UNDERSTANDING THE TEN OF PENTACLES

A happy couple and their dogs face each other under an archway, the formal
entrance to a prosperous home. We spy a house in a walled courtyard, and there
is a prominent high tower—possibly an obvious sexual symbol to show a love
relationship or a signifier for the traditional, learning, and protection.
An older man looks on, seated in a thronelike chair. He is the King of
Pentacles grown old, now with white hair, but still wearing his grapevine cloak
(see page 174). By his presence alone, he appears to give the pair his blessing; it
is now their turn to inherit the values of the family through marriage. We see
three generations here, the grandfather-king, his son or daughter and their
beloved, and a small child, presumably theirs or the offspring of another relative.
Each generation seems quite separate from one another, but they happily share
the same space.
All is in perfect balance. The ten coins on the card are symmetrical and
represent the Tree of Life. The four elements are represented, too, equally. We
see watery scenes on the coats of arms on the bridge; for the Earth element, there
are grapevines; the woman’s cloak is red, for Fire: and the sky over the bridge
gives us the element of Air. All four elements exist in harmony.
In numerology, ten represents completeness and perfection. In the Ten of
Pentacles, this shows happy stability, emotionally and financially. The ten coins
are laid out in the shape of the kabalistic Tree of Life (see page 234)—each one
representing a sphere on the tree and each sphere having an esoteric concept.
The whole tree links with the card’s meaning of maturity and completeness. The
individual sphere associated with this card is Malkuth, for kingdom—so the Ten
of Pentacles celebrates our personal kingdom or our material world.
The Ten’s astrological association of Mercury in Virgo highlights practical
affairs as well as the physical body. This combination also shows the ability to
find specific solutions to problems.

UPRIGHT MEANING
The upright Ten of Pentacles shows an inheritance, generosity, and a love
relationship that brings wealth and happiness—so if you are asking the question,
“Will my current relationship get more committed?” the answer will be a
resounding yes. The Ten of Pentacles often comes up in readings to show a
wedding. What is even better is that the couple shares similar values and often
has similar cultural backgrounds (and the two families actually like one
another!).
An additional meaning is inherited property, buying a second home, or
extending your current home, again with family support. At this time, you also
benefit from sharing—your time, resources, skills, or money to help each other
out. Note that family in this context signifies those you consider family and treat
as such, so this could relate to a close circle of longtime friends.
This card also suggests maturity. You can interpret this in financial terms,
with investments maturing, as well as in emotional terms, as the emotional
maturity that comes with life experience. You may find that an older person in
the family has wisdom to share in addition to resources.

REVERSED MEANING
When reversed, the Ten of Pentacles reveals communication problems in
families as one generation tries to dominate another; children and parents
disagree and have very different attitudes. The card can highlight contention
over a specific issue, such as conflict over property or money. Equally, general
attitudes toward finances may be at the heart of the problem. This card often
comes up in readings to show overly strict parents who try to control their
families with money.
There is also an issue with status here as traditional values block freedom of
expression. Older people may find it hard to accept that their children want to do
things differently.
In romantic relationships, money, property issues, and the demands of family
get in the way of love. Ambition takes over; personal life comes second.
 PAGE OF PENTACLES

Element: Earth of the suit of Earth

Key Meanings: Talent shines and money news
UNDERSTANDING THE PAGE OF PENTACLES
Unlike the wary Page of Swords, the Page of Pentacles is entirely absorbed in
his coin rather than in his surroundings. He holds the money lightly, like a
precious object, a gift that will become an accolade, an award for his talents.
Around him are low mountains, ploughed fields, grass, and trees—a
landscape of plenty—and this fertile place of possibility is his natural home.
Four trees in the distance tell us that his good fortune has come from seeds he
diligently tended. He can admire his coin in the knowledge that he will always
be supported: Turning his attention to one issue does not mean any other life
aspect will suffer, and he does not need to look over his shoulder for challengers
hoping for a share of his glory. In this way, the Page is the opposite of poverty
consciousness. With his youthful optimism, he assumes he will always have
everything he needs.
The Page’s red headgear stands for energy and passion. His scarf is draped
over his shoulder and extends down his back, signifying his wholehearted
motivation. The yellow background and coin symbolize the intellect and solar
consciousness: this Page is proud to let his light shine.
Earth of Earth is the Page’s elemental association. What he achieves comes
from the ground up, like the card’s trees, with solid roots and foundation. He
begins with a solid plan and an aim to establish something great. As double
Earth, he may not be idealistic, but he is practical, sees through his ideas, and is
loyal to his purpose.
Pages and Knights in tarot are generally regarded as people or influences,
whereas the other court cards (the Queens and Kings) are assumed to be people.
Let your intuition guide you toward the most appropriate meaning for the Page
in a reading by working with the card’s imagery first, then the written
interpretations here (see also the Introduction, page 8).

