The King of Pentacles

Representing the paternal nature; the King of Pentacles represents the consumption of the soul by wealth. Here the belief is asserted that the limits of our physical world are determined by how much of our spiritual self we draw upon; with the sacrifice of wealth necessary as precondition to the acquisition of wealth – you have to spend money to make money – the burden of loss although offset by the gains does not decrease as those gains are consumed. What is given up is never returned in the form it was given but rather it is transformed forever.

In the upright state the King of Pentacles represents a warning to understand exactly what we ask for, before we ask for it, lest you get everything you want and have it not be at all what you expected.

In the inverted state the King of Pentacles represents fixation and the replacement of concerns about how to gain wealth with concerns about how to prevent its loss. In the inverted state the King of Pentacles is a warning to the miser and those who seek wealth to horde it, that the Universe provides more ways to lose wealth than it does to gain it; your energy will be expended far quicker attempting to safeguard your wealth once acquired than the total sum needed to acquire it in the first place. Unearned wealth is lost with ease, however that which is earned leaves a lasting impact not least of all because the effort expended to acquire it fundamentally changes us in the process.

The Queen of Pentacles

Representing the maternal nature; the Queen of Pentacles represents the burden of wealth created by obligation. The Queen of Pentacles represents the distribution of wealth and the attempt to mediate a conscience when determining who would benefit most from the wealth we distribute.

In the upright state the Queen of Pentacles represents the recognition that wealth attained but not shared makes those who horde that wealth culpable for the lost potential and deprivation that results from their inaction. The Queen of Pentacles has no desire to horde wealth, but rather focuses on the potential it holds.

In the inverted state the Queen of Pentacles represents the limit of our benevolence and the understanding that not all problems can be solved, not all requests can be met, our judgement must be used to determine who would benefit most, and subsequently the choice we make further burdens us with responsibility for the outcome of our actions and inactions.

The Knight of Pentacles

Representing discipline; the Knight of Pentacles represents the recognition of progress and achievement, as well as an understanding of the need to pass on our legacy to others. The Knight of Pentacles represents an authority figure who wishes to teach others who desire to achieve what they have done.

In the upright state the Knight of Pentacles represents a prompt to share our wealth with those who seek to further their own, to impart knowledge and wisdom and to relate our experience to help guide them on their journey; a prompt to assume the role of mentor and provide guidance when it is asked of us by others.

In the inverted state the Knight of Pentacles represents what is still unknown to us, the mystery and intrigue of the material realm, and a recognition of the limit of our understanding. The inverted Knight asks us to accept our ignorance so that we may open our minds to the opportunity to learn from others in turn.

The Page of Pentacles

Representing study; the Page of Pentacles represents reflection upon the wealth we have gained with a particular focus on the journey that wealth has taken from inception to completion. The Page of Pentacles is often a sign or prompt to consider what lessons can be learned from our past triumphs and how those can be applied to our future endeavours.

In the upright state the Page of Pentacles focuses specifically on the wealth itself and this journey it has taken, noting the evolution in form and the change in significance that results from this transformation.

In the inverted state however the Page of Pentacles focuses on ourselves and how the journey to obtain that wealth has changed us, the evolution within us, and the significance of this transformation, whether we succeeded in achieving the goals we set out now becomes irrelevant instead we take toll of the journey and count the cost of our endeavours.

The 10 of Pentacles

Representing completion; the 10 of Pentacles represents the end of the physical journey with the achievement of manifestation. Here the concept of manifestation represents the formation of an idea, the implementation, cultivation, production, and consumption within the physical realm.

In the upright state the 10 of Pentacles represents a return on investment, or a period of time to consume the fruit of our labour. The emphasis here is not placed on the idea of ending in the sense of termination, but in the sense of a cessation of movement – no further forward momentum is needed for now.

In the inverted state the 10 of Pentacles represents unmet expectations. Our forward momentum has ceased but the outcome is not exactly as we had envisioned. Here the emphasis is placed on making the most of what was achieved rather than seeking to prolong the journey further.

The 9 of Pentacles

Representing anticipation; the 9 of Pentacles pertains to patience and frustration as two sides of the same coin, the former representing our ability to wait and the latter representing our inability. The focus here is placed on the future with an emphasis placed on preparing for that future.

In the upright state the 9 of Pentacles represents our patience and preparation, in this state it is a sign that we already possess all that we need to confront the challenges or situations that we will face. As long as we remain composed, collected, and approach these situations rationally we will be able to handle them with grace.

