In my teaching I use P.E.N.S.I., a layered method that keeps you from memorizing long lists of meanings. Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition all add depth. Position is always our first layer, but since we are not yet in spreads, we only touch on it lightly here. You will find that when these layers connect, your readings become natural and fluid.

Four of Pentacles, 1st Layer of Context: Position

Position is the first layer of context in any tarot spread. Even though we are not placing this card in spreads yet, remember that its meaning can change dramatically depending on where it lands. In single card lessons, we simply note that position frames the entire reading and will become more important later.

2nd Layer: Element is Earth

The suit of Pentacles belongs to Earth. Earth rules social ties, family life, health, and resources, with money as the thread running through them all. When the Four of Pentacles appears, I watch for themes of stability, savings, or guardedness in these areas. Think about where you or your client may be holding tight in life, whether with money, possessions, or even emotions.

3rd Layer: Four of Pentacles: Numerology Two

Four creates structure, foundation, and consolidation. Combined with Earth, this signals security that can become rigid. In practical terms, it shows budgeting, saving, or keeping resources close. Sometimes this is wise discipline, and sometimes it becomes a fear of loss that blocks growth.

4th Layer for the Four of Pentacles: Symbolism

The crown coin shows thoughts dominated by money. The chest coin shows emotional attachment to security. The coins beneath the feet show grounding, but also immobility. The stone seat reinforces a sense of permanence, while the walled city suggests both safety and isolation. Taken together, the symbolism highlights the difference between stability and stagnation.

Now, that’s along the lines of the Rider-Waite book.

5th Layer of Context: Intuition

Intuition blends all the layers. Often I sense the Four of Pentacles when someone is saving, protecting what is theirs, or setting strong boundaries. Other times, intuition reveals clinging too tightly out of fear. I pause, look at the card, and notice any impressions about generosity, guardedness, or balance. This is where the card speaks most personally.

Four of Pentacles: Reversed Meaning

Reversed, this card often signals greed, fear of loss, or wasted resources. It can also show the positive side of letting go, becoming generous, or loosening restrictions. Sometimes the reversed Four of Pentacles points to shaky finances, overspending, or instability. Other times it signals that freedom and relief are possible when we release the grip and trust flow.

I always see and teach “Four” is like divine discontent  in a way, four is foundation, but more to come, more to build, more choices and potential headaches. Avoid the headaches or at least the severity. It’s a four, either way; upright or reversed.

This reverse type’s meaning is an “amplified”, not the mirror or opposite reversals as described in the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson. A reversed card’s position in a spread with other cards must be taken into consideration, the same as an upright card. We’ll get to that in future lessons.

Sympathetic Decks

In Rider–Waite deck contexts, the Four of Pentacles often reflected concerns about wealth and property. In more modern decks, the image may soften into lessons about balance, generosity, or security in relationships. My current favorite, the Witches’ Tarot, and has the same symbolism, just stylized different. Many decks have the same symbols, but reflect the nuances, world, perceptions of their creators, just stylized different.

What I see, personally with this symbolism (some tarot guidebooks touch on some of these) is the common Rider-Waite aligned meanings but more. My favorite current deck is  Ellen Dugan’s Witches’ Tarot,

The pentacle above his head, tells me the person is preoccupied with social/family/money things and always money per earlier lessons. Look how the figure clutches the one in front of him with both hands, hanging on so tight. I think that seems like insecurity and anxiousness over it, protective of it but perhaps in an unhealthy way.

I see the figure also stepping on, pinning down two pentacles with their feet, and two is polarization. It’s also about choices, perhaps difficult ones. I add all that up and it also seems about control, and to the point where it may be controlling them.

Doesn’t seem like a particularly happy or peaceful state about social, family and money. I detect all kinds of things with clients too. My advice though is usually the same; health boundaries include financial ones too. And/or, take the time, look down the road and include yourself in your math, your wellbeing. And, if in a spread, the position and context of the other cards tell me even more.

This card highlights everyday budgeting and practical boundaries. Always connect the layers of P.E.N.S.I. to the reality at hand.

Correspondences

Astrology: Sun in Capricorn
Element: Earth
Planet: Sun
Number: 4

Tarot Spell: Four of Pentacles

For upright spell work, place the Four of Pentacles beneath a small dish of salt and a coin. Light a green candle dressed with olive oil and speak your intention for financial stability, healthy boundaries, or steady work. Visualize the salt protecting your resources and the candle building strength. Always snuff candles rather than leaving them unattended.

If you don’t know how, check out my article on how to enchant. You might also want to explore dozens of posts under How Witchcraft Works.

Tarot Spell: Four of Pentacles Reversed

For reversed work, place the card upside down under a bowl of rice with a bay leaf. Declare what you are ready to stop clinging to and where you will welcome flow. Snuff a brown candle while naming what you release, then relight it the next day with thoughts of generosity and renewed balance. This spell helps reset boundaries and open channels for healthy giving and receiving.

Final Note

The Four of Pentacles teaches us that security has two faces. Stability and protection can feel comforting, but clinging too tightly can shut out growth. Position belongs first, Earth provides the domain, Four marks the foundation, symbolism enriches the picture, and intuition personalizes the message. Together, these layers provide a clear reading you can trust.

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Today’s Featured Deck

Color Your Own Tarot Deck – A Creative Tool for Learning and Insight. Step into the world of tarot with a personal, hands-on twist. The Color Your Own Tarot Deck lets you customize your own 78-card deck. Because of its interactive design, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced readers alike.