UPRIGHT MEANING
As an influence: This Page reveals progress and adventure, as well as
auspicious beginnings. This is a time to nurture your skills and abilities. There
will be good news concerning finances, business, education, and travel. The
Page of Pentacles also highlights the need for management, and in work matters,
there may be an opportunity to manage people and projects. This Page often
appears to show a job offer or an offer made on a property.
 The card does come with an element of caution, however: There is a real need
for attention to detail now and for diligence in all practical affairs, so double-
check all arrangements and agreements. Also, check through your personal
schedule to ensure everything you plan is realistic. The Page of Pentacles can
also be a sign that it’s time to attend to finances; he comes up in readings to
nudge us to do our taxes and renew outstanding insurance policies.
As a person: Hardworking and methodical, reliable and dedicated—this Page
is practical and trustworthy. As a Page he is a younger person, or someone with
youthful vigor. He may be starting out in the world, or in a new line of business.
He may not have money now, but he has the potential to achieve great things in
future, so you can believe in him and his plans; he will succeed, and he will not
give up.
The card can also show a young person’s achievement and reward for his or
her efforts in sport or education.
As the “you” card in a reading: Money and opportunities beckon—you
have an opportunity to establish a new venture.
As an influence: If two or more Pages fall close together in a reading, the
meanings are as follows:

Two Pages: Friendship if upright; rivalry if one or both cards are reversed
Three Pages: Lots of social activities
Four Pages: A social group of young people

REVERSED MEANING
When the Page of Pentacles is reversed, there may be unwelcome news
regarding finances or property. Unlike the responsible upright Page, the card in
this position means extravagance and irresponsibility rule. You may suffer due to
someone else’s selfish actions. This may apply to young people you live with or
to friends with immature tendencies.
The card can also apply to a person with a sense of entitlement who helps
himself to what is yours; while this is not necessarily theft, it is underhanded.
Observe and take note for future reference.
 KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Element: Fire of the suit of Earth

Astrological Associations: Leo and Virgo
Key Meaning: Improving prosperity
UNDERSTANDING THE KNIGHT OF PENTACLES
This is the only Knight of the tarot’s four minor suits whose horse is at rest,
which seems at odds with the usual mission of a Knight, galloping boldly
onward to fulfill a quest. The steed of the Knight of Pentacles—built more for
pulling a plough than raging into battle—symbolizes a measured approach, very
unlike that of the dashing Knight of Swords, who rushes headlong toward his
goal. This Knight’s mission is long term; he has no interest in hasty action and
will work hard and long to ensure his success.
The plumes on the horse bridle and the Knight’s helmet are green, the color of
nature. They resemble a cluster of oak leaves, a reminder of the idiom “From
acorns great oaks come.” This gives us the meaning of investment for the future,
a concept supported by the fields of rich terracotta soil; the time is right for
sowing, and we might even imagine the Knight planting his coin in those
furrows and waiting for money trees to grow.
The Knight of Pentacles is methodical and thinks ahead; he is fully prepared
for his journey. The blanket under the saddle shows that he has equipped his
horse for the discomfort of a long day’s ride, and behind the saddle is a black
book; he’s brought something to read during rest periods or perhaps it is a
notebook in which to record his progress. The card’s element is Fire of the suit
of Earth, and for this reason, the Knight of Pentacles has the ingredients of
steady purpose—Fire energy to drive him forwards and Earth energy to help him
plan and rationalize his ideas.
The Knight holds his coin in his right hand, which is the same color yellow as
the sky. Like the Page of Pentacles, he sees potential prosperity all around him.
His coin is not hidden, and he is clear that financial security is his central
concern. The red of his tunic and the horse’s bridles show he has energy, and like
the other minor Knights, his blue armor shows he is true to his purpose.
Knights and Pages in tarot are generally regarded as people or influences,
whereas the other court cards (the Queens and Kings) are assumed to be people.
Let your intuition guide you toward the most appropriate meaning for the Knight
in a reading by working with the card’s imagery first, then the written
interpretations here (see also the Introduction, page 8).

UPRIGHT MEANING
As an influence: Showing financial growth and good investment, this card