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1.3 Four, Five, Six

Activity

Spend time with each of the Pentacles below to generate your “tarot encyclopedia” notecard for each. I recommend the following process, which only takes ~10 minutes per card. You do not need to complete all (or any) card in a single sitting.

  1. Look at the image on the card and examine its details.
  2. Read the page in the companion book for that card.
  3. Read the description provided here.
  4. OPTIONAL: Read other descriptions of that card online or in other books.
  5. Reflect on the questions posed.
  6. Write down the details of the image that have meaning to you and the 2 or 3 interpretations (perhaps 1 heavenly, 1 upright earthly, and 1 reversed earthly) that resonate most strongly for you. Feel free to write down your own interpretations based on what comes to you!

Four of Pentacles

Name: Earthly Power

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Capricorn

Position on The Tree: Earth of Jupiter. Mercy in the Active World

Notes on Consider: The first concrete Pentacle shows possession, control, abundance, and equilibrium. Its energy is conservative and methodical and indicates a desire to preserve the status quo. Taken to an extreme, we see hoarding and becoming a “closed system.”

When does that become unhealthy? Is it possible to be too methodical and stable?

Why is he gripping the Pentacle so tightly? Is there any significance in gripping the Fire element so tightly? If he’s so well-resourced, why is he alone?

Five of Pentacles

Name: Material Trouble

Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Taurus.

Position on The Tree: Earth of Mars. Severity the Active World

Notes on Consider: All that was had is lost. Destitute and out in the cold, we wander. Anxiety and stress related to work, finances, or social prestige. These experiences can build us up, open our eyes to blessings, and generate new skills.

Is this justice or are we ignoring the warmth and welcome of others trying to care for us? Can we use the anxiety of loss to fuel us to more competence and compassion?

Six of Pentacles

Name: Material Success

Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Taurus

Position on The Tree: Earth of Sun. Beauty in the Active World

Notes on Consider: Balance restored between the Power (IV) and Trouble (V) of Pentacles. The scales are balanced. Feed what you need to grow and share the blessings of your success, for through experience, you have found it. There is success present because there is a commitment to what you want. Sensual comforts are available. How will you handle this success? With generosity and kindness or pride and arrogance?

Why is she so glamorous and the beggars so destitute? She gives one money and not the other. Will she help them up to stand on their own two feet or be content in her seeming act of charity?