Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings and Combinations
Suit Element:
Earth, grounding, steady and stable. Material concerns.
Keywords and Phrases:
over-cautious, holding back, material ambitions, miserly.
Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Meanings
The wealthy merchant in the Four of Pentacles appears to have all he needs, being well dressed and in comfortable surroundings, yet he holds his gold close to his chest, as though he fears losing it or doesn’t wish to part with it.
Material concerns may be at the forefront of your mind, although this is the classic card of being miserly or materialistic, there are also times in life when money may be in short supply and you have to be careful with what you have to try to make it last. The Four of Pentacles can also appear if someone is working hard towards a financial goal. In general, it usually suggests there’s an element of being cautious and holding back in some way and this can apply to any area of life, so surrounding cards and context is important.
In relationship readings the Four of Pentacles can show that you’re holding back emotionally, perhaps feeling cautious about becoming involved or with some aspect of the relationship. Sometimes it can also be a warning that you’re clinging too tightly or perhaps being a bit possessive.
If reversed, material matters are stuck or hit obstacles and setbacks, for some readers this card suggests release.
Associations:
Similar or supporting cards: Two of Swords (stalemate) Hanging Man (non-movement) The Hermit (prudent) Temperance (moderation)
Opposing or contradictory cards: Six of Pentacles (sharing) The Fool (carefree)
Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Combinations:
Check surrounding cards to find the context of what creates the reason of the Four, but as a root card (start of a chain) check to see what follows to release it or the progression. As always, there are many possibilities…
> The Fool: throwing caution to the wind and stepping out. In reverse order, (The Fool > Four of Pentacles) holding back from a new opportunity, afraid to let go.
The Empress > Four of Pentacles: possibly a possessive mother figure who doesn’t want to let go, smother love.
> The Lovers: holding back emotionally, perhaps cautious about becoming involved in a relationship.
> The Hermit: wise and prudent saver, canny and shrewd investor.
> Two of Pentacles: being careful with finances to keep the flow going, balancing the books and keeping a check on finances.
Four of Swords > Four of Pentacles: consolidating finances or material concerns, replenishing stock and exercising caution with what you have (also if these cards preceded by the Five of Pentacles).
The Devil > Four of Pentacles > Five of Swords: Possible embezzlement, with other appropriate Pentacle card central may simply show theft (mainly Five of Pentacles central).
You'll find more information to help you in Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All! book and card set. Available from bookshops and online:
Llewellyn, Amazon.com Amazon UK, Wordery, & Book Depository
Material provided here is in addition and complementary to the kit. Copyrighted material displayed with permission of Llewellyn Please see my notes regarding combinations and reversals on the main index page.
Llewellyn, Amazon.com Amazon UK, Wordery, & Book Depository
Material provided here is in addition and complementary to the kit. Copyrighted material displayed with permission of Llewellyn Please see my notes regarding combinations and reversals on the main index page.