The 4 Of Pentacles is a very divisive card, with both positive and negative interpretations depending on the viewer. On one hand, the 4 Of Pentacles can represent fear, greed, and a mindset of scarcity, lack, or 'not enough' to share. The 4 Of Pentacles can also be viewed from a standpoint of financial responsibility, being thrifty, and valuing your money and material possessions. I can draw many different meanings from this card depending on my current mood, or situation. The same can be said for any card in a tarot deck, but I have an especially hard time with this one. Glass half empty, or glass half full?
The Pentacles in tarot are one of 4 suits in the Minor Arcana. Typically the Pentacles, or “coins” suit deal with money, finances, hard work and material wealth. The Pentacles suit in tarot is associated with the suit of diamonds in traditional playing card decks. The similarity is obvious, with diamonds being a sign of affluence, status, wealth and success. Pentacles are also tied to the element earth of the 4 elements.
4 Of Pentacles Description
In the 4 Of Pentacles we see a man wearing a crown and sitting in a chair. Above his head rests a large gold coin, and another appears in his lap. With both of his arms the man holds the coin in his lap close to his chest with a tight grip. It looks as if he's hunched over the coin, trying to obscure it's view from others who may be nearby. Beneath his feet are two more coins firmly underneath him, insuring that they don't go anywhere.
We can see that the man has his back turned to the city behind him. He's secluded himself from others in order to better protect his wealth and possessions. By having each coin on or around his body, the man is unable to move from his current position. He's 'stuck' in place, where no one can gain access to his coins, but in a place where he cannot gain any more. The man has separated himself from friends, family, and colleagues, choosing the security of the coins as his top priority.
4 Of Pentacles Keywords
Upright:
Hoarding
Scarcity
Possessiveness
Saving
insecurity
Greed
Stinginess
Materialistic
Isolation
Thrifty
Reversed:
Sharing
Generosity
Giving
Spending
Letting Go
Opening Up
Gambling
Loss Of Control
Reckless Finances
Giving Away
4 Of Pentacles Upright
Normally the 4 Of Pentacles Upright suggests scarcity or lack of resources mindset. Penny pinching and hoarding every last possession in fear of losing it is typical of this card. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being thrifty and frugal, but fear of loss and there not being 'enough' will hurt you in the long run. This is simple Law Of Attraction, which I've written about extensively. When you begin believing that resources are scarce and limited, you'll start to realize that in your own life. Thinking about everything you don't have, and how little there is to go around just makes the world smaller and more threatening. The man in the 4 Of Pentacles Upright has left town because of this scarcity mindset.
The 4 Of Pentacles Upright can also have a hint of greed mixed into it. Clamoring to every coin, and preventing others from sharing in the wealth is quite obvious with this card. Keeping everything to yourself, and not distributing the wealth will cause stagnation. The man in the 4 Of Pentacles Upright is unable to move because he keeps every coin within close contact. Keep in mind what the Notorious B.I.G. made a song about....Mo Money, Mo Problems. While life can become more comfortable having more money, it also means keeping up with that lifestyle.
Now onto the positive side of the 4 Of Pentacles Upright! You've worked your butt off, you've found financial success, and now you're being smart about managing it. By foregoing some 'wants', and following through with your financial goals, you find yourself in a place of security and safety. This can be reflected in sticking to a budget, sacrificing a vice, or even cutting back on 'basic needs' (buying generic instead of name brand). If you've experienced 'financial difficulty' before, it can lead to being safer with your finances now by drawing the 4 Of Pentacles Upright.
4 Of Pentacles Reversed
The 4 Of Pentacles Reversed meaning is quite the opposite. You may be loose with your money, giving it away freely, without considering the repercussions. Giving your hard earned dollars to causes that matter are noble and significant, but recognize if you're giving away so much that you're unable to meet your own needs. The other side of this coin can be giving your finances away to ignoble causes. Wasting your money away gambling, or frivolously can be another meaning for the 4 Of Pentacles Reversed. Either path can leave you destitute and wondering how you ended up where you're at...similar to the 5 Of Pentacles.
Receiving the 4 Of Pentacles Reversed can be an indication that it's time to reevaluate your finances. There may be a drain on your finances that you've overlooked. Someone or something is taking advantage of your monetary situation. Take a closer look at where your money is going, and identify if there are expenses or habits that you can eliminate.
One other thing to consider with the 4 Of Pentacles Reversed is that you're coming to terms with what money is, and how it's only a tool. Think about how many U-Hauls you've seen behind hearses..... We can't take it with us, but we can share it and enjoy it with others. The things that really matter in life are love, family, relationships, and well-being.
4 Of Pentacles Love
The 4 Of Pentacles Love card can be a little dicey..... Are you being possessive, clingy, or controlling of your partner? Are they being those characteristics of you? Jealousy and insecurity are quick to ruin a relationship. I've experienced this personally more times than I'd like to admit, and unfortunately it's always ended poorly. Let go, let your partner be free to express themselves, and avoid trying to control them. No one likes being suffocated, even if it comes from a place of love and concern. If you've been holding a wrong over your partner it's time to reevaluate whether it's irreconcilable, or if you can forgive. Holding onto this pain like the man holding the coin against his chest in 4 Of Pentacles will just lead to more sadness and heartache.
Being single and receiving the 4 Of Pentacles Love card can mean that you're holding onto something from the past. What's stopping you from opening yourself up, being receptive to new opportunities and relationships? The 4 Of Pentacles Love card means that it's time to acknowledge the demons of the past, and work through them. You are enough, you are lovable, you deserve love. Release your firm grip on the fears that are holding you back, and put yourself out there! You have an endless number of qualities that anyone would appreciate, but keeping them to yourself is holding you back from finding what you want!
4 Of Pentacles Career/Finance
Receiving the 4 Of Pentacles for career means you've found some stability. You're locked into your position, and you won't allow anything or anyone to take it from you. This can be both good and bad. You obviously respect the position you hold, but don't allow yourself to be closed off to new opportunities. The 4 Of Pentacles Career card can also indicate being possessive of your position. Do you allow others to assist, help, or be constructive? Don't allow your ego or control of a situation prevent you from furthering your career. This can be especially difficult in a work setting, but you need to acknowledge the help that surrounds you.
As far as finances are concerned, the 4 Of Pentacles suggest that you're holding onto your money. This isn't a bad thing, you've been smart about your finances! Saving money for a major purpose like furniture, a car, or home are are all admirable goals. Hoard your money and put it toward something admirable, something that will allow you to realize your goal. Be aware of how you're spending your hard earned money and if it's going out the window or it's bringing you closer to your end goal. Don't be afraid of sharing your possessions either. Avoid the scarcity mindset that is a common theme in the 4 Of Pentacles, and you'll continue have success and abundance!
https://vibration101.com/4-of-pentacles-upright-reversed-love-and-money-meaning/
What do you think of the 4 Of Pentacles? Do you think there's enough to go around for everyone, or do you hoard what you have and keep it to yourself? Are you giving too much of your money or time away frivolously? What things are you keeping too tight a grip on that you should let go? Let's talk about it!
Just readin those words in the bullet form you summarized under upright and reversed helped me understand it better. Somehow I don't feel that any of them are good signs. Because they are both in the "extremes" like being so selfish, and the opposite one being so careless, (just my own interpretation, I am not sure if I understood it right LOL)
Anyway, whatever side the person may get, it can still be reminder of what he/she may be lacking, or may be over doing.