Four of Pentacles: Tarot Card Meaning
The Four of Pentacles is about security, control and holding on. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a figure sits on a stool in front of a city, clutching one coin to his chest, with another on his head and one under each foot. He is protecting what he has, but his arms and feet are so busy guarding that he can hardly move.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Four of Pentacles points to a strong wish for security. Saving, planning and protecting what you have is sensible, but the card asks whether you are clinging too tightly. Fear of loss can make life small. Keep your resources safe while staying open to generosity and change.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, control is loosening, for better or worse. You may be letting go of what you were gripping, or spending carelessly, or you may swing between hoarding and extravagance. Look for a middle path with your money, your time and your emotions.
In love
In love, the Four of Pentacles suggests holding back emotionally or being possessive and guarded. Reversed, it points to loosening your grip, opening up or struggling with trust.
In career
At work, it points to financial caution, protecting your position or being reluctant to share. Reversed, it suggests letting go of control or being careless with money.
As a yes or no answer
As a yes or no answer, the Four of Pentacles is a maybe when upright: security is possible, but you may need to loosen your grip. Reversed, it leans no, because control or carelessness is causing problems.
Advice from this card
Look at where holding on tightly is costing you, and loosen your grip in one small way. Security includes the freedom to share and spend wisely.
At a glance
- Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Pentacles
- Element: earth, linked with money, work, health and the material world
- Number theme: stability, structure and rest
- Yes or no reading: Maybe when upright, No when reversed
Explore more cards
Continue with Three of Pentacles or Five of Pentacles. You can also compare it with the Four of Wands, Four of Cups and Four of Swords. Or draw your own cards for a reading.