Four of Pentacles
A crowned man grips one pentacle to his chest, balances another on his crown, and pins two beneath his feet: security won, at the risk of rigidity and isolation.
Pentacles, IV
Upright keywords
- security
- conservation
- control
- possessiveness
- saving
- stability
- holding on
Meaning when upright
The Four of Pentacles depicts a crowned man gripping one coin to his chest, another balanced on his head, and two pinned beneath his feet, with every resource locked in place. On the positive side, it speaks of saving, conserving energy, and securing a foundation after hard work. Yet the posture is stiff and the city lies behind him, so protection can harden into possessiveness and control can shut out connection and new opportunity. Waite framed it as "the surety of possessions, cleaving to that which one has," including gift, legacy, and inheritance.
On the card
- crowned figure seated on a stone block
- Worldly status and a fixed, immovable position; stability that has become a throne.
- pentacle clasped to his chest with both arms
- Guarding resources and feelings alike; the heart closed around what is possessed.
- pentacle balanced on top of his crown
- A mind preoccupied with material concerns; status bound up with wealth.
- two pentacles pinned beneath his feet
- A firm but immobilizing foundation, since he cannot step forward without letting go.
- city skyline behind him
- The wider world of commerce and community, from which he sits apart with his back turned.
- dark mantle wrapped over a red robe
- Self-protection and insulation around a core of worldly ambition.
In Waite’s words
A crowned figure, having a pentacle over his crown, clasps another with hands and arms; two pentacles are under his feet. He holds to that which he has.
- Divinatory meaning
The surety of possessions, cleaving to that which one has, gift, legacy, inheritance.
- Reversed
Suspense, delay, opposition.
- Additional meaning
For a bachelor, pleasant news from a lady. Reversed: Observation, hindrances.
Correspondences
- Element
- Earth
- Astrology
- Sun in Capricorn
- Sephira
- Chesed (4)
- Golden Dawn title
- Lord of Earthly Power
- Decan
- Jan 10 – Jan 19
- Number
- Four is structure and stability; in the earthy suit it becomes the fortress of possession, solid but prone to rigidity.
To reflect on
- What am I holding onto out of fear rather than need?
- Where has my desire for security started to cost me connection or growth?
- What would it feel like to loosen my grip by just one coin?
In your readings
Hasn’t appeared in your readings yet.
Ask about this card
Marguerite, the traditionalist, answers from Waite’s text, what is drawn on the card and its correspondences. You can choose another reader in settings.