In the inverted state the 9 of Pentacles represents our anxiety and frustration with a particular focus placed on the expectation we create for our future reaction. Here the emphasis is placed not on the approaching situation itself but on our feeling of being unprepared and the uncertainty that is stirred within us as a result.

The 8 of Pentacles

Representing urgency; the 8 of Pentacles represents the nature of humanity to overcome its obstacles only when the impetus is provided. The interconnection of our wealth and that of others is reinforced and the collective nature of economy in the form of a market force is underlined.

In the upright state the 8 of Pentacles prompts us to take action by increasing our focus, putting greater emphasis on the limit of time and what is realistically achievable within the time frames we have committed to. This could be a prompt to reconsider how long we had planned to wait before taking action and to consider what is gained or lost through that sacrifice of time.

In the inverted state the 8 of Pentacles represents a change in our planned time frame that does not originate in our own choice but in the choices of others. Here someone else or something else will move the goalposts and we will be expected to respond.

The 7 of Pentacles

Representing reinvention; the 7 of Pentacles represents the return of opportunity to transform and renew wealth. There is a particular focus here on turning existing forms of wealth into new forms that are more beneficial, either by exchanging commodities and resources for financial gain, or by putting financial assets to work through further investment and redistribution.

Where the Ace of Pentacles represented renewal with novelty or stagnation as its foundation depending on the orientation, the 7 of Pentacles in contrast represents transformation of existing wealth and the familiarity of well-travelled ground.

In the upright state the 7 of Pentacles portends a change in focus or perspective. This could mean that our goals for our wealth and material journey change and with that change our commitments shift, of it could mean that our goals remain the same but the path we had foreseen will fundamentally change with an entirely new route opening up to us.

In the inverted state the 7 of Pentacles represents frustration and the inability to create movement because of our adherence to ideology and commitment to approaches that have proven to be unsuccessful, weighing us down rather than empowering us. We cannot expect different results by repeating our past failures, until we recognise the barriers that we create within ourselves to our own growth we will not be able to overcome those barriers.

The 6 of Pentacles

Representing transience and movement; the 6 of Pentacles represents a return to balance, a recognition within those who can, that they have an obligation to those who cannot. The 6 of Pentacles reinforces the connected nature of wealth and the limit of that abundance. You can only take so much before you can take no more, you can’t get blood from a stone. When all sacrifices have been made, those who depend upon the sacrifice of others face destruction and destitution.

Whilst this relationship and inevitable destruction is often focused upon the poor, the risk of destruction does not truly lie with them but with the rich. Poverty poses no threat to those who are already poor; those who horde wealth and plan growth of their wealth on the premise of continued sacrifice will face their downfall when the limit of that sacrifice is met.

In the upright state the 6 of Pentacles represents the movement of wealth and the correction of imbalance. Those who have horded their wealth will experience loss, and those who have gone without will be repaid. This repayment will come by force, as the material realm tends towards balance and equilibrium, those who create imbalance are not above its ire.

In the inverted state the 6 of Pentacles represents the stagnation of wealth as a means to restore balance. Here growth will be disproportionate and favour those with less, punishing those with more.

The 5 of Pentacles

Representing conflict; the 5 of Pentacles represents poverty and austerity, our dependence on others for charity is emphasised here whether that be reliance upon the income and financial support we receive through payment for work, or the physical shelter and sustenance provided to us by another, ultimately our lack of independence is underlined.

In the upright state the 5 of Pentacles represents the conflict caused by this dependence. How much of a financial burden we pose, or how much obligation we create within others is the focus here, our attitude to this relationship will be amplified. Short term sacrifice for long term gain needs to be the guiding principle here, and to understand this dependence can be changed in time.

In the inverted state the 5 of Pentacles represents the reversal of this relationship, with the emphasis placed on the obligations that others have created within us; this could portend financial commitments made on our behalf by another, increased prices for example or the withdrawal or restriction of credit, or financial loss incurred through no fault of our own, for example damage and theft.

The 4 of Pentacles

Representing stability; the 4 of Pentacles represents a period of relative calm and reflection within the wealth and material realm. Where the Ace of Pentacles represented the opportunity for new commitments to be made, here the 4 of Pentacles places its focus on the existing commitments we have made and the effort required to maintain these commitments.

In the upright state the 4 of Pentacles represents an opportunity to plan ahead for the future, to make repairs, invest disposable income, relieve austerity, and make the most of an unchanging landscape whilst we have respite.

In the inverted state the 4 of Pentacles represents an opportunity to correct past mistakes, whether they be our own or the mistakes of others, and to revise commitments by reconsidering our obligations. Once again, the moment of respite is emphasised with the opportunity it offers, complacency is shunned here as this respite will not last forever.

