In the courtyard of a secure stone castle, is a king. He is seated on a throne decorated with bull’s heads, and wearing garments adorned with grapevines laden with clusters of grapes, and a red cowl. A chain mail clad foot peeks out of the robes and rests on the head of a boar. His crown bears lilies and roses. He appears to be at peace in his surroundings. In his right hand he holds a scepter with a globe at the top, and in the left, resting on his knee is a large coin or pentacle. We see live grapevines around the throne, echoing the motif of his robes. The sky is yellow.
The King of Pentacles

Overview and Common Meanings of The King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles represents a figure of financial mastery, stability, and worldly success.  Seated on a throne adorned with vines and grapes, the king signifies prosperity and abundance gained from being deeply grounded in physical, earthly matters.   Holding a golden coin, he symbolizes material wealth and the disciplined approach required to attain it.  This card suggests that through hard work, practicality, and a keen understanding of financial matters, one can achieve a position of authority and enjoy the fruits of labor.  The King of Pentacles encourages a focus on long-term goals, responsible stewardship, and the wise management of resources to build a solid foundation for lasting success in the material realm.

Some alternate names in various decks are King of Earth, Chief of Shields. 

The master of the garden is the one who waters it, trims the branches, plants the seeds, and pulls the weeds. If you merely stroll through the garden, you are but an acolyte.

Vera Nazarian

Common Meanings

 In a career or money related reading, the King of Pentacles is an indication that either you have achieved the pinnacle of wealth and knowledge and can now pass that wisdom on to those who are still working towards what you have gained.  It can also be indicative of a strong mentor who can help you to achieve your goals towards career, self-employment, or material security. 

In the realm of relationships, the King of Pentacles suggests a partner who embodies stability, reliability, and commitment. If you are single, this card may indicate that you are attracting or seeking a person with a strong sense of responsibility and a solid foundation in life. For those already in a long-term relationship, the King of Pentacles encourages you to appreciate and nurture the practical and supportive aspects of your partnership, focusing on building a secure and enduring connection.

The Many Faces of the King of Pentacles

The shadow side – or reversal- of the King of Pentacles suggests a potential imbalance in financial matters and a lack of practicality or stability. It may indicate a person who is overly focused on material success, possibly to the detriment of other important aspects of life. There could be issues with greed, stubbornness, or a reluctance to adapt to change. In business or financial endeavors, it advises caution and a reassessment of strategies to avoid potential setbacks. Additionally, it may signify a need to prioritize personal well-being and relationships over the relentless pursuit of wealth or status.

Description

In the courtyard of a secure stone castle, is a king.  He is seated on a throne decorated with bull’s heads, and wearing garments adorned with grapevines laden with clusters of grapes, and a red cowl.  A chain mail clad foot peeks out of the robes and rests on the head of a boar.  His crown bears lilies and roses.  He appears to be at peace in his surroundings.  In his right hand he holds a scepter with a globe at the top, and in the left, resting on his knee is a large coin or pentacle.  We see live grapevines around the throne, echoing the motif of his robes.  The sky is yellow.

Themes of The King of Pentacles

  • Ambitions achieved.
  • Capable
  • Self-assured and strong leader
  • Established
  • Long term goals
  • Material prosperity
  • Patience and fortitude
  • Personal development
  • Responsible stewardship
  • Rooted in the earth, grounded.
  • Secure
  • Wealth and achievement

Court Cards – Kings

Kings in any suit represent father, guardian, guru, leader, minister, patriarch, shaman, teacher.  Generally, they are people you already know or will know soon.  In the suit of pentacles, also known as discs or coins, The King is about money, prosperity, and practicality in order to insure a secure life. 

 Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Armored foot and leg – A warrior who has fought and worked hard for his station in life.
  • Coin or Pentacle – material impact
  • Four Bulls on the throne – mastery of the four elements with emphasis on being grounded in the material, earthly things.
  • Grape vines and leaves – careful planning and nurturing of goals like a garden for long term abundance, success, and fruitfulness. 
  • Red cowl – vitality and the material world, active working for success
  • Scepter – symbol of authority
  • Stone castle – long term security that will weather the elements.
  • Yellow sky – vitality, hopefulness, optimism manifestation, energy, inspiration, and innovation.

Herbs for The King of Pentacles

  • Balmony -Steadfastness, patience, and perseverance
  • Cinnamon – success, prosperity, clarity
  • Grape – mental clarity; prosperity
  • Parsley – victory, knowledge
  • Sage – wisdom, esteem

Questions that the King of Pentacles asks us

  •  Am I making wise and savvy decisions about my financial future, or is there a mentor around me who can help advise me?
  • Am I being overly stubborn and refusing to take the steps to attain financial responsibility?

That is the King of Pentacles:  Achieving material success through careful and diligent stewardship of resources.  What better way to start the new year right?  Thank you for reading, and as always please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading.  Please join me next week for an introduction to the Suit of Swords!