Tarot Card meaning for the Four of Pentacles

In the Four of Pentacles, we see a man sitting on a bench. His feet hold down two Pentacles, there is another Pentacle on his head and yet another close to his chest. As an advice card, the Four of Pentacles can tell you to hold on to what you value, but be aware that you cannot stay in this position forever - sooner or later you will need to let go a bit to really enjoy and cherish what you hold so dear, whether this be a person, a job or a house.

The Four of Pentacles as a day card

Today we might be encouraged to hold on – physically or psychologically - to the things we value. What do you need to hold on to?
Reversely, if you are already holding on very tightly to something, perhaps it is time to question whether or not this issue needs more 'breathing space'.

Negative or reversed meaning for this card

When the Four of Pentacles is interpreted negatively, it means we are holding on too tight. It could see us smother the very thing we love so dearly. If we smother a child it cannot grow and become independent. If we hold on too tightly to our role at work, who are we if this role disappears? If we hold on too tightly to money are we really enjoying it? This card can create many questions to pose and to answer.

How this card could present itself in real life

When I did my undergraduate degree at University I never thought when I started that I would graduate with a baby in one hand and a toddler in the other. Nevertheless irrespective of the challenges studying with a child brought I held on with all my might. I studied and studied some said it was silly to do as you can always go back to University later. Looking back I am very happy I held onto studying, as no one can take the piece of paper away and it opened up many opportunities in the future for me.

How this card is represented in other Tarot decks

In the Crowley Tarot this card is called it relates to what the Rider Waite is trying to convey. When you hold onto something very much, you are having power over it. If this is a good or a bad idea depends on the situation.

The Osho Zen calls this card the miser and states that we are holding on too much to things. In an endeavour to collect all beautiful things the lady has become ugly as the process is so forced. This somewhat kneejerk reaction of the card also prevents anyone from getting close to us. So we might have something of value but we cannot share it anyone.

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