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

The Seven of Pentacles of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the seventh card of the Suit of Pentacles. It follows the Six of Pentacles. It is the embodiment of coming up against obstacles when seeking success.

The Symbolism of the Seven of Pentacles Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man leaning upon a stick that he has chosen to use as a walking staff. He stares intently at a bush before him, a bush that holds seven golden pentacles. He is so focused on these pentacles that one might believe his entire world is about his ‘treasures.’

However, he looks just a little forlorn, as if he can see these treasures but not attain them. It could be said that no matter how hard he works, he still cannot achieve that which he desires most.

The General Interpretation of the Seven of Pentacles Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies obstacles that might be insurmountable, and that failure is a very possible outcome. The goal which is just out of reach of the individual is often a material goal, relating to money or possessions in some way. Sometimes it can mean that there is little available money to begin or complete a desired project.

A great deal of creativity will be needed to solve this problem (providing it's a problem that can be brought to a resolution.) Sometimes these solutions come in the form of bartering or trading, while in other cases, it's the aid of a trusted friend that makes the difference. However, this card indicates that failure is a definite possibility.

The Inner Meaning of the Seven of Pentacles in Tarot

The Seven of Pentacles is the image of doubt and failure, and of desiring that which may not come to pass. This is the card that suggests that it might be possible to work hard and to truly, deeply want something, and still fail. The reason for this failure could possibly be that the individual was too focused on the problem to find a solution. Or it could simply be that there was no chance of success in the first place.

Some other interpretations indicate that this card brings a message of quarreling and malcontent. Failure on a material level does tend to bring out these qualities in people. It should be remembered that most problems do have a solution. Perhaps the individual should seek out these solutions before resorting to negative behavior.

The Eight of Pentacles follows this card.