I am always telling newer witches to study the energy of colors. Any good candle magic book can teach you that.

This Color Your Own Tarot Deck kit includes 78 uncolored tarot cards and a 64-page illustrated guidebook. As a result, you gain clear insight into each card’s meaning while adding your creative flair. The act of coloring deepens your connection to the symbols, making the lessons more memorable.

The post Four of Pentacles appeared first on Coexist - The Alternative Path.

This post uses the P.E.N.S.I. method: Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition to explore the full meaning of this card.

If you have not, read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, because it will help you master tarot much more easily.

Three of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position

In a reading, the Three of Wands shows that the first phase of effort is complete. Therefore, you’ve already built your foundation and sent your energy into the world. Moreover, it reminds you that progress continues even when it’s unseen. As a result, this card often marks travel, opportunity, or growth that is already set in motion.

2nd Layer of Context: Element of Fire

Fire fuels the Three of Wands, representing inspiration, drive, and determination. Consequently, the flame here is controlled and purposeful. Instead of chaos, it burns with focus and clear direction. Furthermore, Fire reminds you to keep your vision alive by tending it with confidence and steady will.

3rd Layer of Context for Three of Wands: Numerology of Three

The number three carries the energy of growth, creation, and collaboration. Therefore, it marks the moment when ideas take form and begin to expand. In this card, it reflects momentum built through prior effort. Additionally, three is a social number, highlighting teamwork and the shared benefits of cooperation.

Three  (and applies to all pips) is an initial stage of completion, something has formed and still taking shape. About to take more, further or greater shape. Sometimes it’s cause for celebration (positive meanings) and sometimes cause for sorrow or regrets (negative meanings) depending on the card. Either way, something has formed, something has come together.

4th Layer of Context: Symbolism

A traveler stands on high ground, overlooking calm waters dotted with ships. As the figure watches them sail, they know the journey has begun. The ships, therefore, represent ventures, intentions, or dreams moving forward across emotional seas. Meanwhile, the wands planted in the ground show stability and direction, while the horizon promises future success.

So far, all these description are what you will find in a tarot book, nothing wrong with that. However, I see it different. First, look at how the figure is dressed. He’s doing alright, career, self-employment, etc. But notice two wands behind him, one wand before him.

It is as if he has created something solid, behind him, but now he looks across the water like a merchant thinking, “I have built business here, how do I strike up business over there”. High up, he has clear view, he is looking for opportunities. You get the sense that a lot of things are in motion. It’s like actively waiting and watching.

He’s thinking expansion and growth.

The future looks bright, and possibly taking on a greater leadership role.

5th Layer of Context: Intuition

When the Three of Wands appears, it encourages you to trust the process you’ve begun. Even though you may not control the timing, you can remain ready and hopeful. Thus, your energy has already moved beyond the starting point. Keep faith that new connections and rewards will soon return to you.

Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Three of Wands suggests impatience or doubt about progress. Often, you may be clinging to control or narrowing your vision of what’s possible. Therefore, this position invites reflection and trust in the timing of your path. Ultimately, what’s meant for you may need more time or a different route to arrive.

Sympathetic Decks

The Light Seer’s Tarot, Everyday Witch Tarot, and the Wild Unknown Tarot all capture the forward-moving energy of this card beautifully. In the era of the Rider Waite, this would have been an up and coming individual, coming from money, or through relationships close to money, and working their way up the chain to become more.

In today’s decks, the principles still apply, but fit more the average person and their pursuits, perhaps not as grand, but could be!

Correspondences

Astrology: Sun in Aries (yay for me!)
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Number: 3

Tarot Spell: Three of Wands

Place the Three of Wands card before you with a small candle beside it. Focus on a project or dream already underway. As the flame burns, say aloud, “Like the figure in the Three of Wands, I watch my vision expand across the horizon. My ships sail with success, and opportunity comes to meet me.” Allow the candle to burn safely for a while, then extinguish it in gratitude.

Tarot Spell: Three of Wands (Reversed)

Set the Three of Wands card upside down before a mirror. Light a candle and say, “I release impatience and trust the rhythm of time. I open new paths where I once saw none.” Gaze softly into the mirror and imagine fog clearing over the sea. See your ships still moving, just slower than before you can see the far shore and anticipated opportunities. When you feel ready, blow out the candle and turn the card upright again to restore flow.

Final Note

The Three of Wands reminds you that progress is not instant but inevitable. Your work has already set events in motion, and patience will reveal what’s next. Keep your focus, stay grounded, and let confidence guide your course forward.

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Today’s featured deck

Rediscover the timeless beauty of the Rider Waite Tarot Deck & Book in this thoughtfully restored edition by Pamela C. Smith. While the 1909 version used vivid primary colors, this deck returns to the softer tones of the original palette. As a result, the muted shades reflect the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th century, giving each card a more refined, vintage feel.

See the product page for more images.

For example, in this original Rider Waite Tarot Deck edition, the pale blue skies in cards like The Star and The Wheel of Fortune now appear in a soft mint green. This subtle shift adds elegance and brings out new layers of meaning in the artwork. Because of these refined details, readers often feel a stronger emotional connection to the cards.

• Features original pale blue card backs with Tudor roses and lilies.
• Rider Waite Tarot Deck & Book includes updated guide and Celtic Cross spread.
• Restored color palette reflects the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th century.

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