4 of Pentacles: Tarot Card Meaning

4 of Pentacles Keywords

4 of Pentacles Essential Meanings Snapshot

The 4 of Pentacles card in Tarot symbolises control and stability. Its energy vibrates security, possession, and a desire for earthly power. This card often signifies a financial gain or positive outcome, but it also warns against holding on too tightly to material possessions. There is a hint of caution, a reminder that while material success is important, spiritual wealth shouldn’t be ignored.

Upright

In the upright position, the 4 of Pentacles encompasses the desire for control, safety, and security. It’s the epitome of stability and conservative choices. It often heralds a time of financial stability and wealth accumulation.

Reversed

Conversely, when reversed, the 4 of Pentacles may indicate over-caution, greed, and material obsession. It may signal a period of economic challenge or a stubborn refusal to adapt to change. It’s an invitation to reevaluate one’s attachment to material possessions and to consider the importance of spiritual and emotional wealth.

4 of Pentacles Description

The 4 of Pentacles tarot card introduces a stern figure who firmly grasps onto four large coins, the pentacles. He is settled in a static seated posture, displaying a somewhat defensive or closed posture.

A crown sits atop his head, a symbol of his wealth and status. The two pentacles under his rounded feet are as important to him as the one he clutches close to his heart, hinting his intense need to secure his belongings.

The fourth pentacle sits balanced on his crown, signifying the influence of financial stability on his thoughts or self-identity.

His solemn expression and his strict hold on the gold coins portray his unwillingness to share or spend. He is dressed in a rich, red robe which signifies material wealth. He is positioned against a backdrop of a clear, calm town, an image of settled life and financial fruition.

The entire scene and elements in the 4 of Pentacles card emphasize a holding tight, a possessive relationship with material wealth and an extreme need for security.

Beyond the Surface: Symbolic Meanings

In tarot card readings, each element carries a unique and significant meaning. Here, we take a deeper look into the symbolic interpretations of the 4 of Pentacles card.

• Four Pentacles: The four pentacles in the card depict stability and structure. These represent a solid foundation, symbolising material security, control, and ownership. In some interpretations, they also denote a closed mindset, reluctant to change or take risks.
• Crown: On the card, the figure wears a crown, symbolising authority or mastery over one’s domain. This can represent control, not just of materials shares but of one’s life and direction. In a negative light, it might indicate arrogance or a sense of entitlement.
• City in the Background: With an overshadowed city behind the figure, the illustration conveys a sense of seclusion or disconnection from society. This could represent focus on personal gain while neglecting interpersonal relationships.
• Crossed Arms and Legs: The crossed arms and legs on the figure signify resistance, protection and possibly fear of loss. This defensive stance in the physical and spiritual realm, suggests insecurity and a protective attitude towards one’s possessions.
• The Throne: The throne signifies comfort, establishment, and dominion. Indicating authority, it signifies a strong foothold in the material world, and someone who has worked hard to attain their status.

Dual Perspectives: Upright & Reversed

Upright 4 of Pentacles

The upright position of the 4 of Pentacles suggests stability and security. It portrays a person who is financially proficient and values the material assets they possess.

The positive energy of this card carries the potential for increased wealth and prosperity. It also carries a warning about becoming too attached to material things and the risk of becoming miserly.

Reversed 4 of Pentacles

Contrarily, the reversed 4 of Pentacles traditionally symbolises the release of control, being open to change, and letting go of possessions. It represents someone longing for freedom and the strength necessary to let go of old habits, attachments, or fears.

The reversed position might also indicate financial instability or financial loss. In sum, it’s a card that calls for a reassessment of priorities, often concerning material wealth and individual values.

Both the upright and reversed positions evoke distinct, contrasting states of being. Yet, they both prompt us to impactfully reconsider our relationship with wealth— as the card’s deeper messages revolve around the themes of control, restraint, and our perspectives on prosperity.

4 of Pentacles in Life Scenarios

This section focuses on the application and interpretation of the 4 of Pentacles tarot card in various life contexts.

Growth & Self-Discovery

When the 4 of Pentacles appears upright in a self-discovery context, it indicates a time of financial stability and personal protection. You may feel more in tune with your desires and have effective strategies to realize them. However, an inverted card might imply an unhealthy attachment to material wealth or even indicate a fear of change. This might be a sign for introspection and reassessing one’s values.

Career and Creativity

Within career scenarios, the 4 of Pentacles tarot card often expresses a strong desire for stability and security. It’s a positive indication for those starting a new job or a business. An upright card suggests effective resource management and a promising future, whereas a reversed card can caution against becoming too materialistic or overly cautious with your creative endeavors.

Relationships & Bonds

In a relationship context, the upright 4 of Pentacles implies security but may also express a certain rigidity and unwillingness to let go. There might be a need for openness and flexibility to let your relationships flourish. The reversed card carries a similar message but leans more towards the fear of letting go or an unhealthy attachment that could impact relationship growth negatively.

To read more about the 4 of Pentacles in the context of feelings, read our 4 of Pentacles as Feelings article.

