Minor Arcana · Pentacles
King of Pentacles
King of Pentacles is a card of the suit of Pentacles, in the Minor Arcana of tarot. Upright, it speaks of mastery, prosperity and reliable leadership. Reversed, it points to rigidity, greed and workaholism. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- —
- Element
- Earth
- Astrology
- Fire of Earth (Leo to Virgo)
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
A king on a throne adorned with bull heads holds a scepter and a pentacle amid ripe vines, a castle behind him. His robe of grapes and flowers shows that wealth was cultivated through years of work. It is Earth fully matured: security, firmness and generosity.
Affirmation
“I use my resources and strength with wisdom and generosity.”
Upright meaning
- mastery
- prosperity
- reliable leadership
- stability
- responsibility
- General
- You arrive at, or near, a place of mastery over resources, with practical wisdom and firmness. The King is the suit's peak: he knows the value of each thing and protects those who depend on him. Fire of Earth energizes enterprise and achievement. Lead with stability, generosity and long-term vision.
- Love
- A secure, protective and loyal love that builds patiently and shows itself in concrete gestures. Commitment and emotional steadiness mark the relationship. You offer and deserve trust.
- Work & money
- Leadership, management and soundly based ventures are favored. Your discernment about value and effort inspires trust. Share what you learned with those who follow.
- Advice
- Exercise your authority with steadiness and generosity. Use your resources to sustain what matters.
Reversed meaning
- rigidity
- greed
- workaholism
- excessive control
- worth measured only by possessions
- General
- Firmness stiffens: the desire for security becomes control, or self-worth begins to hinge on titles and possessions. There may be overwork or difficulty delegating. Ask what truly sustains you beyond what you own. Mature power also knows how to yield.
- Love
- There may be coldness, dominance or excess focus on providing at the expense of affection. Show emotional availability, not only provision.
- Work & money
- Risk of micromanaging, stubbornness or putting profit above people. Delegate, listen to your team and review goals. Your well-being matters more than the look of success.
- Advice
- Loosen control a little and redefine success. Invest in relationships, not only in assets.
Guides about King of Pentacles
- Who Is the King of Pentacles as a Person in Tarot?Understand the King of Pentacles as a person: stability, generosity and the risk of greed when reversed, with examples of leadership, love and career.
- What is the difference between the Queen and the King in tarot?Understand the difference between the Queen and the King in tarot: two ways of sustaining a suit's energy, with examples in Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.