If you have ever heard the tale of King Midas, then you are aware of the perils of allowing one’s longing for the physical world to dominate. The Four of Pentacles delivers a similar message, one that underscores the negative aspects we as people have with consumerism and control.
The Four of Pentacles in the Tarot deck signifies a desire for control and an excessive focus on material possessions. While implying the necessity for financial stability, it cautions against fixations on consumerism, avaricious inclinations, and reluctance to adapt.
Although sometimes, this card can indicate the need for financial security, it often accompanies a sense of ingratitude and a need to possess much more than what is necessary.
FOUR OF PENTACLES KEY TERMS
Before we delve deeper into the meaning of the upright and reversed Four of Pentacles card, its connection to love, work, and life, and its interactions with other cards, below is a brief summary of the terms that are embodied by this Pentacles card.
| Upright | A longing for control, avarice, consumerism, resistance to change |
|---|---|
| Reversed | Letting go of the past, relinquishing control, generosity, acceptance |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 4 |
| Element | Earth |
| Planet | Saturn |
| Astrological Sign | Capricorn |
MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING: THE FOUR OF PENTACLES TAROT CARD
To fully comprehend the meaning of the Four of Pentacles tarot card, let us first examine the illustration, its colors, and symbolism.
If the Four of Pentacles had a theme song, it would surely be For the Love of Money by the O’ Jays. If you are unfamiliar with this soul classic from the 1970s, the lyrics below encapsulate it:
Money money money money, money
Some individuals must have it, some individuals genuinely require it
It is evident that the man portrayed in the Four of Pentacles is unquestionably one of those individuals. As he sits on a chair that exudes opulence..or does he? Some people believe that the man is not a king at all.
Others believe that his lack of a throne and genuine crown symbolizes everything he has sacrificed in his pursuit of wealth. Regardless, materialism is clearly abundant.
In the Four of Pentacles, the affluent man balances a golden coin on top of his crown, obstructing his connection with the divine.
His two arms clutch money, much like the gentleman depicted in the Two of Pentacles.
However, the currency he holds onto is not within his grasp. Representing his apprehension of relinquishing authority, his limbs are securely entwined around his monetary sanctuary.
Nevertheless, the man’s fixation with his wealth does not conclude there as both feet are firmly planted on flattened currency.
Perched above an expansive metropolis and unable to venture anywhere, this individual of immense authority appears secluded and solitary, concentrating solely on the monetary aspects of life. Perhaps he has lost everything due to his pursuit.
The dark cloak that envelops him like a mist represents the dominance that money holds over his existence. Nonetheless, the self-satisfied expression on his face appears to display pride and contentment.
The individual gracing the Four of Pentacles seems content with his finance-centered existence, despite sacrificing so much.
THE SIGNIFICANCE BEHIND FOUR OF PENTACLES
Just like all tarot cards, the meaning of the Four of Pentacles is not fixed. The power of the tarot lies in its ability to deliver a universal message tailored to your personal circumstances.
This is particularly true for the four pentacles, as some interpret the upright position as a cautionary message to save, while others perceive it as a reprimand against greed.
Expand your mind and open your heart as you peruse the explanations below, and you will instinctively discern which interpretation resonates with you.
Wealth and Career Interpretation
The number four symbolizes security and the need for stability. Financial security is a pursuit that most individuals undertake, but one must be cautious not to take it to extremes.
In a financial tarot spread, the Four of Pentacles implies material success but warns against excessive materialism.
If your pursuit of success has led you to isolate yourself from loved ones, do the ends truly justify the means?
It is possible to achieve security without constantly fixating on finances. Consider striving for a balanced life where no aspect outweighs another.
Love and Relationships Interpretation
The manner in which our affluent acquaintance clings to his wealth also signifies something else: an inclination for control. In the realm of love tarot readings, the Four of Pentacles represents one party (potentially you or your partner) burdened by feelings of jealousy or insecurity.
It is important to remember that gripping tightly onto something does not ensure its presence; instead, it suffocates it. If you are holding onto a toxic relationship, unrequited love, past grievances, or negative emotions, the Four of Pentacles urges you to release your grasp.
If your partner or family member is the one asserting control, it is crucial to evaluate your situation earnestly. Difficult choices must be made.
However, by accepting things as they are, you will attain genuine power and resilience that could never arise from a negative mindset.
Health and Spirituality Interpretation
If you are facing physical illness or emotional distress, the Four of Pentacles in a health context signifies the urgent need to break free from physical and mental constraints in a health tarot spread.
If you are clinging onto any worries, fears, or negative emotions, your body is keeping track of the toll it takes.
Talking to a pal, advisor, or even spiritual mending can function as a solution if you sense that you are grappling in these areas.