The 3 of Pentacles

Representing connection; the 3 of Pentacles represents the connection between creation and destruction through causality and the awareness of the element of sacrifice being raised. The 3 of Pentacles represents our understanding of the interconnectedness of wealth, in rudimentary terms the adage “You have to spend money to make money” is encapsulated here.

In the upright state the 3 of Pentacles represents our connection to our community, our environment, and the material world around us. The emphasis here is placed on raising our awareness of how much or how little we contribute first to that physical world before we ask of it, or how much disturbance we cause within it. Here the emphasis is to recognise that world is the source of the substance we draw from in order to transform.

In the inverted state the 3 of Pentacles is a warning not to shun the communities that invite us to join them, nor to neglect the environment that attempts to nurture us. Do not bite the hand that feeds you as it were. Here we are warned that our capacity to create wealth of our own is limited by our connection to the material realm, the act of creating wealth for ourselves in reality is the act of taking ownership of the wealth of others. The emphasis here is placed on our charitable nature, and the sacrifices we make considered as investments needed before returns can be paid.

The 2 of Pentacles

Representing balance; the 2 of Pentacles is associated with the balance between creation and destruction, here in the material realm this is conceptualised as gain and loss of wealth. The 2 of Pentacles relates to the ebb and flow of life.

In the upright state the 2 of Pentacles represents loss and gain equally matched resulting in stasis despite the presence of movement and volatility. Here the 2 of Pentacles acts as a warning not to expect momentum to emerge from the frenetic nature of this transformation. Your foundations may be changing but your overall structure at least for now remains constant.

In the inverted state the 2 of Pentacles represents an imbalance between loss and gain; although often seen as a negative outlook or bad omen, this imbalance can be in our favour or against it, ultimately the context in which this card appears in this state needs to be considered. For a time either our income or our expenditure will be higher than the other but this imbalance will not be maintained indefinitely.

The Ace of Pentacles

Representing beginnings; the Ace of Pentacles is associated with opportunity, new beginnings and change. It can also represent the arrival of something new that will come under your responsibility.

In the upright state the Ace of Pentacles pertains to novelty, that which has not been seen before or which is entirely new to us. The emphasis here is placed on opportunity and potential, a journey of discovery, a blank canvas, or an acquisition. This card in this orientation is generally favourable, in this state it portends something of benefit.

In the inverted state the Ace of Pentacles as with the other Aces pertains to renewal; here again opportunity and potential frame the material wealth we have already acquired. This could be an opportunity to sell something we have held onto for some time, or an opportunity to transform something we already own into something else, for example you may find a use for a book that you had long abandoned or suddenly have need of clothes you have not worn for some time.

The King of Swords

Representing the paternal nature; the King of Swords represents the culmination of achievement, confidence and authority combined in one. The King of Swords is a sign that our understanding has reached its limit and that our focus should now shift to other desires and new ideas.

In the upright state the King of Swords is a prompt to let go of the things we have been focusing on and accept that we have done all that we can. Our hard work will not be undone in this act but rather the strength and significance of our achievement will become self-evident.

In the inverted state the King of Swords emphasises our unwillingness to let go and the effect upon us this inability to let go is having. To rest on our laurels and hold onto one achievement alone is a disservice to our experience and dismisses the value of our potential contributions.

The Queen of Swords

Representing the maternal nature; the Queen of Swords is forward thinking planning for the future with the desire to nurture future generations. The emphasis of the Queen of Swords is that of legacy and heritage.

In the upright state the Queen of Swords represents preparation and planning. She believes that the return of conflict is inevitable, no life can be lived free from conflict but preparation can be made to help resolve disputes before they reach that level. The Queen prompts us to develop our diplomacy, to remember our past, and to pursue harmony, but to ultimately accept that not every conflict can be avoided, we can only control our motivations we cannot control those of our adversaries.

In the inverted state the Queen of Swords represents the risk posed by a lack of forethought; to leap without looking would return us to the 2 of Swords and the idea of blind faith. To build upon the evolution and iteration achieved thus far we must therefore remember what has been learned, not discard it.

The Knight of Swords

Representing discipline; the Knight of Swords is associated with the application of theory through practice, the Knight of Swords represents independent thought. The Knight acts based on their intuition and their own instincts. Their actions are guided by discipline and their own authority empowered by the will of the cause they serve.

In the upright state the Knight of Swords is a sign that what you have learned must be practised; you will find yourself retreading familiar ground with the warning not to repeat past mistakes. There is a warning here that new conflicts could arise if mistakes are made, remember to maintain discipline in your approach.

