King of Pentacles Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

King of Pentacles Keywords 

• Upright: wealth, credibility, trustworthiness, material stability, ethical leadership, reliability, good reputation
• Reversed: greed, self-doubt, material insecurity, unstable foundations, possessiveness, misdirected control, failure

King of Pentacles: Description and Symbolism

The King sits comfortably on his throne, holding a scepter in one hand and a golden coin with a pentacle symbol in the other. The kings and pentacles both correspond with the earth element throughout the Minor Arcana, presenting themes of resources, stability, and worldly achievement. His royal position is symbolized by the golden crown and scepter he holds, which convey power, leadership, and social responsibility. The King of Pentacles’ rulership is grounded in earthly principles, making him trustworthy and generous with his wealth.

The bull heads on the King’s throne and under his foot serve as an astrological representation of Taurus. This earthly zodiac sign is ruled by Venus, emphasizing themes of groundedness, natural resources, and material security. The King of Pentacles has achieved the Taurean goal of inner peace by maintaining strong values and a deep connection to nature. Overgrown vines cover him, symbolizing the worldly growth he has achieved through sustained effort. His flowering crown symbolizes the genuine support and wisdom he offers to his community.

The King of Pentacles wears a red headscarf and a suit of armor beneath his royal attire, symbolizing his passion for protecting his resources. He fortifies his wealth and success for the benefit of the people, represented by the castle he has built in the background. The King’s worldly efforts have left a legacy he can sit peacefully with. His cape is covered with grapes to represent the satisfying rewards he has earned through hard work. The King’s calm expression shows he has nothing to prove, as he has already taken necessary actions to achieve his goals.

King of Pentacles – Upright Meaning

When the King of Pentacles appears in a reading, it is a positive sign that you have garnered respect and credibility by remaining consistent. Your hard work has paid off, bringing you wealth and security that you can share with your community. It is a great time to pursue new projects and long-term investments – the foundations you have built will give you confidence in doing so.

As advice, the King of Pentacles could be nudging you to take the lead in your given situation. Offer a new idea at work or establish a new health regimen. You have abundant resources to work with in order to achieve your goals, so it would benefit you to find an outlet to actualize your vision. Remember to honor your peace as you accept new opportunities.

Another interpretation of the King of Pentacles is that a trustworthy mentor or guide could become of prevalence. You are encouraged to remain open-minded to the skills you could learn from others.

Love Meaning – Upright King of Pentacles 

When the King of Pentacles appears in a love reading, it suggests you have made significant progress in understanding your needs and boundaries in a relationship. Whether you are single or in a relationship, your past lessons have prepared you to form lasting connections. Remain committed to the promises you have made to yourself, and you are likely to attract that same consistency from others.

As advice in love, the King of Pentacles reminds you to prioritize stability and trust. You deserve a partner who you can depend on for support, so remember not to settle. In times of conflict, it would benefit you to be patient and give your counterpart the benefit of the doubt. This connection has the potential for substantial growth based on shared values, so long as you address your deeper concerns.

When reading for how someone feels, the King of Pentacles represents someone who is trustworthy and willing to make a long-term commitment. This love interest could want to provide for you and build a legacy together.

Career Meaning – Upright King of Pentacles 

The King of Pentacles serves as a hopeful sign of incoming wealth and success in your career. You could soon gain recognition for your consistent efforts, which could lead to a raise or promotion. If you have considered switching career paths, this King reassures you that you have the skills and credibility to achieve that goal. 

Financially, it would be a good time for making long-term investments. Whether you have considered buying a car or taking out a mortgage for a new home, this card suggests you have the resources you need. Your savings are worth spending on creative ideas and growth opportunities at this time.

Health Meaning – Upright King of Pentacles 

When the King of Pentacles appears in a health context, it suggests that you are maintaining an adequate work-life balance at this time. You are mindful of where you spend your time and energy, which gives you a lasting sense of security. It is a good time for protecting your peace of mind with strong boundaries and predictable routines.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright King of Pentacles 

In a spiritual context, the King of Pentacles suggests that you are feeling aligned with your intentions and values. Your worldly goals and efforts are guided by your higher calling, leaving room for spiritual growth. As advice, you are encouraged to prioritize grounding practices that bring you a sense of peace.

King of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The King of Pentacles represents feelings of peace and self-respect. You deserve to applaud yourself for the stability you worked hard to cultivate in your situation.

King of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the King of Pentacles represents grounded decision-making that has garnered respect and credibility. You have learned the necessary lessons to manage your resources wisely.

