(The above image is a copy of The King of Pentacles card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 5 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The King of Pentacles represents the attainment of spiritual maturity. He sits on his throne next to his big castle. Grapes surround him as he enjoys his material possessions. The King of Pentacles suggests we have authority over our wealth and encourages us to help others attain authority over theirs.
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For more information about The King of Pentacles card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – KING
The king sits on his throne with a scepter in one hand and a pentacle in the other. It is unclear if his eyes are closed or if they are looking down. In any case, the king appears comfortable in his position, showing no signs of anxiety or paranoia.
Point 2 – GRAPES
All across his robe, there are designs of grapes. Like in the Ten of Pentacles, grapes illustrate fertility and wisdom. As man enjoys the pleasures of wine, the king enjoys the pleasures of his material possessions. He lacks any arrested development, reigning with confidence.
Point 3 – BULLS ON THRONE
While the Queen’s throne had ibexes on it, the king’s throne has four bulls carved into its stone. The bull is an old symbol for the earth, the element represented in the pentacles suit. The bulls on the four corners of the throne reflect the four corners of the earth.
Point 4 – CASTLE
To the right of the card there is a large castle. Unlike the city behind the Four of Pentacles, the castle here is owned by the king. It represents the security and strength of material possessions. The king rules the castle as he rules the material world.
Point 5 – FOOT ON STONE
Having one foot stand above something is traditionally viewed as a sign of dominance. The king therefore rules the material world. As the vines connect to the grapes, the king’s foot connects to the world, becoming an extension of him.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright King of Pentacles illustrates material security. Your needs are met, and the works of your hands are growing. Perhaps you are planning to retire or are ready to wrap up a years long project. An Upright King of Pentacles encourages you to maintain your wealth while also helping others to achieve their material goals.
Reverse
A Reverse King of Pentacles encourages you to reexamine your relationship with wealth. There is a fine line between the regal King of Pentacles and the miserly Four of Pentacles. Makes sure that you are not placing material possessions above your relationships. Wealth is a blessing only in its ability to bless others.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: Jim Daley and his wife Natalie are the owners of Joker’s and Fools in Lake Wales, Florida, where they serve the Central Florida tarot community with a thoughtfully curated selection of Tarot and Oracle cards. Jim holds a B.A. in History from Tufts University and brings both academic insight and a deep appreciation for the symbolic tradition of the cards to his work.
