Four of Pentacles Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Four of Pentacles Keywords

• Upright: control, stability, rigidity, material security, possessions, attachments, fear of loss
• Reversed: releasing attachments, letting go, generosity, openness to change, material instability, lack of boundaries

Four of Pentacles: Description and Symbolism

The Four of Pentacles represents the earth element in the Minor Arcana. The suit of pentacles presents themes of resources, stability, and material values throughout the tarot. Spiritual and worldly growth become united in this suit, represented by the pentagram symbol within a gold coin.

Numerologically, the number ‘4’ presents the themes of stability, commitment, and discipline. When these principles are combined with earth qualities, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining material security through a controlled management of resources. 

The man depicted in the Four of Pentacles wears a red robe and gold crown to represent his desire to maintain authority over his situation. His efforts have garnered wealth and security that he wishes to protect. The two pentacles beneath his feet signify that worldly motives drive his actions. Another pentacle appears above the man’s head, symbolizing his focus on material gain and stability. He has accumulated wealth, but his freedom has been lost in the process.

The wealthy man is surrounded by gray, with a colorful city depicted in the background. This lack of color suggests that his material focus has dulled his connection with the world. He holds a pentacle tightly to his chest, representing his strong attachment to wealth and material outcomes. The man’s focus on managing his resources has given him sufficient boundaries, but it has also led to possible dissatisfaction. 

Four of Pentacles – Upright Meaning

When the Four of Pentacles appears in a tarot reading, it suggests that you are working to maintain control over your resources. You may feel more rigid about the time, money, and energy you are willing to invest in new commitments. Depending on the nature of your situation, your boundaries could either maintain your stability or block you from new growth opportunities. These realities may coexist, calling for a reassessment of your priorities.

The Four of Pentacles could also suggest that a worldly attachment or goal is being prioritized above other aspects of your life. Perhaps your success at work is leaving you with less time to connect with your loved ones, or exciting projects feel out of reach because of strict savings goals. A mindset shift may be necessary to open yourself up to more fulfilling experiences at this time.

Ultimately, this card emphasizes a neutral theme of maintaining control and stability within your life. You are encouraged to use your discretion when deciding which areas could use more attention to feel fulfilled.

Love Meaning – Upright Four of Pentacles 

The Four of Pentacles suggests that you may be holding on to a strict expectation of yourself or others that is hindering your connections. Perhaps you have healed from a past argument or separation, making you afraid of losing the peace you have worked for. Rather than getting wrapped up in the details of your counterpart’s words and intentions, you are encouraged to give them the benefit of the doubt. Whether you are dating or in a relationship, it is worth letting go of internalized pressure.

As a relationship dynamic, this card suggests you may be experiencing rigidity or guardedness toward your partner. There could be a shared financial concern that is causing you distress, or a perceived misalignment of intentions. You are both encouraged to let go of the desire to be “right” in your interactions to reconnect. In another interpretation, this card could signify progress in setting necessary boundaries within the connection.

 When reading for how someone feels, the Four of Pentacles represents a love interest who is protective of their time and energy. They may feel hesitant to pursue a new relationship at this time.

Career Meaning – Upright Four of Pentacles 

In a career context, the Four of Pentacles suggests that you are holding onto your money and position tightly for a sense of security. Perhaps you previously lost your job or went through a period of financial struggles that you would like to prevent from recurring. It would benefit you to reflect on the fears that may be tightening their grip on your time and resources.

Alternatively, the Four of Pentacles could represent an intentional period of self-discipline. The rules you are setting around your schedule and spending are allowing for material stability at this time. This card could be encouraging you to continue with your savings goals or setting boundaries around others’ expectations.

Health Meaning – Upright Four of Pentacles 

When the Four of Pentacles appears in a health context, you are gently reminded to let go of the factors you cannot control. You may be strongly attached to the outcome of a goal you are working towards. It may be time to lighten your expectations of yourself to regain the energy to move forward.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Four of Pentacles 

In a spiritual context, the Four of Pentacles may suggest that you are going through a period where you are resistant to change. You have found comfort in the benefits of your current position, leaving you more stagnant than you would like. To continue on your spiritual path, it would be a good time to reflect on the attachments and expectations you are ready to release.

Four of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Four of Pentacles symbolizes rigidity and attachment to control. It may be time to reflect on the situations that call for a softened perspective.

Four of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Four of Pentacles represents the ability to maintain your resources and set firm boundaries. This self-protection could be beneficial, so long as it is not blocking positive change.

