The 7 of  Pentacles: 
A man, clad in red and blue, takes a break from his hard work and leans on his hoe, as he contemplates vigorous vines which, while healthy, have not matured enough to bear fruit.  Arranged on the vines are six coins, with the seventh being at his feet. In the distant background, we see purple mountains.
The 7 of Pentacles

Overview and Common Meanings of The 7 of Pentacles

The 7 of Pentacles generally symbolizes a period of assessment, contemplation, and patience. This card often represents a moment of reflection on one’s efforts and investments.  It suggests that while progress has been made, there’s a need to pause and consider the results achieved so far.  This card can indicate a time of waiting, as one evaluates whether the current path is yielding the desired outcomes.  It can also signify the importance of long-term planning and the idea that consistent, diligent work will eventually lead to fruitful results.  In some interpretations, the 7 of Pentacles can warn against becoming too absorbed in the process, urging individuals to balance their efforts with moments of rest and rejuvenation. Alternate names in some varying decks are options, results, depletion.

Success requires both urgency and patience. Be urgent about making the effort, and patient about seeing the results.

Ralph Marston

Common Meanings

7 of Pentacles shows up as a reminder that the goal you have been working towards is in sight, and that it is a good time to assess your progress.  It is not a time to rest, but rather to use this time of evaluation as an inventory of what you have accomplished this far, and what needs to happen going forward into making that goal into a reality, no matter how tedious this current phase feels.  You have planted and tended the seeds of inspiration, stay patient and trust the process and your diligence will pay off. 

In a career or financial reading, 7 of Pentacles can indicate that your investment in long term goals, such as education is about to see the rewards.  If you are seeking work, 7 of Pentacles urges you towards a role in which you feel ownership or responsibility – possibly even starting your own business – and reminds you that while the rewards may not come quickly, they will come and will be all the richer for the wait.  Finally, 7 of Pentacles reminds you to save for a rainy day.

In a reading that is related to love and relationships, the 7 of Pentacles is a reminder to stay the course.  If you are seeking love, this is a positive sign that the right person is going to appear, but it may take longer than you would prefer.  However, this person is going to meet your standards, and that is more important than immediate gratification anyway!

If you are in a stable relationship already, 7 of Pentacles suggests that this is a relationship wholly worthy of your time and energy, and that you both understand that a successful long-term relationship requires investment in time and energy, along with commitment.  If your relationship is struggling, 7 of Pentacles provides assurance that you both still see the value and are willing to invest time and energy to making it successful. 

The Many Faces of The 7 of Pentacles

The shadow side – or reversal – of the 7 of Pentacles can indicate procrastination, and serve as a gentle reminder that, no matter how tiresome the work feels right now, you need to re-focus and remind yourself that it will be worth it in the end. Sometimes the card can indicate that a re-evaluation of your current path is in order; perhaps a new job or maybe just a slight pivot to bring you back into alignment with your vision. 

Description

A man, clad in red and blue, takes a break from his hard work and leans on his hoe, as he contemplates vigorous vines which, while healthy, have not matured enough to bear fruit.  Arranged on the vines are six coins, with the seventh being at his feet. In the distant background, we see purple mountains.     

Themes of The 7 of Pentacles

  • Building
  • Investment in lasting results
  • Long term vision
  • Patience for future success
  • Perseverance
  • Possibility for achievement
  • Work

The Number 7

Seven is an important number.  It is the number of alliance, days of the week, days of creation of the universe.  Seven is a call for patience and is all about learning and understanding at a deeper, more intellectual level.  Seven presents’ options and the ability to combine heaven and earth for creating the ideal.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Blue in clothing –following one’s true purpose.
  • Coins (pentacles) – placed in the vines symbolize what must be left to invest and grow for the future.  Coin at feet symbolizing current disposable income. 
  • Hoe – item with which change will take place, symbol of hard work.
  • Man with feet on the ground – firmly rooted and working towards something.
  • Red in clothing – passion and energy for project
  • Vines with no fruit – hard work that has yet to bear fruit; necessity of tending and nurturing those plans and ideas in order to bring them to reality. 

Herbs for The 7 of Pentacles

  • Balmony -Steadfastness, patience, and perseverance. Associated with the tortoise or turtle.
  • Bloodroot – For those who are learning to ‘bide one’s time’. For learning to give oneself and others space to unfold. For those who must wait.
  • Lemon Balm – calming and promoting trust, psychic/spiritual development.
  • Turmeric – anti-inflammatory, promotes calmness and peace of mind.
  • Yellow dock – good herb for periods of change and transformation; assists in patience at the cusp to a new chapter in time.

Questions that the 7 of Pentacles asks us

  • What steps have you taken – or can you take – to ensure success?
  • Are you feeling scattered and disorganized in your goals and if so, how can you bring yourself back to center and your goals back into alignment with your vision?

That is the 7 of Pentacles:  focus and determination resulting in success.  Wishing you a week in which you see some of your goals – either big or small – beginning to bear fruit.  As always, please reach out to me with comments, questions, or to schedule a meeting (I can do zoom or discord voice!)  Have a great week and please join me next week for the 8 of Pentacles!