1.2 Ace, Two, Three
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.
- Look at the image on the card and examine its details.
- Read the page in the companion book for that card.
- Read the description provided here.
- OPTIONAL: Read other descriptions of that card online or in other books.
- Reflect on the questions posed.
- 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!
Ace of Pentacles
Name: Material Source
Astrological Correspondence: The Season of Spring (Aries, Taurus, Gemini)
Position on The Tree: Earth of Neptune. Crown in the Active World
Notes to Consider: The Ace is the origin of all the Pentacles to come and the source energy of the world of action. Material gain, labor, power dynamics, wealth, health. Notice the luminous rays of source energy bathing the landscape and supporting its abundance. This is an auspicious beginning.
What does the path connect? What does it mean for the Sunlight to be transformed into the lush landscape below? What hand holds the Pentacle? Does the source of the world of sensation, work, finances, action, and ego feel like a blessing or a curse?
Two of Pentacles
Name: Harmonious Change
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Capricorn.
Position on The Tree: Earth of Uranus. Wisdom in the Active World
Notes to Consider: The crown on the infinity symbol snake shows the One acting through the form of Two. Construction and Deconstruction, chaos and innovation, it’s all one process. The alternation between extremes, weight gain and loss, mood swings, strong fiscal management, and wonton spending. What is the significance of the taiji (yin-yang) symbols in reverse orientation to each other? Are there two ships or one ship in two states?
Take the time to contemplate and harmonize the situation. Benevolent, intentional, exacting action. Pleasant change. Connecting with friends.
Three of Pentacles
Name: Material Work
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Capricorn
Position on The Tree: Earth of Saturn. Understanding in Active World
Notes to Consider: Wherever there are three, there must be my teacher also. Skilled labor, well-directed by supporting knowledge and proper application, turns potential into tangible success. We can’t do it alone. Notice the three symbols in the window, representing the skillful union of the Higher Self within worldly activity. Which of the three workers is in the lead at the moment? Who do they represent as parts of yourself?
Bringing inner talents to life. Practicing what is most important. Applying yourself to your craft. Working together with others and getting help. Allowing each person to fulfill their role. Gains in employment and rank. Potentially overly ambitious.