Four of Pentacles – Reversed Meaning

When the Four of Pentacles appears reversed in a tarot reading, it suggests that you are learning to let go of your need for control. The stability and wealth you have acquired so far serve you well, but you are craving something more. This card reassures you that letting go of old expectations will open you up to fulfilling opportunities. 

The reversed Four of Pentacles may also indicate a period of risky decision-making or limited boundaries. There is a balance to be found between stability and change at this time.

Another interpretation of this card is that you are ready to give back to your community. You are no longer holding onto your resources and achievements, but rather, finding an outlet to dedicate them to. It is a great time to be generous and open to new connections.

Love Meaning – Reversed Four of Pentacles 

In a love reading, the reversed Four of Pentacles suggests that you are releasing outgrown expectations and opening yourself up to a new approach in your relationships. You are ready to let go of the fears that guarded you from constructive conversations. If you are dating or in a relationship, this card suggests that vulnerability and the ability to accommodate needs are beginning to come more naturally to you.

Alternatively, the reversed Four of Pentacles could represent feelings of instability in love. It may feel more challenging to set necessary boundaries, requiring you to give more than you would like to. To properly manage your energy in your connections, you are encouraged to reflect on the priorities worth protecting. It is good to be open to your partner’s needs, but a balance is needed.

As how someone feels, this card represents a love interest who is ready to let go of old attachments and expectations. The feelings that used to hinder their ability to connect on a deeper level are now more manageable for them. This person may still struggle with boundaries, so it would be wise to discuss each other’s needs if you pursue a relationship.

Career Meaning – Reversed Four of Pentacles 

When the Four of Pentacles appears reversed in a career context, it suggests that you are ready to shift your mindset towards growth opportunities. The material attachments that were preventing positive change in your work life are no longer hindering you. It is a constructive time to invest in new networking opportunities and take intentional risks to progress.

The reversed Four of Pentacles may also suggest that you are feeling more generous. It is a great time to connect with others and devote time and resources to your community. So long as you reflect on the boundaries you may need, you will find satisfaction from charitable acts.

Health Meaning – Reversed Four of Pentacles 

In a health context, the reversed Four of Pentacles encourages you to open up to change. You are ready to let go of old attachments and expectations of yourself to live more freely. It would be a good time to reflect on new boundaries and rules to establish to maintain a sense of stability.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Four of Pentacles 

When the Four of Pentacles appears reversed, it suggests that you are feeling more open to growth opportunities at this time. Your perspective has broadened beyond material goals and security, making room for new spiritual lessons.

Four of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Four of Pentacles represents feelings of openness and freedom. You are working to release control and outgrown attachments to allow new opportunities in. This may feel destabilizing at first, so do not be afraid to set new boundaries around your energy.

Four of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

As actions, the reversed Four of Pentacles signifies release and acceptance of change. You are redefining what stabilizes and supports you now.     

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Four of Pentacles refers to a previous period of stability and security. The boundaries you set around your resources in the past are influencing your current situation. 

Present Position

When the Four of Pentacles appears in the ‘present’ position, it suggests that you have been more protective of your energy and wealth. It may be time to reflect on what fears could be influencing you to feel guarded in this moment. You are encouraged to give yourself credit for your achievements as you determine how to shift your mindset.

Future Position

The Four of Pentacles in the ‘future’ position suggests that your current efforts will lead to a sense of security, but also self-isolation. You may need a less protective approach to accommodate both your need for stability and the desire for new growth opportunities.

Yes or No Meaning of The Four of Pentacles 

• Four of Pentacles Upright: No
• Four of Pentacles Reversed: Yes

When the Four of Pentacles appears upright in a tarot reading, it gives you a ‘no’. Your control over attained resources and outcomes needs to be released to manifest a desirable outcome in your situation.

When the Four of Pentacles appears reversed, it gives you a ‘yes’. The choice to let go of strong attachments and dependency on worldly factors will provide you with a sense of fulfillment in your situation.

Advice and Message of The Four of Pentacles 

The Four of Pentacles appears as a symbol of stability and authority over your situation. Some commitments require you to set firm boundaries around your time and resources to feel secure. Just be careful not to lose sight of the purpose behind your hard-earned stability. You are encouraged to take control of your schedule and spending, so long as you remain open to new growth opportunities.

Summary of The Four of Pentacles Tarot Meaning

When the Four of Pentacles appears, you may be feeling more protective of your resources than usual. Your attachment to material gains and outcomes beyond your control could be hindering your growth at this time. Give yourself credit for the stability you have cultivated in your life before reassessing your approach. This card, in its reversed position, represents the freedom and connectedness you will experience once you let go of control.