In the inverted state the Knight of Swords represents the reckless nature and desire to discount past experience as an anomaly and to repeat past mistakes believing they will lead to a different outcome.

The Page of Swords

Representing study; the Page of Swords represents a rebirth and renewal, a period of reconstruction after conflict comes to an absolute end. Renewed optimism leads to opportunity and growth that sees retrospection given respect and reverence.

In the upright state the Page of Swords represents the will to move beyond ego, and the desire to understand met with the opportunity to gain insight and revelation. A renewal of hope is portended.

In the inverted state the Page of Swords represents the pursuit of understanding without hope, an endeavour we may not believe will succeed but is pursued nonetheless for the sake of understanding alone.

The 10 of Swords

Representing completion; the 10 of Swords is further associated with the consequence of our action and the closure gained from acceptance. In accepting the things, we cannot change we are able to bring an end to the thoughts that surround them giving us the opportunity to move beyond them. The 10 of Swords here therefore represents the absolute completion of conflict.

Where the 9 of Swords represented the paralysing force of negative thought, the 10 of Swords can be seen as forced acceptance, the belief that things cannot get any worse not because we have faith in that belief but simply the product of the inability to see how they could get any worse. In other words, the point at which our despair becomes so deep that literally every possible outcome now appears positive in contrast, no deeper state of negativity exists, or to be quite pointed, absolute rock bottom has been reached.

In the upright state the 10 of Swords asks us to reflect and consider the amount of time we spend thinking about things we cannot change and to determine whether this devotion of energy could be better spent elsewhere and to question whether the devotion of time and energy to those thought processes had any impact at all at lessening or preventing those undesirable outcomes.

In the inverted state the 10 of Swords asks us to consider whether we have accepted the significance of our past and acknowledged the impact it has had; where the upright state reflects on how much time we have spent, the emphasis here is on how little time we have spent trying to compensate and mitigate that negativity or whether we spent our time worrying about the things we could not change without acting, convinced all actions were fruitless endeavours.

The 9 of Swords

Representing anticipation; the 9 of Swords represents anxiety and depression, the anticipation of thought amplifies the significance of thought beyond its true magnitude. Worry amplifies worry, despair deepens despair.

In the upright state the 9 of Swords represents our fixation on past events and our obsession with entertaining negative thoughts. In the upright state we relive our trauma and carry it with us allowing it to dominate our thoughts and influence our actions.

In the inverted state the 9 of Swords represents our affinity to external influences that impact us negatively. We feed our anxiety and despair with negativity. In the inverted state the 9 of Swords warns us of the impact of this focus and calls upon us to shift our perspective to align with something that has a positive influence.

The 8 of Swords

Representing urgency; the 8 of Swords represents the loss of peace and tranquillity, replaced with disturbance once more but with much greater urgency. The 8 of Swords is a sign of trial and tribulation and the need for strength of spirit to endure the return of conflict, with a particular emphasis on course correction where our forward path has not led where we intended it to lead.

In the upright state the 8 of Swords emphasises the need for diplomacy, the impetus to communicate clearly is amplified; the death of our identity as a means to achieve stability as portended by the 4 of Swords makes a return two-fold with the permanent closure of conflict predicted; in the upright state this closure is likely to be positive.

In the inverted state the 8 of Swords warns that the return of conflict is likely to result in defeat which portends to a breakdown of communication and the return of conflict this time beyond resolution, instead an existential threat is posed where the victor will remain, and the defeated element will be removed entirely.

The 7 of Swords

Representing reinvention; the 7 of Swords is associated with the potential for renewal and redevelopment. The potential for growth is emphasised here and the path forward is filled with hope and optimism.

In the upright state the 7 of Swords represents counsel and prompts us to embrace the concept of reconciliation and focus on the potential to build something new that goes beyond what existed before. Where the 6 of Swords incorporated reconciliation as the outcome of conflict resolution and closure, the 7 of Swords focuses particularly on ambition and aspiration for the future, and the implementation of ideas that can bring us closer to that future.

In the inverted state the 7 of Swords is a warning that old conflicts could be renewed once more and a return to disturbance may be approaching. Where the 6 of Swords warned of stagnation as the consequence of our failure to gain closure, here the emphasis is placed on the potential of further hurt from wounds that remain open.

The 6 of Swords

Representing transience and movement; the 6 of Swords is associated with endurance and consequence. In the wake of conflict reality persists, life goes on and the impact and legacy of that conflict endures despite the cessation. Long after the conflict itself is forgotten to history the impact will still be felt even if the significance and the origin is not understood by those who endure.

