4 of Pentacles

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

punkangelgcm437	14 Apr 2003
I've done a few readings on myself the last few days, and in the position that represents me, the 4 of Pentacles shows up. I dont consider myself a greedy or gold-digger, nor does anyone I know. Is there any reason why this might be showing up?? (BTW, Im a new member to this website, and have been doing tarot for at least a year.)

HOLMES	14 Apr 2003
this card to me speaks of keeping your resources to yourself for now , to prepare for the five of pentacles for example for an anology. to me also it means rest, take a physical rest regain your strength. and let your resources dictate logicaly your plans at this time for it is important you dont' over extend yourself,

punkangelgcm437	14 Apr 2003
Thanks. I think your interpretation seems to fit much better than mine. It all seems to make much more sense. Thanks again.

Rusty Neon	14 Apr 2003
Yes, I would agree with Holmes. The greediness aspect of this card can be looked at as a 'shadow' aspect. Sometimes, the image in a given RWS pip card (and, even more often, in case of the Thoth deck) is more clearly illustrative of a shadow aspect of the card, but the 'light' meaning is still there.

Lady Mary	15 Apr 2003
I also had the 4 of Pentacles card showing up quite often in readings, during a period of time when I wanted to change my life, but had not the strength and courage to really do it. The card had for me the meaning: * not being prepared to let go of old things * being anxious about what the new life would bring * either hold on to an unsatisfying but safe life than go ahead I really hated this ugly little dwarf is sitting on his ass (RWS deck) not willing to move.

Centaur	15 Apr 2003
The Four of Pentacles can also refer to the feeling that one's life is not moving anywhere. Perhaps this is through unwillingness to make the move forward. Just another interpretation ;)

Red Emma	15 Apr 2003
In the Motherpeace deck the 4P shows a woman shutting herself inside her home because she needs to be alone and sheltered. She wants the place to be as still as a monastery. The woman knows she needs to say 'no' to what others want of her right now so she can figure out what she wants for herself. I'd never thought of the greedy aspect before...to me it's always meant that I needed some quiet time and space.

galadrial	15 Apr 2003
I agree that the "greedy" aspect of this card is overemphasized in some books. For me, it usually means to "hold tight", or stay in a holding pattern- not to take precipitate action. That stability (4) of current structure (Pentacles) will be beneficial. Instead of a man holding 4 coins, some decks portray this card as a square castle seen from above, with the tops of the turrets at the 4 corners being the 4 Disks.

punkangelgcm437	15 Apr 2003
Galadrial, I agree. Tarot Of The Moon Garden, both LWB & real bith both emphasized the greedy aspect. IN fact, thats the only meaning it mentions. Thanks everyone for your interpretations, they all fit so much better than the greedy meaning did. ~Sarah / punkangelgcm437~ ~Newbie~

skytwig	15 Apr 2003
Good input! Very helpful. Lady Mary, the same here! But i think it appears to show the struggle and the movement that has begun. If I am really holding back I will get 5s somewhere. I use the Thoth deck and see the castle from the top, which for me, speaks of home and boundaries and me setting Nos or Yeses where they belong.

The 4 of Pentacles thread was originally posted on 14 Apr 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.