This card is perfect for readings that center on the material world and physical reality, such as career and physical health readings.
All Kings represents the ruler and master of their element. The King of Pentacles is the ruler of wealth and prosperity. He possesses knowledge and experience in successful manifestation.
When the King of Pentacles appears, it could also signify a person with the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. This association can provide further insights into the reading.
I’ve found it incredibly insightful to cross-reference from different guidebooks, so I’ve compiled my interpretation, the original Rider-Waite-Smith interpretation and three of my favourite go-to and trusted tarot decks using the Rider-Waite-Smith system below.
My Interpretation
King of Pentacles is secure in himself and his material accomplishments. Always stable, realistic, trustworthy and dedicated.
He is resourceful and has strong connections to the resources necessary for any business or project he wishes to undertake. His decisions are well-informed and calculated; he does not rush or act impulsively.
He thinks long-term and is willing to delay gratification for greater rewards. Having mastered the art of timing, he knows when to hold on and when to reap the fruits of his labour.
Additionally, the King of Pentacles represents a stage in life where one can enjoy the fruits (of the seeds) planted years ago while simultaneously growing even more.
His slow and steady pace gives him the luxury to engage in all his sensations, and, as a result, he naturally acquires an appreciation for the finer things in life.
Finer things reflect craftsmanship, passion, dedication and patience to create the highest quality.
If the King of Pentacles shows up in your reading, it could represent you, an aspect of yourself that you should connect with, or someone in your life exuding the characteristics of the King of Pentacles.
The Rider Tarot Deck: King of Pentacles
Take a look at A.E. Waite’s (the mind behind the well-known RWS tarot deck) interpretation below. Although I feel it doesn’t provide deeper information about the card, it’s interesting to get a glimpse of his perspective of the King of Pentacles:
The figure calls for no special description. The face is rather dark, suggesting also courage, but somewhat lethargic in tendency.
The bull’s head should be noted as a recurrent symbol on his throne.
The sign of this suit is represented throughout as engraved or blazoned with the pentagram, typifying the correspondence of the four elements in human nature and that by which they may be governed.
Divinatory Meanings
- Upright
- Valor
- Realizing intelligence
- Business
- Normal intellectual aptitude
- Sometimes mathematical gifts and attainments of this kind—success in the paths
- Reversed
- Vice
- Weakness
- Ugliness
- Perversity
- Corruption
- Peril
Spirit Keeper’s Tarot (Revelation Edition): Archangel of Mysteries
The Kings in the Spirit Keeper’s Tarot are associated with an Archangel that governs the corresponding element. When it appears in your reading, it’s a calling for mastery in that particular element.
What fascinates me about this card, Archangel of Mysteries (King of Pentacles), is its connection to the fifth element (Ether), the realm of space, intuition, and spirit. This unique connection sparks curiosity and invites us to delve deeper into its mysteries.
As we master and rule our physical self and world, we witness the correlation between the microcosm and macrocosm.
“As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul…”
― Hermes Trismegistus
Angel Who Illuminates the Shadow: This is an omen of self-sufficiency and security overworldly possessions. All that you need for fulfillment has been and will be provided.
Here is the Archangel of Revelations, set in pre-Columbian Tehuelche-occupied Patagonia, the southern tip of South America, incorporating parts of Chile and Argentina. Blessings from Küpuka kushe, Mapuche goddess of abundance.
In the skies is the Pleiades, under the constellation Taurus—an omen of prosperity, of a great harvest to come. The corn symbolizes provision, one who is a Provider, one who nourishes and sustains the livelihoods of others.
You work and labor not for yourself, but for the establishment of a kingdom for your kin. In the SKT, HRU manifests as the Archangel of Mysteries.
The esoteric implication of the suit of Orbs is that it not only signifies the element Earth, but also the fifth element of quintessence.
The Wandering Star Tarot: King of Pentacles
I love reading the wisdom of Cat Pierce through this guidebook. She shows us the many facets of the King of Pentacles in different situations, from his work ethic to how he loves.
The King of Pentacles does not shy away from hard work. He puts in the hours and is in turn rewarded for his efforts.
He is reliable, creative, and practical, and never keeps you waiting.
He is a natural protector and is happiest when settled with a loving partner. He is loyal to the end, sensual, and intensely passionate.
He knows his worth and has no patience for those who don’t value him.
The King suggests you keep your boundaries strong and your aim true. He knows that discipline and good old-fashioned effort always pay off.
He also knows the importance of laughter and enjoying the fruits of his labor. And though he may work hard, you’ll rarely see him working overtime.
“Loyalty…[is] a will, a decision, a partisanship of the soul.” —Pascal Mercier
Tarot of the Divine: King of Coins
This deck features mythologies, folklores and fairytales from all around the world. It is impressive to see how Yoshi Yoshitani connects us to the primordial archetypes of the world through her ingenious way of weaving together the scenes in the cards and their relevant stories.
All the Kings in this deck feature a majestic creature of its elemental forces. With the King of Pentacles, it’s The World Turtle. Turtles are known for their slow and steady pace and also their longevity. How perfect a representation of pentacles. Slow but consistent effort can yield long-lasting results.
The King of Coins represents stability and faithfulness. The World Turtle is strong enough to support the weight of other’s hopes and dreams.
He may not be an active participant in their lives, but he is always dependable, slow, and steady.
Keywords
- Upright
- Success
- Dependability
- Conservatism
- Strong will
- Willing to work
- Reversed:
- Corruption
- Materialism
- Ruthlessness
- Authority
- Indulgence
Lastly.
How to use the Tarot for Self-Discovery—A Lunary Tarot Challenge
Take a moment to journal, voice record or close your eyes to answer one of the following self-discovery prompts. These questions will help you go beyond and into the card.
- How does the King of Pentacles card make you feel? What emotions or visions arise? Or does the King of Pentacles remind you of someone?
- How and why did the King of Pentacles show up in your reading? (eg. In what position of the reading and why?)
‘Why’ questions can make your mind go blank at times. Check-in intuitively with yourself: ‘Why’? If you still don’t have an answer, fret not. Try the Active Imagination approach below. - Active Imagination Activity
Imagine yourself embodying and exuding the King of Pentacles’ personality and perspective; how would you show up to or handle the situation (based on your tarot reading intention)?
These questions will help you go beyond the surface and deeper into the card. You can find out how you associate with the King of Pentacles.
Is this a call to activate some of his characteristics in you? Could the King of Pentacles be a work persona of yours where you have to be responsible and sensible, lead and support others? Or is it something you feel you naturally are?
Who are you when you drop your persona? What do you value in life, and what are your values?