The Two of Pentacles in the Rider–Waite Tarot shows a dancer juggling two coins linked by an infinity loop. Behind them, ships ride big waves. Therefore, the scene sets a rhythm of motion, change, and practical balance. If you have not yet read my first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, please do that first. It will help you connect these layers with ease.
P.E.N.S.I. is my method after decades or reading and years of teaching tarot. If you’re sick of endless memorizing, this is for you. P.E.N.S.I. relies very little on memorizing and heavily on association. It’s much easy and more effective in actual reading vs trying to remember the keywords for 78 cards. Learn this way and you can read any fundamental deck.
If you need one, we have lots of tarot decks.
Two of Pentacles, 1st Layer of Context: Position
A card’s position in a tarot spread creates the first layer of context. However, we are not working with spreads yet. We will cover spreads later in this series, and then we will apply position like pros. For now, simply remember that position matters, and we will return to it when the time is right.
2nd Layer: Element is Earth
This card belongs to Pentacles, so the second layer of context is Earth. Think social, family money …. and always money. All things that are earthbound. Earth rules money, work, health, and tangible outcomes. It also touches family systems and social obligations. Money is always tied to such things one way or another. Therefore, when the Two of Pentacles appears, expect a real-world balancing act. You are still in the material lane.
Hold the card in front of you and say it; social, family, money … always money.
3rd Layer: Two of Pentacles, Numerology 2
Twos in tarot represent duality, partnership, and decisions. Whereas one is a starting point or beginning, two is a connection, sometimes like polarizing on another person or thing. It’s also associated with choice. With Pentacles, the “two” becomes a question of balance: money vs. health, work vs. rest, or short-term vs. long-term stability.
Holding the card in front of you, say it: Two is choice, polarization, balancing.
4th Layer for The Two of Pentacles, Symbology
I personally find the symbolism on the two of pentacles just screams meaning. A figure dances while juggling two pentacles, tied together with an infinity symbol, so juggling social, family, money … always money. Does juggling come naturally? How long can one juggle like that? The fact that these coins or pentacles are tracing an infinity symbol, (the lemniscate) screams hamster wheel to me. If the juggler takes their eyes off or lets their focus drop for even a moment, they lose it.
This person is doing it, but so focused on juggling they pay little attention or have time for the ships coming and going. Look at the water, requires some thoughtful navigation? You bet. It is a matter of time before something gets dropped, forgotten or crashes. The juggler should try and reduce the juggling, what can he or she juggle less? Can something be delegated?
This person is multitasking like a pro, but one can’t keep that up forever. They need to manage what they are juggling with greater intent and more effectively, and perhaps let some things go, put them on auto-pilot or delegate. Perhaps someone can help manage the ships coming and going so they don’t crash. Simplify. The waves remind us that external forces always test our rhythm.
Fifth Layer of Context: Intuition
Intuition binds the layers into a single message. I pause, breathe, and listen. Often, I see this card pointing at cash-flow timing and issues, shifting hours, or competing projects. Struggling to make ends meet every month. I advice them to go over the budget, trim it down a little, and what can you delegate safely?
Biting off more than you can chew over time. Therefore, I suggest calendars, auto-payments to avoid late fees and other small safeguards. I also note odd flashes, because intuition can reveal the one ball you cannot afford to drop.
I often know the Two of Pentacles has sparked creativity “how do I get off this hamster wheel?”, second job, night school, on the job training – to get ahead with money. But it sounds like adding more, doesn’t it. It can be done, but get some help doing it.
Altogether now, this card shows up when you’re juggling social, family and money too much but making it work, for now. You’re in danger of dropping the ball. Upright, the Two of Pentacles encourages flexibility, resourcefulness, and creativity with limited resources.
You can balance competing priorities, but you’ll need rhythm, planning, and maybe a sense of humor.
Have the card out ... stare at that symbolism and ponder the intuition insights and upright meaning, ponder the meaning of “two”, connect it all with social, family and money. Speak your findings out loud.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, this card calls out chaos, missed bills, dropped responsibilities, or straight-up overwhelm. It suggests you’ve lost balance or ignored the practical side of things. Financial disarray, poor time management, or overcommitment are possible. The juggler has dropped the ball. I would check for bank overdrafts immediately, if not, deposit some money and maybe cancels a payment or subscription to avoid those run-away fees.
This reverse is not “the opposite”, (there are three types in P.E.N.S.I.). This is “The Mirror” – the same but certain things are different.
Rider-Waite vs Some Modern Decks (Sympathetic)
Created in the 1,900’s, the Rider-Waite deck was for the affluent, I don’t think the cards would have spoke to overdrafts back then. This would have been bigger money shortages and larger projects gone awry in the reverse. You knew or would “bank” on your name and go see a banker or a wealthy friend. Their problems seen in the card would have been more like the funding or progress of a hospital, educational institution or industrial site being held up.
That doesn’t mean some of your clients won’t be affluent to various levels, but remember to gear this for the average person. This could be the average single mom trying to make ends meet and her projects could simply be at home-courses to get into nursing or trying to spin a hobby into a side-hustle.
Professionally and privately, I currently use Ellen Dugan’s Witches’ Tarot, Absolutely love this deck, the symbolisms are loud and clear to me.
Tarot Spell: Two of Pentacles
For upright spell work, I keep the method simple and practical. Place the Two of Pentacles beneath a small dish of coins and a written schedule or all the things you have to do. Dress a brown candle with olive oil. Speak your intention for balance, timely payments, and smooth flow between tasks. Light, breathe, and visualize a steady rhythm. Never leave candles unattended. Snuff and relight as needed.
Make to enchant each ingredient/component individually, don’t just lob it all together. For deeper technique, see my article on how to enchant. This spell is likely best during late waxing to full moon phase.
Tarot Spell: Two of Pentacles Reversed
For reversed work, place the card upside down beneath a bowl of rice with a thyme sprig. Name what you will drop, delegate, or delay. Snuff a black or brown candle while stating your reset for tomorrow. Therefore, this version helps you reduce chaos, firm boundaries, and restore a sane pace. Finish the candle the following day. Let the flame serve as a reminder of your boundaries and choices. This spell is best performed on a waning gibbous or waning moon phase.
Don’t forget to check for lunar void of course phases so you don’t waste your time and energy!
Final Note
The Two of Pentacles brings a living balance, not a static one. Position belongs first, yet we will add it later. Earth frames the domain. Two marks exchange, choice, polarization. Symbols add story. Intuition personalizes the message. Therefore, each layer builds on the last and produces a reading you can trust.
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Today’s Featured Deck
If you like the Original Rider-Waite, (I love the original pastel colors) you might enjoy this. The Weiser Tarot Deck and Book by Edward and Colman brings new life to a beloved classic. This vibrant deck reimagines the timeless 1909 Waite-Smith tarot with fresh color and crisp illustrations. It’s a little more fun and colorful, the symbolism still rocks.
You will recognize the traditional symbols but experience them through a brighter, more contemporary lens. Moreover, the bold artwork enhances your intuitive connection, making every reading feel clearer and more engaging.
