The Four of Pentacles shows someone holding on tight. It's the card of security and saving, and the question of when holding on becomes holding back.
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What's on the Four of Pentacles card
A crowned man sits on a stone seat clutching a pentacle to his chest. One pentacle balances on his crown and he rests his feet on two more. Behind him stretches a city.
- The clutched pentacle: holding tightly to money or feelings
- The pentacle on the crown: thoughts focused on security
- The pentacles under his feet: stability, but no movement
- The city: the world he has shut out
Four of Pentacles upright meaning
Upright, the Four of Pentacles is about security. You may be saving money, protecting what you have or wanting control. That can be wise.
But it can also mean holding on too tightly, to money, people or the past. Ask whether your grip is keeping good things out.
Four of Pentacles reversed meaning
Reversed, you may be letting go: spending more freely, sharing or releasing control. Sometimes it warns of overspending, or of greed going too far.
Find the middle ground between generosity and good sense.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Four of Pentacles in love
Upright: Possessiveness, or a secure, protective relationship.
Reversed: Letting go of control, or jealousy coming to a head.
Four of Pentacles in career and money
Upright: Saving money, financial security or careful budgeting.
Reversed: Overspending, financial loss or loosening a tight grip on a project.
Four of Pentacles as feelings
As feelings, the Four of Pentacles shows someone who is protective, possessive or guarding their heart. Reversed, they're opening up.
Is Four of Pentacles a yes or no card?
Maybe. The Four of Pentacles is a cautious maybe. Reversed, it depends on what you're willing to let go of.
Four of Pentacles correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Earth |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Crystals | Pyrite Hematite |
| Herbs and incense | Basil Patchouli |
| Candle colors | Green Candle Brown Candle |
A Four of Pentacles Money Protection Jar
For keeping savings safe, without holding on too tightly.
You will need:
- A small jar with a lid
- Four coins
- Dried basil
- A pyrite
- A green candle
Steps:
- Put the coins, basil and pyrite in the jar.
- Light the candle and hold the jar in both hands.
- Say: What I earn, I keep with care. What I share, comes back to me.
- Drip a little wax on the lid to seal it.
- Keep the jar near where you handle money. Add a coin every payday.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Four of Pentacles FAQs
What does the Four of Pentacles mean?
The Four of Pentacles means security, saving and control.
Is the Four of Pentacles a yes or no?
It is a cautious maybe.
What does the Four of Pentacles mean in love?
In love, it can mean possessiveness or a protective bond.
What zodiac sign is the Four of Pentacles?
In the Golden Dawn system, the Four of Pentacles is the Sun in Capricorn.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with Four of Pentacles: The Emperor, Four of Swords, Six of Pentacles.