The Three of Pentacles card shows a stonemason at work in a church, seemingly following a plan held by a figure in an orange cloak who, along with a tonsured monk, stands looking on.  We can see the light streaming in from a half-open door.  There are three pentacles carved into the stone nearby, and they are black, rather than the usual gold (another name for pentacles is coins, and this suit often deals with material wealth).
The Three of Pentacles (coins)

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.

henry ford

Overview and Common Meanings of the Three of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles represents the need for teamwork and collaboration to create something big, to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of those around you.  Since Pentacles represent the physical, material qualities of life and can offer counseling on monetary, work, well-being, and protection issues, it is helpful to reflect on and look for themes of solidity, grounding, and manifestation. Whether you are working with a team of colleagues, friends, or family members, the card reminds us that we are stronger and more effective when we work together.

Some common names in varying decks are Three of Hazards, The Architect, The Craftsman, collaboration, productivity, growth.  

Common Meanings

When the Three of Pentacles appears in a tarot reading, it may suggest the need to work with others to achieve a goal or complete a project. This could be in a professional or personal context and may involve a variety of skills and talents. The card often suggests the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose among team members. It may also indicate the need to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others, and to celebrate shared successes.

In some interpretations, the Three of Pentacles may also suggest a need to develop one’s own skills and talents to better contribute to a team effort. This could involve seeking out new training or education or taking the time to hone existing skills and expertise. The card may also indicate the importance of working with a mentor or teacher to learn from those who are more experienced or knowledgeable.

In a relationship reading, if looking for love, the Three of Pentacles suggests that a professional connection is likely to be where a potential partner may be met.  In an established relationship, we are reminded that we work best and most effectively when we do so as a team. 

Overall, the Three of Pentacles is a card that suggests the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect in achieving success.

The Many Faces of The Three of Pentacles

The reversal, or shadow side, of the Three of pentacles can indicate lack of cooperation or recognition, feeling jaded, that the task is tedious, perhaps unrealistic expectations about what was involved, or unwillingness to do the work.  This shadow side can indicate that the person asking the question (querent) will need to decide whether to continue to push through those boring parts or if maybe it is time to completely shift directions.

Description

The Three of Pentacles card shows a stonemason at work in a church, seemingly following a plan held by a figure in an orange cloak who, along with a tonsured monk, stands looking on.  We can see the light streaming in from a half-open door.  There are three pentacles carved into the stone nearby, and they are black, rather than the usual gold (another name for pentacles is coins, and this suit often deals with material wealth).

Themes of The Three of Pentacles

  • Collaboration
  • Enterprise
  • Expansion leading to success
  • Implementation
  • Learning         
  • Success
  • Teamwork

The Number Three

Triad of mother, father, child or nature, society, church, or birth, life, death.  It is the number of creative expression and is tied to the cycles and seasons in life, understanding, and growth

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Dark Pentacles – also known as coins, (usually gold) – the rewards not necessarily of monetary value, but rather satisfaction in a job well done. 
  • Half open door – public recognition of good work.
  • Monk – lifelong vocation and steadfastness
  • Stonemason standing on workbench – He has achieved mastery of his craft
  • Pentacles embedded in church – Part of the design and longevity of the structure of the church; the work being created will be lasting

Herbs for The Three of Pentacles

  • Astragalus – merging ideas with physical reality to bring about change
  • Hazel – knowledge, wisdom, connection
  • Laurel – triumph, success, razor sharp focus
  • Mint family – both protects and repels so strengthens boundaries while enhancing empathic understanding
  • Rosemary – Promotes mental clarity, focus, and success, learning new skills, work cooperation

Questions that the Three of Pentacles asks us

  • Am I being a good team member and collaborating with others for the success of the team?
  • Are there any skills I need to learn to make myself a more valuable member of this team?

So that is the Three of Pentacles, all about teamwork and pushing through to learn what is needed to proceed and thrive. As always please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Four of Pentacles!