This is the fourth installment of the Weekly Tarot Card. You can read the first three installments in the following links:
3 of Pentacles Symbolism
Today we look at the more universal depictions of the 3 of Pentacles symbolism. Not all cards carry the same imagery, and some simply do it for the sake of creating an appealing picture. However, some cards are packed with imagery with the intent of stimulating the intuitive senses. It is these symbols that I intend to focus on.
Color: Grey & Red
Grey:
Grey skies generally depict neutrality. However, this card is a little different. It’s not the grey of the sky, since they’re inside in the Rider-Wait 3 of Pentacles. However, the Thoth deck, too, carries on with different shades of grey (some might say it’s blue, but I’ll leave it just at grey for now). The latter gives the impression of steal, which leads the mind to industry, which can be associated with work.
Red
I say Red, but realy it’s kind of a reddish orange that’s found in a few depictions: the Aquarian Tarot and the Thoth Tarot, just to start. When we consider that red represents Wands which can mean passion, creation, and action, and yellow represents thought and communication, red-orange can represent the combination of these two. However, given that it’s closer to red than it is yellow, there’s some thought, but it’s mostly creation and action.
For some really fascinating information regarding the Thoth color system, check out this post on Esoteric Meanings.
Astrology: Mars & Capricorn
Mars represents active energy. In Greek mythology, Mars is Aries, and both Aries and Mars in mythology are the god of War. As a result, the planet Mars can represent aggression, and high energy. This can translate to sexual tension as well. In a more universal standpoint, the planet Mars can simply represent the masculine energetic trait, action.
Capricorn is the scaler. The sign of Capricorn represents climbing mountains, whether metaphorically or literally. They are known to set a high goal and do everything they can to attain it. Have you ever seen a goat on precarious mountain ledges?
Thus, the combination of these two is a force to be reckoned with. It’s action combined with determination. It’s not just the idea, but putting the idea into work in such a way that success is almost determined.
Scenery: Indoors
The 3 of Pentacles is one of the very few cards in the traditional depictions to be indoors.
Note: Usually when I’m sharing the meanings of the symbolism found in the cards, I’m using universally accepted definitions of these images. However, in this particular case of the indoors setting, I’m using my own.
In the Rider-Waite Tarot, there are three figures standing inside: one who is working on creating the archway, a man and a woman. They are all inside. I believe that the enclosed scene shows that they are all working on the same project. The two figures holding the plans are doing more than just checking in on the youth, but they are a part of what the youth is doing. I think this brings in the concept of working for the same company or on the same team, thus denoting teamwork.
Figures: Youth, Religious Man, Wealthy Woman
Three are three figures depicted in the Rider-Waite 3 of Pentacles. There is a youth, a woman, and a clergyman.
These figures show the different aspects of social life: the worker, the wealthy, and the religious. By putting the wealthy individual as a woman, it brings in a fourth aspect of society. This shows teamwork on all levels, not just the apprentice.
3 of Pentacles Symbolism
Take a moment to consider the 3 of Pentacles symbolism and imagery that you found in your own decks on Monday. Are they represented here? If not, what are they? Do you have your own associations with the symbols? Share your experience in the comments!
