When studying tarot, we often learn about the Fool’s Journey through the Major Arcana, in which the cards form a story. The cards of the Minor Arcana form stories too, and seeing how each card builds on the last can help us understand the cyclical nature of the suits. In this four part series (find Cups, Swords, and Wands here), I’ll share the journey of each suit as I have told it to myself. These narratives are heavily based on the Rider Waite Smith imagery. Other decks may tell different stories! Today we examine the suit of Pentacles, associated with Earth, the physical realm, work, the body, and material resources.
Ace of Pentacles: A seed falls into your hands, heavy and golden. Pennies from heaven! You feel a surge of sensation, awash in touch, taste, sight, smell, and sound, as you become hyper aware of the material world around you. The seed holds the promise of prosperity, if you nourish it. You plant the seed in the warm, wet earth.
Two of Pentacles: The seed has grown, and suddenly there is much to do! You are juggling tasks, materials, and time, all in constant motion. This dance requires perfect balance, perfect rhythm. You feel a rush, high off of your own agility. With keen focus, you can keep it up — for now.
Three of Pentacles: Now you’re able to work at a calmer pace, directing your attention to just one project, and you need an outside perspective. You find mentors to give you feedback and direction. You find collaborators, and working together invigorates you all. Together you plan where to go next. You form a formidable team, and the work is better and stronger for it.
Four of Pentacles: The work has been fruitful. You gather your share and hold it close. It’s yours. You earned it. A wave of possessiveness grips you. You fear letting go. You worked so hard for what you have, and you want to hoard it, keep it safe. As you clutch your earnings to your chest, you wonder: is this prudent? Are you creating a necessary, sturdy foundation for your future endeavors, or are you ruled by fear and covetousness? Sooner or later, you’ll have to allow for change.
Five of Pentacles: You’ve lost everything. You enter a period of material scarcity and hardship. You can’t fulfill your own needs, and begin to feel disconnected from your own body and the world around you. You pass by those with plenty, finding yourself on the outside looking in. Would they help you if you asked? Maybe. Maybe not. You turn to the one beside you, facing the same trouble, and take their hand. Somehow, you will make it through.
Six of Pentacles: You enter an economy of sharing, of material balance. You come to someone when you have nothing, and they share what they have. With this gift you are able to recover, even begin to prosper. Someone comes to you with hunger in their eyes, and you open your cupboards. You have learned to give and receive with grace, to be generous and accept generosity. In such a precarious world, this is only right.
Seven of Pentacles: With resources renewed, you’ve planted a new garden, and the vines are beginning to bear fruit. You take a moment to step back and assess your progress — the work you’ve done, the work you have yet to do, the present results. You hold one of the fruits in your hand, trying to assess whether it is truly ripe. You don’t want to pick unripe fruit, but you don’t want to wait too long until it’s rotting on the vine. You still yourself and focus on the fruit in your palm. Is it ready, or do you need to be patient just a little while longer?
Eight of Pentacles: Your work continues, and your dedication begins to yield true mastery of your craft. Every day you learn more, and every day your work improves. You focus on both the most intricate details and the larger structures of how things fit together. Your diligence and hard work are their own reward, and your pride in your craft shines through.
Nine of Pentacles: Through hard work, self-control, and focus, you have reached a comfortable prosperity. You thrill in your success and independence. You can now enjoy the finer things in life, and why not? You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to treat yourself! You feel confident and powerful in your body, home, and work.
Ten of Pentacles: You have achieved a firm and lasting foundation, and your home bursts with abundance. Your world is a lush and vibrant garden that you tend to every day, and you want to share it. This foundation you have built will provide for your loved ones. Indulging yourself felt good. Sharing with others feels right. You place a golden seed in your heir’s palm…