Pentacles
Pentacles are based on the interindividual balance of the periodic table. They require deep sensitivity, involvement in the pattern and soul-searing intimacy. Philosophers and monks require this level of development. In the Faerie Tarot, pentacles are represented by 32 cards, counting two crazy eights and 14 other Major Arcana cards.
- Ace of Pentacles -- sacrificial satisfaction
- painting -- Lilies burst from the ground, thrusting dirt aside and lifting a single pentagram into the sky.
- meanings -- The perfection of the completed pattern. Attainment of knowledge, particularly in a systematic arrangement. The combination of material wealth and spiritual happiness through knowledge. Bliss and ecstasy.
- associated element -- francium?
- Two of Pentacles -- evangelical predation
- painting -- The juggler juggles two pentagrams around which a crazy eight, itself suggesting the beginning of the pattern. The ends of the mini-pattern do not quite meet, and the sea behind the juggler roils with storm.
- meanings -- Without balance, patterned existence falls prey to mistakes. Difficult situations arising from new troubles. Static harmony is illusion without the yin and yang of the inner and outer patterns.
- associated element -- radium?
- Three of Pentacles -- commensual laudation
- painting -- One of two cards which depict the artisan of pattern, the Three of Pentacles depicts him working on three pentagrams on the wall of a monastery. The pattern loops around his handiwork.
- meanings -- The threefold unity of mind, body and spirit. The active side of craftsmanship. The need to practice most physical skills in order to imbue them with intelligence and soul.
- associated element -- Actinium?
- other Major Arcana
- Four of Pentacles -- symbiotic cooperation
- painting -- A man strolls the pattern picking up each steppingstone as he passes to the next. He wears a crown with a pentagram on it and only two stones (with pentagrams on them) remain as he picks up the third-from-the-last stone.
- meanings -- The hoarding of knowledge. That which is diminished by not sharing, as love or cooperation. Failure to understanding the value of a network.
- associated element -- rutherfordium?
- Five of Pentacles -- benign warding
- painting -- The pattern appears in the stained glass of a monastery window, looping around five pentagrams. Two people outside are blinded by a snowstorm which prevents them from seeing the enlightenment available within.
- meanings -- Impoverishment and material trouble. Failure to understand the value of the spiritual because of a concentration on physical weakness. Loss and the tendency of those who have lost to feel they may not be welcome.
- associated element -- dubnium?
- Six of Pentacles -- depressed parasitism
- painting -- The prosperous merchant realizes that his knowledge is more valuable than his coins. He distributes books bearing the symbol of the pattern on their covers to the needy. Though some examine his gifts curiously, others spurn them or try to chew on them depressed in their error.
- meanings -- True charity, as in a job instead of a handout. True value of knowledge. Misunderstanding of that which is truly worthwhile.
- associated element -- seaborgium?
- Seven of Pentacles -- angry sadism
- painting -- A young man leans on his hoe, so weary he seems to be unaware the seven fruits of his labors. He may also be unaware the path through his plants suggests the pattern.
- meanings -- Ingenuity and growth. Hard work which blinds us to our real accomplishments. Indecision and fear of success.
- associated element -- bohrium?
- Eight of Pentacles -- synnecrotic conflict
- painting -- One of two cards which depict the artisan of the pattern, the Eight of Pentacles show him in study, concentrating so hard on the pentacle on the table before him that he failes to notice the seven others worked into the pattern on the walls of the monastery where he studies.
- meanings -- Personal effort deriving from candid exploration of one's own weaknesses. Apprenticeship and study. Craftsmanship deriving from a study which may exclude some influences.
- associated element -- hassium?
- Crazy Eights -- The Magician and The High Priestess
- Nine of Pentacles -- sacrificial satisfaction
- painting -- A well-dressed woman stands in her vineyard, bird on her arm. Three arches of a trellis built from nine pentacles are only beginning to attract vines. Through the trellis a castle is visible in the distance. The pattern is reflected in the trellis.
- meanings -- Discernment. Discretion. Sacrifice for future safety. Foresight and prudence. Love of nature and satisfaction with the web of life.
- associated element -- 111ium?
- Ten of Pentacles -- evangelical predation
- painting -- An elderly man pets a dog as a young boy watches. A couple embraces meaningfully beside a road paved with ten pentacles which leads to a castle in the background.
- meanings -- Security. Safety. Pro-family evangelism. Ancestry. Home, which serves as a hunting lodge as well as protection from predators. Animal impulses harnessed to the pattern of mind.
- associated element -- 112ium?
- Page of Pentacles -- commensual laudation
- painting -- The Page of Pentacles shouts out his praise for his master who has allowed him to table, while the other diners look on in shock. The master smiles beneficently, knowing his pupil stands on the verge of new awareness based on diligence of soul.
- meanings -- Praise which calls attention to that which might stir fears. Exposure of a respected friend. Interruption of a valuable train of thought. Being chosen for a dubious honor.
- associated element -- 113ium?
- Maid of Pentacles -- symbiotic cooperation
- painting -- The pensive Maid of Pentacles stands on a chair as she pulls a book from a high shelf. The cover of the book is filled with a picture of the globe and pattern, drawing sustenance for her soul from her belief.
- meanings -- Deep concentration and study. Scholarship and reflection. Bearer of news which inspires do-gooder action.
- associated element -- 114ium?
- Knight of Pentacles -- benign warding
- painting -- The Knight of Pentacles wears a horned helmet. The great globe of his suit bulges from the breastplate of his armor. Within the globe the pattern can be dimly perceived, protected inside.
- meanings -- A mature and responsible person, reliable and methodical. Patience and persistence, enabling one to complete a task. Able to find the path of pattern, catalog and ward its dangers, and map a safe path for others.
- associated element -- 115ium?
- Queen of Pentacles -- depressed parasitism
- painting -- The Queen of Pentacles holds the globe of her suit in her right hand. She sits in a bower of rose and fruit. One of the fruits in the bower has a worm in it.
- meanings -- The generous and charitable rich person. Liberty. Grace which magnifies God rather than praising him. Dignity. Creation has its destructive side, worthy of being depressed about.
- associated element -- 116ium?
- King of Pentacles -- angry sadism
- painting -- Dark King of Pentacles sits on a purple throne holding a large crystal ball with a pentagram embedded inside it in his left hand. He is dressed in rich robes, but he has the serious mein of a philosopher-king. He is angry his initimate knowledge of the pattern has imprisoned him forcing him into actions which may frighten those who have not achieved enlightenment.
- meanings -- Experienced and successful leader. A person whose intelligence and character make many fear his penetrating gaze. A loyal and intimate friend.
- associated element -- 117ium?
- Crone of Pentacles -- synnecrotic conflict
- painting -- The Crone of Pentacles is smiling even though she is one of many on a hilltop crucified on giant pentagrams. The others are all showing discomfort and dispair. The pattern is revealed in the path of steppingstones which winds among the pentagrams
- meanings -- A new beginning, bursting forth at a whole new level. Foregiveness. Freedom from the bounds of the flesh. Ideas which endure.
- associated element -- 118ium?
See also Coins, Faerie Tarot and Minor Arcana.
