Tarot Card Symbolism: The Eight of Pentacles of the Minor Arcana

The Eight of Pentacles of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the eighth card of the Suit of Pentacles. It follows the Seven of Pentacles. It is the embodiment of work, craftsmanship, and patience.

The Symbolism of the Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card

This card is represented by an artist, obviously a male, who is working away at his craft. He sits upon a wooden bench, using the tools of his trade to produce these artifacts. The eight artifacts he has created, including the one he is currently perfecting, are golden pentacles.

The General Interpretation of the Eight of Pentacles Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies hard work and employment. The person represented in this card is very skilled at his trade, and so the individual who draws the Eight of Pentacles in a spread is most likely also highly skilled. This skill usually refers to an employment situation, whether that be in trade or business.

Sometimes, this card can represent a commission of some kind. For an artist, this is most likely in the commissioning of a particular piece. For a salesman, it might represent commission earned off a sale. For the businessman, this card has a great many implications, perhaps indicating a successful deal or merger. This card can hold significance for a wide array of professions.

The Inner Meaning of the Eight of Pentacles in Tarot

The Eight of Pentacles is the image of patience, success, and ability. The individual drawing this card is warned that success is dependent upon two things: the ability to achieve a goal and the patience to wait for what will come. Hard work and steady patience are required, and the individual must be cognizant of the final goal at all times.

This is also a card of preparation. In this interpretation, the message from the Eight of Pentacles may or may not relate to a trade or business. It does, however, indicate that there is something to prepare for. This ‘something’ is likely quite important, and requires extensive preparation.

For many, this will indeed be work-related. A merger or business meeting, perhaps. For those in more artistic vocations, it might mean a long and difficult project. For some, this card will be more personal in nature. There are times when it indicates a pregnancy, or perhaps a marriage, though this is less likely.

The Nine of Pentacles follows this card.