needs your investment and expertise. It could be time to take a risk on a young, talented entrepreneur.
If you are in charge of the family finances, you may be feeling that money is a little tight. You know that it will all work out as long as you can get through the next few weeks. Hold fast to your budget, don’t let it get out of control. The Seven of Pentacles tells you that you are on the right track — keep doing what you are doing and soon you will reap the benefits of your prudence.
Health
You could be feeling better than you are. You are not ill, just a little under the weather. Take a look at your diet and check if you need to take extra vitamins. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and get a little more exercise and fresh air. Gardening would be ideal, and that border could do with digging out.
Spirituality
You might be feeling a little despondent. Maybe you are not investing enough time into progressing your spirituality? Or maybe the whole thing is leaving you lacking enthusiasm. Don’t go thinking that you are not a spiritual person or that you are too grounded ever to reach enlightenment. Simply give it up for now and, instead, rediscover just how spiritual you are by spending time out of doors, walking on the hills or in the woods. Allow nature to fill your spiritual well.