King of Pentacles: Modern RWS tarot Card Meanings
‘The King of Pentacles’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright King of Pentacles Meanings
Keywords
Wealth, Success, Abundance, Security, Mastery, Provider, Generosity
Generally
The King of Pentacles represents the pinnacle of material success and worldly mastery. He is an accomplished and prosperous leader who has built a lasting empire through diligence, practical wisdom, and sound judgment. This card signifies a time of financial stability, security, and abundance. The King is not just wealthy; he is also a generous and dependable provider who enjoys sharing the fruits of his labor. He has mastered the material world, creating a legacy of comfort, stability, and success for himself and others.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, the King of Pentacles represents a partner who is a fantastic provider—stable, dependable, and generous. This person shows their love by creating a secure and luxurious life for their family. The relationship is traditional, committed, and built on a foundation of unwavering loyalty and security. If you are single, this card can signify meeting someone with these qualities or advise you to embody this stable, provider energy to attract a lasting partnership.
In a Money/Career Context
This is the ultimate card for career and financial success. It signifies reaching the top of your field, achieving financial independence, or running a highly successful and profitable business. You are in a position of power and authority, and your Midas touch turns everything you work on into gold. It represents a period of immense prosperity, wise investments, and the security that comes from having mastered your craft and your finances.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the King of Pentacles finds his connection to the divine through his interaction with the physical world. He sees his success and his ability to provide for others as a spiritual responsibility. His practice is grounded in tangible acts of generosity and in creating a secure, abundant world that reflects a divine order. He understands that true wealth is about more than just money; it's about the security and well-being he can provide.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be confident in your abilities. Take a long-term, strategic view of your goals. Be generous with your resources. Build a lasting foundation.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
You will achieve a high level of success and financial security. A period of stable, prosperous leadership.
As Obstacles
A rigid, overly conservative, or materialistic approach is stifling creativity and growth. You are too focused on the bottom line.
As Hidden Energy
A deep-seated drive for security and legacy is the primary motivator behind your actions. A powerful and confident plan is in motion.
As Resources/Alliances
A wealthy, successful, and influential person. Your own business acumen and leadership skills. A secure financial position.
‘The King of Pentacles’ Reversed
Keywords
Greed, Materialism, Ruthlessness, Financial Loss, Instability, Stubbornness
Generally
Reversed, the King of Pentacles' positive qualities become corrupted by excess or failure. He can become a greedy, materialistic, and ruthless figure, obsessed with wealth and status at any cost. Alternatively, this card can signify a spectacular fall from grace—financial loss, a failed business, or a complete loss of stability and security. It warns against stubborn, rigid thinking and a corrupt, purely materialistic worldview.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed can represent a partner who is controlling, possessive, and overly concerned with appearances and status. They may use their wealth and power to manipulate their partner. It can also signify a relationship that is falling apart due to financial instability, gambling, or reckless financial decisions.
In a Money/Career Context
This card reversed is a strong warning about your relationship with work and money. It can point to ruthless or unethical business practices, a greedy obsession with profit, or a stubborn refusal to adapt to changing market conditions. It can also signify a major financial disaster, such as bankruptcy, a bad investment, or being fired from a high-powered position. It is a sign of instability and poor judgment.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests a complete obsession with the material world to the exclusion of all else. You may be worshiping money and status, leading to a spiritually bankrupt and empty life. It is a warning that your soul is being starved by your relentless pursuit of material gain.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Re-evaluate your relationship with money and success. Be wary of becoming ruthless or greedy. Check your stubbornness and be open to new ideas.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Financial ruin or a success that feels empty and corrupt. A fall from a position of power.
As Obstacles
Greed, corruption, and a win-at-all-costs mentality are the primary hindrances. A stubborn refusal to change a failing strategy.
As Hidden Energy
A deep fear of losing everything is driving you to make greedy or reckless decisions. A secret, failing business or investment.
As Resources/Alliances
The harsh lesson learned from a major financial failure. The motivation to rebuild after losing everything.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘King of Pentacles’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The King of Pentacles
"Valour, realizing intelligence, business and normal intellectual aptitude, sometimes mathematical gifts and attainments of this kind; success in these paths. Reversed: Vice, weakness, ugliness, perversity, corruption, peril." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS King of Pentacles Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s King of Pentacles is the very picture of worldly success. He sits on a magnificent throne carved with bulls, a symbol of stability and earthly power. His robes are decorated with grapevines, signifying abundance and the fruits of his labor. He holds a scepter of command in one hand and a golden pentacle in the other, representing his mastery over both his kingdom and his finances. His castle stands behind him, a testament to the empire he has built. He is surrounded by a lush garden, indicating that his success is not sterile but vibrant and alive.
Meditations On The King of Pentacles
What does true wealth and success mean to me, beyond just money?
How can I build a stable and secure legacy for myself and others?
Am I using my power and resources in a responsible and generous way?
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