Choices & Life Decicisions

Lastly, with regards to life decisions and choices, the 4 of Pentacles can both encourage and caution. An upright card might suggest that now could be a good time for investment and wealth creation. However, it’s important to not become overly attached or driven by materialistic values. Conversely, a reversed card reminds us that flexibility and change are part of life, urging us to move out of our comfort zones and explore new horizons.

To read more about the 4 of Pentacles when making decisions, read our 4 of Pentacles: Yes or No article.

4 of Pentacles from Past to Present

Visual Evolution of the Card

The 4 of Pentacles, like most tarot cards, has visually evolved over centuries, reflecting societal changes, and its understanding has deepened.

In older decks such as the 15th-century Visconti-Sforza, the card depicted a man holding four large coins, symbolizing material possession and control. As we move onto the popular Rider-Waite deck of the 20th century, the man is seated, holding tightly onto a pentacle (coin), with two under his feet and one atop his crown, representing his one-track mindset towards financial stability and holding on to his assets.

Historical Significance

Historically, the 4 of Pentacles often alluded to the societal focus on material wealth and territoriality. It represents a time in history when the accumulation of wealth was a primary goal and symbol of power.

In its reversed position, the card has been historically used to indicate the releasing of control, rejection of materialism, and the acceptance of change and uncertainty, which correlated with different periods of social or cultural shifts.

Despite its evolution, the central theme remains — the 4 of Pentacles continues to be a symbol of control, security, and stability, drawn from its historical roots.

Synergistic Card Combinations

An essential aspect of tarot reading lies in examining the relations and interactions between different tarot cards. When the 4 of Pentacles comes up in a reading, its meaning can drastically change depending on the other cards present. Here we explore some potential synergies between the 4 of Pentacles and other tarot cards.

4 of Pentacles and The Fool

When the 4 of Pentacles aligns with The Fool, it suggests a need for spontaneity. You may be holding onto something for security or fear of the unknown. The Fool prompts you to let go of the sense of control that the 4 of Pentacles represents to embrace an open pit of possibilities. You may need to lessen your grip on material possessions and leap into the unknown with confidence.

4 of Pentacles and The High Priestess

When you see the 4 of Pentacles paired with The High Priestess, it is a powerful message about hidden knowledge and self-awareness. The 4 of pentacles may signify hoarding or anxieties about letting go. Meanwhile, The High Priestess urges a deeper understanding of the self. It asks you to delve into your subconscious, introspect, and identify the real reasons behind your fear or resistance to change.

4 of Pentacles and The Death

A combination of the 4 of Pentacles and Death often suggests upcoming financial change. The Death card doesn’t necessarily represent physical death but often indicates an end of a phase leading to transformation. In this context, you might have to release your rigid control over finances for profound changes to occur. Embrace this transformation; it could open new paths to prosperity.

4 of Pentacles and The Star

When the 4 of Pentacles combines with The Star, it is an optimistic indication. The Star represents hope, inspiration, and serenity. The 4 of Pentacles’ stance on stability and security, coupled with the Star’s promising energy, suggests that your careful management of resources will eventually lead to an abundant and peaceful future.

Introspection & Meditation

When meditating on the 4 of Pentacles, it is important to delve deep into the aspects of self that revolve around security and control. This card invites you to reflect on your relationship with material possessions and how you utilize them to provide yourself comfort and security.

Visualizing the 4 of Pentacles

Start your meditation by setting a calm environment. Imagine yourself as the central figure in the card, carefully holding onto your wealth symbolized by the pentacles. Feel the weight of these pentacles and dwell on their significance in your life.

Reflection on Stability

Reflect on your personal definitions of stability. Are they driven by material gains or through inner peace and satisfaction? The 4 of Pentacles asks you to examine your hold on your wealth, whether it’s being clenched too tightly out of fear or dealt with confidence and healthy detachment.

Meditative Introspection

As part of your introspective process, assess whether your need for security is preventing growth and risk-taking. The 4 of Pentacles could represent a fear of change or losing what you have.

Energizing Balances

Lastly, utilize this meditative space to energize the balances you want to achieve in your life. Reflect on how you can maintain your security while still opening doors for new opportunities. This card encourages the review of unnecessary self-imposed limitations and promotes exploring the unknown with courage and acceptance.

Summary

The 4 of Pentacles tarot card revolves around themes of material wealth, control, and stability. When upright, it symbolizes financial security and possession, cautioning against being overly attached to material assets. In contrast, its reversed position prompts a reassessment of one’s values, suggesting the potential for financial instability or the need to let go.

Beyond its core interpretations, the card’s elements, from the stern figure grasping pentacles to the backdrop city, carry deep symbolic meanings, emphasizing its message of control and materialism. Historically, the 4 of Pentacles reflects societal views on wealth and power. When combined with other tarot cards, its meanings can vary, emphasizing the complex nature of its teachings. Lastly, meditative introspection on this card can offer pathways to understanding one’s relationship with security and control.

What Next?

Explore more insights with our detailed guides:

• For a comprehensive look at the entire set, view our Suit of Pentacles: Tarot Card Meanings
• Explore more of our Tarot Guides.