King of Pentacles – Reversed Meaning

When the King of Pentacles appears reversed in a reading, you may be going through a period of instability. Perhaps you are having a disagreement with your partner, or you made an investment that gave you a lower return than you planned for. Rather than feeling discouraged, this King reminds you to take charge of the factors within your control. So long as you make grounded decisions, you will be able to turn the situation around.

The reversed King of Pentacles could also indicate that you have material attachments that are ready to be released. It may be time to redefine what success and wealth truly mean to you. Otherwise, you could hold on to your losses and disappointments longer than you would like.

As a figure in your life, the reversed King of Pentacles represents someone who is disconnected from their purpose. If they have authority in your life, you are encouraged to take their influence with a grain of salt as they restore their sense of stability.

Love Meaning – Reversed King of Pentacles 

When the King of Pentacles appears reversed, it suggests you may be going through a period of instability in your relationships. Whether you are healing from a recent heartbreak or resolving a conflict with your partner, you are gently reminded to process your emotions. Reflecting on your deeper feelings and values will give you the clarity you need to traverse times of disconnect. 

The reversed King of Pentacles could also suggest that you are placing unrealistic expectations on yourself or others. It may be time to release a particular fear or attachment that impedes your ability to let go of control in your connections. Once you realign with your grounded intentions, you are likely to build a stable, trusting relationship.

As someone’s feelings for you, the reversed King of Pentacles represents someone who is unsure of their approach. You may need to give this love interest time to realign with their needs before pursuing the connection.

Career Meaning – Reversed King of Pentacles 

When reversed, the King of Pentacles suggests that you may need to reassess your spending. Consider whether your commitments and investments align with your long-term goals. Without proper planning, new opportunities could slip through your fingers at this time. Some of the money you have saved could be better spent on meaningful creative projects at this time.

Another interpretation of the reversed King of Pentacles is that you are experiencing imposter syndrome at your job. It may be time to reflect on whether your current career path is as fulfilling as you expected. If it is, this King reminds you of all the lessons and skills that make you capable.

Health Meaning – Reversed King of Pentacles 

In a health context, the reversed King of Pentacles suggests you may be holding onto attachments and possessions that are depleting your energy. Reflect on mindful outlets to devote your time and energy to at this time. Once you become grounded in the needs and values that have been pushed aside, you will manifest the stability you have been working towards.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed King of Pentacles 

The reversed King of Pentacles suggests you may need to let go of material attachments to achieve the spiritual growth you seek. Carve out time in your schedule to journal or meditate about your higher calling. Once you realign with your intentions, you will grow in both a worldly and spiritual sense.

King of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed King of Pentacles represents feelings of insecurity and possessiveness. It may be time to reflect on the fears that motivate your actions to feel grounded once more.

King of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

As actions, the reversed King of Pentacles represents both self-doubt and the desire to take control. Whether you are overly confident or afraid to take action, this King gently reminds you to devise a practical plan to achieve your goals.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the King of Pentacles appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous accomplishment that brought you wealth and security. The credibility you earned through hard work and persistent effort is influencing your current situation.

This King in the ‘past’ position could also represent a mentor or authority figure who gave you practical advice in the past.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the King of Pentacles encourages you to enjoy the peace and stability you worked hard to attain. Your consistent efforts have built a strong foundation that will allow for new growth.

The King of Pentacles in the ‘present’ position may also symbolize a trustworthy mentor or leader who is playing a role in your current situation.

Future Position

The King of Pentacles in the ‘future’ position predicts that your current efforts will result in sustainable wealth and success. You are encouraged to stay grounded in your values to attain this future material security.

This King in the ‘future’ position could also signify that you will soon meet a credible mentor or authority figure who can guide you through your worldly decisions.

Yes or No Meaning of The King of Pentacles 

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

When the King of Pentacles appears upright, he gives you a ‘yes’. Your dedicated effort will allow you to manifest abundance and success in this situation.

When reversed, the King of Pentacles gives you a ‘no’. It may be time to reassess the values that drive your decision-making to achieve a desirable outcome.

Advice and Message of The King of Pentacles 

The King of Pentacles encourages you to pursue new endeavors with your values and lived experiences in mind. The obstacles you have overcome have given you the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals. So long as you prioritize stability and peace of mind, you will feel confident in how you spend your resources.

Summary of The King of Pentacles Tarot Meaning

When the King of Pentacles appears in a reading, it is a hopeful sign that you are achieving the goals you set for yourself. Your persistent efforts have yielded significant wealth and credibility in your pursuits, opening the door to more opportunities. When reversed, this card may suggest that you have lost sight of the purpose behind your investments. Release the material attachments that could be holding you back, and you will soon achieve a sense of security.