Tarot Card of the Week ~ 4 of Pentacles

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A king sits on a chair with his wealth displayed around him. Each foot is placed on a large coin while one coin is perched atop his crown, while a fourth coin is gripped by not only his hands but his arms as well. Behind him is his kingdom with a dual line of demarcation separating him from his responsibilities.

Is he holding fast to his wealth on behalf of the kingdom, or is it purely on behalf of himself? Is he a miser or are we to take from the card that we should avoid spending money? The number four indicates foundation, practicality, responsibility, and structure, as well as patience and commitment to hard work. But if it’s responsibility the card implies, does it relate to the responsibility we have toward others or does it reflect a lack of generosity and support?

It’s the separation from the kingdom that bothers me. His back is turned away from the people he’s supposed to protect, but again, it depends on the sort of king that he is. He could be showing an enemy all the resources he has to protect his territory and people. However, if he views his kingdom as a necessary evil, then the idea of protecting its security by spending his wealth wisely seems to be replaced by something else entirely. If instead, he’s a cruel dictator then he could be absconding with his wealth at the expense of the kingdom.

It seems to me that the only reliable interpretation of this card can be made when surrounded by other cards. The interaction may be the key to understanding the King’s true motive. Paired with the 10 of Pentacles and we might read the 4 of Pentacles as the wisdom of building wealth and legacy. But when paired with the 6 of Pentacles, it might reinforce the issue of class and the desire that those in poverty stay that way.

It’s said that money is power and the 4 of Pentacles may be demonstrating in whose hands lie the ultimate power over others.