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.
Approximately half of all Tarot readers read those cards appearing upside down in a spread as having reversed meanings. If you are one of them, the Six of Pentacles in its reversed position implies that debts and a general shortage of funds will last for a while longer. You'll have to watch your finances carefully. Don't let anyone persuade you to give away or risk more than you can afford. Caution is advised.
The Six of Pentacles of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the sixth card of the Suit of Pentacles. It follows the Five of Pentacles. It is the embodiment of personal gratification and generosity.
The Symbolism of the Six of Pentacles Tarot Card
This card is represented by a man dressed in fine robes. He would appear to be a merchant. At his feet crouch two people, both of whom appear to be less fortunate than he is himself. He weighs his money carefully in a scale, and then distributes it to those who need it more than he does. He is the very picture of generosity and six golden pentacles are arranged around him.
The General Interpretation of the Six of Pentacles Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a great deal of generosity. However, this is not generosity for generosity’s sake, but rather to achieve personal gratification. While this should not cheapen the generosity of the merchant, it does put it in perspective. While he is a good man, he is not unfailingly generous with either his time or his money.
The Inner Meaning of the Six of Pentacles in Tarot
The Six of Pentacles is the image of deliberation and vigilance. The man, this merchant who appears so well off, is carefully weighing the coins he gives out to the beggar people who surround him. He does indeed give of himself — in this case, his material wealth — to the needy and distressed, but he does this carefully.
At his core, the merchant understands that he cannot satisfy all those who surround him. While they may wish he was more generous, he knows that he cannot make everyone happy all of the time. He must be cautious as he gives of himself, never giving what he does not have.
This card, the Six of Pentacles, suggests that the individual who drew this card must be wary of giving too much of himself. It reflects the idea that generosity is indeed to be praised, but one should not be faulted for saying ‘no’ when appropriate. Denying another that which one cannot afford to lose in the first place is not a cruelty, but a practicality.
The Seven of Pentacles follows this card.
If you choose to read those Tarot cards appearing upside down in a spread as having their own unique reversed meanings, the Five of Pentacles in its reversed position indicates that with a bit of luck and a sensible attitude, loss and lonliness will end soon. However, if a greedy or careless attitude over money prevails, you will lose more than you can afford.
