In occult and divinatory usage the suit is connected with the
classical element of Earth, the physical body and possessions or wealth. Coins as a Latin suit represent the feudal class of traders, and therefore to worldly matters in general. Associated physical characteristics include dark hair and eyes, dark complexion, and sturdy build. In the
Rider–Waite tarot deck and derivative decks, the suit is called the suit of
pentacles, and each card incorporates one or more discs each displaying a
pentacle. In
Aleister Crowley's
The Book of Thoth it is called the suit of disks, and the cards are associated with the
Taurus,
Virgo and
Capricorn signs of the
Zodiac.
Cards in the suit of coins • The
Ace of Coins is depicted as a hand holding a
Pentacle or a coin, with a five-pointed star on it, out of a cloud. There is a lush garden behind, suggesting plenty. It can also be seen as the Garden of Eden. Outside the garden can be seen two mountain peaks, suggesting the right and left pillars of the Qabalah. Both lead to higher amounts of wealth. The flowers in the garden are white—symbolizing innocence, perhaps innocent relationships such as the friendship shared by Adam and Eve before the fall. One of the flowers is in the shape of a cross, possibly representing self-sacrifice. This sacrifice could be as simple as suffering a natural death, as self-sacrifice is the only way into heaven. As with all the Aces, the Ace of Pentacles symbolises a beginning and something new being offered. This will often be a new source of money coming to someone. It is usually extra regular money of some description. It can indicate new opportunities leading to increased prosperity. The card indicates a change for the better financially, or at least, the opportunities are there to improve one's financial situation. It can also point to improved cash flow through better money management. • The
Two of Coins, when upright, means to juggle, to struggle in a positive influence, to balance (indeed, to juggle
and balance at the same time), to maintain. The balance of equilibrium is actively being maintained here; there is a self-realized aspect of maintenance. The Reversed meaning of the card means imbalances, excess juggling, excess struggle, the advice of the card is to re-dress balance. • The
Three of Coins has numerous positive attributes assigned to it, including the mastery of a skill in trade or work; achieving perfection; artistic ability; and dignity through renown, rank or power. Negative attributes (when card is in reverse) include sloppiness resulting in a lower quality outcome; lack of skill; banal ideas; and preoccupation with off-task concerns. • The
Four of Coins refers to a lover of material wealth, one who hoards things of value with no prospect of sharing. In contrast, when the Four of Pentacles is in reverse it warns against the tendency of being a spendthrift. • The
Nine of Coins depicts an aristocratic woman surrounded by an abundance of
grapevines on a large estate, most likely representing a fine material status. Her robe is decorated with
flowers, and a hooded falcon rests at ease on her arm. Falconry is an ancient sport which has been very popular among aristocrats and rulers of the past. The woman holds her falcon comfortably—without much excitement or fear (falcons are predators, after all)—which suggests she is well familiar with the wealth and power that this sport represents and feels comfortable with it. It is also noteworthy to mention that the falcon is hooded, meaning “not engaged” to pursue its prey. This suggests that the woman is aware of her power but chooses to keep it controlled. She knows her power and also knows how and when to apply it, which is a sign of wisdom. A young
snail, denoted by a blue shell, makes its way across her path. She is unaware of its potentially fatal proximity. When upright, it means being abundant, sophisticated, wise and successful. • The
Ten of Coins orders the coins according to the structure of the kabbalistic
Tree of Life. It depicts an old man with a bodyguard talking to a woman. It is often associated with family matters, financial matters or a mix of the two. Some sources associate it with affluence or even riches. It may reflect a working environment. • The
Queen of Coins is described as "Sensual and earthy, she enjoys abundance in many areas of her life. A lover of luxury, she is quick to share her wealth". The Queen of Pentacles can indicate fertility or a pregnancy. Like all court cards, the Queen of Coins is commonly interpreted to refer to a person playing some role in the life of the questioner; although it may represent the inquirer. Queens are said to represent mother figures and adult women, or young women mature for their years; women of knowledge and wisdom. She can also be a business woman, a patron of the arts, a provider, or one that works hard for material success. She is a maternal, nurturing, down-to-earth person, who is concerned with the welfare of others, especially those she cares for. The interpreted physical characteristics of the suit of coins include dark hair and eyes, dark complexions and sturdy build. In the Reversed aspect, this Queen neglects her responsibilities, keeping up appearances regardless of circumstances. • The
King of Coins depicts a mature man of considerable earthly power, usually depicted as a diplomatic business-man with a lot of practical wisdom. The king of pentacles can be miserly at times. He has a taste for sensual delights and earthly gifts. Here is a man who has a social standing and is big on
keeping up with the Joneses. On the downside, he can be a man of phenomenally huge ego, the one whom the querent dare not cross. The card depicts a man who can help the querent grasp the social and practical knowledge that he needs to acquire wealth or respectability. As with the rest of the court cards, the appearance of this card may signify contact with a person of this high stature. It does not necessarily indicate material riches to the querant, unless this has been further supported by other cards. The Rider–Waite deck depicts a man sitting on a black throne adorned with a gold bull. Grapes appear on his clothes, and a castle is in the background.
Card images in the Rider–Waite tarot deck image:Pents01.jpg|
Ace of Coins image:Pents02.jpg|
Two of Coins image:Pents03.jpg|
Three of Coins image:Pents04.jpg|
Four of Coins image:Pents05.jpg|
Five of Coins image:Pents06.jpg|
Six of Coins image:Pents07.jpg|
Seven of Coins image:Pents08.jpg|
Eight of Coins image:Pents09.jpg|
Nine of Coins image:Pents10.jpg|
Ten of Coins image:Pents11.jpg|
Page of Coins image:Pents12.jpg|
Knight of Coins image:Pents13.jpg|
Queen of Coins image:Pents14.jpg|
King of Coins == See also ==