Four of Pentacles
Words describing Four of Pentacles: Stability, security, control, hoarding, materialism, greed, possessiveness, stubbornness, resistance, rigidity.
How to interpret Four of Pentacles in tarot
Past
Nine of Pentacles (upright)
Present
Four of Pentacles (upright)
Future
The Empress (reversed)
The basic meaning of the card (Rider-Waite)
The Four of Pentacles emphasizes security, stability, and control over one’s material assets. It shows an individual tightly grasping four coins, signifying a powerful intention to hold onto and defend what they possess. This can be about careful financial management but also cautions against an excessive fixation on material wealth.
Upright Meaning
When the Four of Pentacles is in its upright position, it represents a time of financial stability and the importance of safeguarding resources. The individual’s firm grip on the coins suggests caution, but also possibly a reluctance to let go or share.
Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Four of Pentacles indicates a pursuit of financial security, perhaps to an extreme degree. The individual might be saving diligently, making smart investments, and being particularly cautious with spending. It’s essential to maintain a balance, ensuring that other vital aspects of life aren’t overshadowed by material concerns.
Example Interpretation
If the Four of Pentacles appears in a financial-oriented reading, it can imply a stable financial phase. It suggests prudence in spending and an inclination towards saving for future needs. If the card is reversed, it could hint at the need to find balance, urging one to not let fears around finances overshadow other life areas and to consider the value of sharing and interpersonal growth.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Four of Pentacles represents the archetype of possession and control. This card often appears when someone is holding on tightly to material possessions, resources, or power. It can also symbolize a fear of losing what one has accumulated, leading to a hoarding mentality.
Behavioral Patterns
When the Four of Pentacles appears in a reading, it can suggest that the individual is struggling with issues of control and security. They may feel the need to hold onto everything tightly and may have difficulty letting go or sharing with others. This can manifest as possessiveness and a fear of loss or scarcity.
Integration and Shadow Work
To work with the energies of the Four of Pentacles, it is important to explore the underlying fears and insecurities that may be driving the need for control. Shadow work can involve acknowledging and addressing any past traumas or experiences that have led to this mindset. It can also involve practicing generosity and letting go of attachments to material possessions, in order to cultivate a sense of abundance and trust in the universe.