(The above image is a copy of The Nine of Pentacles card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 4 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Nine of Pentacles illustrates a young woman observing a falcon in her ripe garden. The card is a celebration of hard work and the self. Unlike the Seven of Pentacles, there is no confusion in the woman's face. She fully embraces the harvest of her hard work.
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For more information about The Nine of Pentacles card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – FIGURE
The figure in the Nine of Pentacles is one of the few figures in the suit that has a healthy relationship with their possessions. It is clear from the figure’s robe and stature that she has an abundance of material things, however, unlike the Four of Pentacles, she is not obsessed with them. The figure recognizes the value in all things, not just the things she possesses.
Point 2 – FIGURE’S ROBE
The figure’s ornate robe helps illustrate her abundance. Her clothing is in juxtaposition with the clothes from the Seven of Pentacles. While that figure wore peasant’s clothes and was perplexed by his possessions, this figure wears regal clothes and embraces her possessions.
Point 3 – FALCON
The falcon represents the things the woman does not own. The hood over his head reflects the lack of ego in the woman. As the falcon is free to fly away, so is the woman for she is not overly obsessed with what she owns.
Point 4 – GRAPES
Along with the pentacles, the woman’s harvest also includes grapes. Grapes traditionally represent a celebration of life and a maturity of spirit. Therefore, the fruit reflects the woman’s attitude towards her possessions.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Nine of Pentacles encourages you to celebrate your achievements and to indulge in a little pampering. You have worked really hard and exceeded expectations. Take a load off and enjoy the harvest of your work. An Upright Nine of Pentacles reminds us that rest is an important part of a healthy professional life.
Reverse
A Reverse Nine of Pentacles appears when the thing you need to celebrate is yourself. Remember that you are valuable independent of your work. A Reverse Nine of Pentacles is all about self-care and confidence. Don’t worry about what other people think of you. You are incredible regardless.
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.