In the upright state the 6 of Swords represents our need to accept and move beyond conflict. To accept the past as written, something we cannot change, but to embrace the present as an opportunity to shape the future and decide upon the direction of travel both in how we view our past and how we let it shape our future. We may not be able to change what has happened but we can choose how we respond to the past, and the mindset we wish to adopt going forward. Holding onto past conflicts perpetuate their negative influences, whilst drawing a line under them gives us the opportunity to reach new destinations.

In the inverted state the 6 of Swords explicitly represents this loss of potential when we hold on to conflict, whilst no longer engaging in that conflict it still governs our thoughts and informs our actions and ultimately controls our lives. The inverted 6 of Swords therefore emphasises the need to seek closure in order to overcome our inability to let go and to move forward. Where the upright state looks forward and emphasises optimism, the inverted state looks backward emphasises our need for closure.

The 5 of Swords

Representing conflict; the 5 of Swords relates to the concepts of arrogance and condescension. Tolerance of different beliefs and thought processes deliver harmony and peace, intolerance inflames conflict and leads to disruption and disturbance.

In the upright state the 5 of Swords asks us to be mindful of perspective and to regard the truth that no-one believes themselves to be the villain and embraces this identity in conflict beyond depictions for entertainment value. In all other conflicts both sides believe themselves to be just and true; when attempting to resolve conflict be mindful that you are the protagonist in your own story, but you are the antagonist in that of your opponent.

In the inverted state the 5 of Swords emphasises the futility of war and the assertion that conflict never leads to victory but to mutual loss. This assertion prompts us to consider what we are willing to lose for the sake of our righteousness and whether that sacrifice is one we are willing to make.

The 4 of Swords

Representing stability; the 4 of Swords is associated with a moment of transition from an unstable counterproductive mindset to the emergence of productivity and optimism. Where this relates to positive thought this represents the pragmatic mind prevailing, a practical focus and direction emerges. Where this relates to negative thoughts this portends the end of our spiral downward, the deepest point in our despair is reached, from here the only direction of travel is upward, whilst in the absence of transience we will remain at this nadir.

In the upright state the 4 of Swords promises stability if we embrace this new way of thinking revealed to us through introspection and understanding of the self. By letting go of the identity of failure and associating ourselves with the identity of success we create the foundation needed to build upon, we create solid ground upon which to stand.

In the inverted state the 4 of Swords represents the end of the thought process and the death of idea. The triple force of self- doubt wins out in the end. This portends the release or resignation of an idea as fantasy, not just the end of our attempts to achieve but also the acceptance that we never will.

The 3 of Swords

Representing connection; the 3 of Swords is associated with our attempts to look inward in the pursuit of understanding. This aligns most closely with the idea of self-criticism, through which the 3 of Swords represents the risk posed to us by doubt and insecurity or unchecked anxiety.

In the upright state the 3 of Swords is a warning that our own lack of ambition, lack of faith in our ability, and our own insecurity collectively serve as the barriers that hold us in place. If we do not overcome our self-doubt, we will never realise our potential. Imposter Syndrome is the belief that others know more than they actually know, and the act of discrediting what we know diminishing its significance resulting in the belief that we do not belong where others do. The 3 of Swords represents our internal state disturbed by this feeling.

In the inverted state the 3 of Swords represents this disconnection between our introspection and self-criticism. The difference between criticism and critique is such that the former, criticism, destroys with no other intention, the latter, critique, deconstructs in an attempt to rebuild with greater strength, an act we associate mostly with the idea of a mentor or external source of validation that attempts to mould our thoughts.

The 2 of Swords

Representing balance; the 2 of Swords takes the idea of balance between knowledge and experience and attempts to implement balance through blindness. The 2 of Swords therefore represents trial and error, our attempt to practice and learn and acquire new knowledge and experience in the absence of prior knowledge or prior experience.

In the upright state the 2 of Swords represents the need to act, no matter what we want to achieve we need to put theory into practice before anything of substance can be created. Without action we cannot gain experience. Where this focus is on positive thoughts and desires, the prompt is to take action no matter how significant that action may seem, you must take at least one step to bring you closer to your desire. Where this focus is on negative desires or fears, the prompt again further underlines the warning not to dismiss negative influences and remain complacent, you must confront them as their power and influence is already growing.

In the inverted state the 2 of Swords represents an imbalance between knowledge and experience, it could portend to a fixation on one element without attention being paid to the other – acting without understanding, or understanding but never putting into practice. Where this relates to our fears and anxieties the inverted 2 of Swords is a warning not to forget context, not to focus on your fear without framing it in the context that it originates.