Minor Arcana - Pentacles
A guide to interpreting the Suit of Pentacles, as well as insight into the imagery in In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck.
ACE of PENTACLES
Upright:
New opportunities, Manifestation, Abundance, Prosperity
Reversed:
Lost opportunities, Lack of foresight, Poor planning, Missed chances
TWO of PENTACLES
Upright:
Adaptability, Juggling priorities, Time management, Prioritization, Fluidity
Reversed:
Over-commitment, Disorganization, Reevaluating priorities, Loss of balance
In the Queer Witch Tarot Deck, the Two of Pentacles is represented by a non-binary person. The card invites us to be fluid not only with our external priorities, but fluid with the way we perceive and represent ourselves as well. The frame represents the pictures we paint of our lives, which can become overwhelmingly cluttered if we try to fit too many things inside. However, the waves suggests that if we define ourselves not by each individual aspect of our lives, but rather by fluidity itself, we can calmly accept the various phases, responsibilities, people, and priorities that come and go from our lives without being defined by static elements.
THREE of PENTACLES
Upright:
Collaboration, Teamwork, Community Building, Learning
Reversed:
Disharmony, Misalignment, Shouldering work / burdens alone, Group conflict
FOUR of PENTACLES
Upright:
Saving money, Security, Scarcity, Control, Conserving
Reversed:
Over-indulgence, Greed, Self-Protection, Stinginess
The Four of Pentacles shows someone apparently shackled by money (or a lack thereof). However, if they would release control of the coin that’s clutched to their chest, they would be able to easily slip out of their restraints. This card reminds us that while financial burdens can absolutely be debilitating, over-obsession with finances can be equally debilitating in and of itself.
FIVE of PENTACLES
Upright:
Financial Loss, Poverty, Isolation, Worry, Scarcity Mindset
Reversed:
Recovery from loss, Spiritual lacking, Charity
SIX of PENTACLES
Upright:
Giving and receiving, Sharing wealth, Generosity, Charity
Reversed:
Self-prioritization, Unpaid debt, ‘Strings attached’ generosity, Stinginess, Power imbalance
In many decks, the six of pentacles shows a patriarchal figure helping a struggling young family. This card is often interpreted as “generosity” or “charity” but there is a glaring power imbalance in the card as well. It begs the questions, why does one man hold such wealth while another family struggles? Why and how is he determining who gets to share in his wealth?
In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, the six of pentacles shows two hands with coins circulating freely between them. This card invites us to reflect on how we can balance the power we hold (or need). How can we give and take fluidly and continuously? Where are there imbalances in our lives, our communities, and our world; and what would it take (whether sacrifice or vulnerability) to bring them to a place of balance?
SEVEN of PENTACLES
Upright:
Perseverance, Long-term planning, Investment, Sustainability, Reaping the fruits of your labor
Reversed:
Short-term vision, limited success, Impatience, Lack of reward, Distraction
EIGHT of PENTACLES
Upright:
Repetition, Mastery, Skill Development, Practice, Apprenticeship
Reversed:
Perfectionism, Distraction, Lack of inspiration, Unmotivated
NINE of PENTACLES
Upright:
Abundance, Financial Independence, Luxury, Flying from the nest
Reversed:
Self-worth, Hustling, Over-working yourself, Reckless spending
TEN of PENTACLES
Upright:
Wealth, Financial security, Family, Legacy, Inheritance
Reversed:
Greed, Financial loss, Lack of stability, Corruption, Fleeting success
PAGE of PENTACLES
Upright:
Manifestation, Opportunity, The ‘road to riches,’ Ambition, Diligence
Reversed:
Procrastination, Lack of progress, Laziness, Fear of Commitment
KNIGHT of PENTACLES
Upright:
Perseverance, Responsibility, Routine, Reliability, Hard Work
Reversed:
Self-Discipline, Perfectionism, Boredom
In The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, many of the Court Cards aren’t gendered (or aren’t traditionally gendered). Removing traditional gender roles from the court cards allows us to interpret their meanings more holistically, and see ourselves reflected in them without hesitation or discomfort. The Knight of Pentacles is about patience and perseverance, even when the end isn’t in sight. The elephant is a symbol of reliability and diligence. The creation of a mandala exemplifies the act of being patient and methodical, and trusting that the ending will be beautiful.
QUEEN of PENTACLES
Upright:
Nurturing, Practicality, Parenthood, Providing financially
Reversed:
Financial independence, Jealousy, Self-Care, Work-home life imbalance, Smothering
Like many other Court Cards in The Queer Witch Tarot Deck, the Queen of Pentacles is not represented by symbols of womanhood. This card reminds us that creating, nurturing, and providing for your family are not gendered traits. Secondly, The Queen invites us to question why the concept of an imbalance between work and family life is often a burden placed solely on the shoulders of women.
KING of PENTACLES
Upright:
Wealth, Business success, Leadership, Abundance, Financial Security
Reversed:
Obsession with wealth and status, Stubbornness, Greed, Indulgence