FOUR OF PENTACLES INVERTED
In this paragraph, we will discuss a bit more about what it implies if you’ve drawn the Four of Pentacles tarot card in the inverted position.
What rises, must descend. This is a universal principle. The Four of Pentacles inverted symbolizes what can occur if you decide to release it all.
Being turned upside down indicates that unlike those with the upright version of this card, you are prepared for complete acknowledgment of your reality. Now is the moment to embrace it.
Let go of toxic individuals and old grudges, and get ready to start anew. If you desire progress in your finances, career, relationship, or physical/spiritual well-being, advance on a fresh path. Holding on to what was will only bring misery and seclusion.
Instead, contemplate what is significant for you, particularly when it comes to money and prosperity. The Four of Pentacles inverted is ushering in change. Will you resist the current or go along with it?
Lastly, the Four of Pentacles inverted can indicate financial insecurity and instability. Have you lost something valuable or perhaps experienced financial setbacks through risky investments?
If so, this card informs you that you need to gain proper control of your actual financial resources.
However, the inverted Four of Pentacles can also symbolize not holding onto the money due to good intentions.
Perhaps you’re simply being generous, sharing your wealth with others because you’ve realized that wealth alone won’t bring you happiness – only love.
FOUR OF PENTACLES: AFFIRMATIVE OR NEGATIVE
The Four of Pentacles in a Affirmative or Negative reading indicates an Affirmative, but only if you proceed with caution. Security and stability are forecasted by this card, but frugality is also important.
Before you dive into a business or investment, carefully examine all the details. Avoid excess and be resourceful if you want to move forward.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND ASTROLOGY
The Four of Pentacles is linked to stability and financial security, connecting it to the sign Capricorn.
Capricorn resembles the traditional businessperson of the Zodiac. Practical, earthy, and enduring, this sign is ruled by Saturn and associated with institutions, religion, government, frameworks, and the past.
CRUCIAL COMBINATIONS WITH THE FOUR OF PENTACLES
Rapid transformations, control problems, obstructions, and disputes about money. Paired with other cards, the Four of Pentacles also represents a need for control, impeding change, and security. Below you can discover the most significant card combinations involving the Four of Pentacles.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND THE FOOL
Although taking risks frequently leads to reward, the Fool and the Four of Pentacles together urge you to reduce involvement a bit.
Avoid being imprudent with finances or excessively impulsive.
Making spontaneous purchases at this moment will result in profound feelings of remorse. Therefore, postpone any significant acquisitions until a later date.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
An earthquake is transpiring! Well, perhaps not a physical one, but indisputably a metaphorical one. This card combination with the Wheel of Fortune tarot card brings about rapid transformation and abundant activity.
So, do not be alarmed if numerous events start occurring simultaneously. Just hold on and relish the journey.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND THE CHARIOT, EMPEROR, OR THE HANGED MAN
When this numeric four is matched with either the Emperor, the Chariot, or the Hanged Man, you are experiencing some genuine control dilemmas in your life. The first two imply that you desire control, structure, and order.
Although these aspects are necessary in certain situations, attempting to retain authority over everything can result in the exact opposite of our desires: disorder.
The Hanged Man suggests surrendering. Although doing so is not always effortless, it will lead to peace of mind.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND THE TOWER
Prepare yourself for a confrontation. The Four of Pentacles and the Tower anticipate a clash concerning finances. It might be with your spouse.
Perhaps it will involve your family members regarding Great Uncle Ed’s will. Either way, you must stand firm and maintain your composure.
FOUR OF PENTACLES AND TWO OF SWORDS
If you sense that things are in a deadlock, you are correct. When paired together, the Four of Pentacles and the Two of Swords symbolize an obstruction of some sort.
This could be a breakdown in communication, a plan that has gone awry at work, or even a chakra issue that requires resolution. Identify the origin of the problem, and then you will be able to devise a better plan.
FOUR OF PENTACLES IN OTHER TAROT DECKS
All of my interpretations of tarot cards are based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, but this does not imply that I utilize other decks as well.
And there are numerous delightful decks available! Below you can discover a modest assortment of exquisite Four of Pentacles cards.
Acquire The Modernized Approach Tarot Deck Today!
Glimmer of Delight – accessible on Etsy
FOUR OF PENTACLES DURING A SESSION
That’s the entirety of the Four of Pentacles’ implication. If this card appeared in your session, it may signify your requirement for assurance and constancy. Or perhaps it informs you that it’s time to reserve some funds.
Regardless, I’m genuinely curious if the implication resonated with you and would appreciate receiving your input! Therefore, kindly take a minute to leave a comment below.
