Three of Pentacles Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Three of Pentacles Keywords

• Upright: collaboration, apprenticeship, shared goals, teamwork, recognition, learning, skilled efforts
• Reversed: miscommunication, competition, resistance to advice, insufficient effort, lack of motivation, conflict

Three of Pentacles: Description and Symbolism

The Three of Pentacles corresponds with the element of earth in the Minor Arcana, presenting themes of resources, growth, and stability. This is represented by the divine pentagram on a golden coin, intersecting nature with worldly value. Themes of money, career, and worldly accomplishments often come up with the suit of pentacles. 

This card depicts a triangular formation of three pentacles, symbolizing the potential for growth and progress through worldly endeavors. Numerologically, the number ‘3’ symbolizes creativity, growth, and connection. These principles derive from the idea that harmonizing the active quality of ‘1’ with the receptive quality of ‘2’ leads to well-rounded creations. The depiction of three figures working towards a common goal further emphasizes the card’s theme of collaboration.

A monk and an architect stand before a skilled sculptor standing on a bench. The sculptor’s elevated position symbolizes the growth he has achieved through acquired knowledge and experience. The blue and yellow he wears suggest that he is a trustworthy mentor, making the other two figures his apprentices. 

The monk and architect are huddled together with a blueprint of the monastery. The monk is draped in red to represent passion, while the architect’s white robe symbolizes openness. The blueprint depicts the three figures’ shared goal to build the monastery. The monastery itself is gray and ornately designed, symbolizing the spiritual growth made possible by dedicated worldly effort. The Three of Pentacles represents the need for harmony among diverse perspectives to make progress.

Three of Pentacles – Upright Meaning

When the Three of Pentacles appears in a tarot reading, you are encouraged to seek out lessons within your given situation. Consider what you could learn from the people around you. When you open up to others’ perspectives, you might find you share the same goal. This card encourages you to collaborate and lean into teamwork to make progress. 

The Three of Pentacles may also suggest that you have been hard at work to bring your vision to life. If you are pursuing higher studies or networking to learn from those with more experience, this card applauds you for doing so. Remain focused on developing your skills, and you are likely to receive recognition for your dedicated efforts.

Love Meaning – Upright Three of Pentacles 

When the Three of Pentacles appears, it suggests you are willing to learn from your past experiences in love. Previous relationships and conflicts have clarified your needs and boundaries, allowing you to advocate for yourself more naturally. Whether you are dating or in a relationship, your efforts are likely to be noticed at this time. 

The Three of Pentacles represents a relationship dynamic that is built on teamwork. You and your partner are able to traverse obstacles seamlessly by keeping each other’s perspectives in mind. Remain open to feedback, and you will continue to grow together.

As how someone feels, the Three of Pentacles depicts a love interest who sees growth potential within your connection. This person is hopeful about the relationship and willing to put in the effort to see it through.

Career Meaning – Upright Three of Pentacles 

The Three of Pentacles turns your attention towards networking and collaboration. If you do not already work alongside your peers, you are encouraged to strengthen your connections with them. Your involvement in a shared project or vision is likely to bolster your career trajectory.

Another interpretation is that you would benefit significantly from pursuing training or higher education. If you are more inspired by less structured environments, it would not be a bad idea to find a one-on-one mentor. It is a great time to build your skills through new learning opportunities, so don’t be afraid to invest in such experiences.

Ultimately, the Three of Pentacles represents creativity that is supported by connections and ongoing learning. You are motivated to bring your vision to life, so do not hesitate to spend on the tools and opportunities that will support your pursuits. 

Health Meaning – Upright Three of Pentacles 

In a health context, the Three of Pentacles encourages you to lean on your support system. You will feel rejuvenated after spending time with like-minded people. You also have a lot of ideas that need an outlet, so consider learning a new skill or starting a creative project you can do with friends. For specific health concerns, it would be a good time to consult a professional for advice to ease your mind.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Three of Pentacles 

The Three of Pentacles reminds you that engaging with creative projects is a great way to re-ground in your intentions. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and supportive spiritual lessons will follow.

Three of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Three of Pentacles appears as a symbol of motivation and openness. You are dedicated to achieving your goal, willing to accept new lessons and support along the way.

Three of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Three of Pentacles represents hard work and skill development. It is a great time to collaborate and learn from those with more experience. 

Three of Pentacles – Reversed Meaning

When the Three of Pentacles appears reversed in a reading, you may be lacking motivation. You could feel like your efforts have been insufficient to achieve your goals. To satisfy your desire for progress, you are encouraged to lean on others’ support. Ask someone you trust for guidance to support your next move. There may be a lesson you have already learned that could be applied in your situation.

Another interpretation of the reversed Three of Pentacles is that working with others has been more challenging lately. Perhaps a recurring disagreement is causing conflict, or your recent efforts have gone unnoticed. Whether it is at work or in your personal life, it would benefit you to reflect on who has the intention of supporting you. It may simply be miscommunication that is causing the disconnect.

Love Meaning – Reversed Three of Pentacles 

When the Three of Pentacles appears reversed in a love context, you may be struggling to come to an agreement with your partner. Consider whether there has been a miscommunication before jumping to conclusions. This card suggests you may be misinterpreting each other’s efforts and intentions, making compromise harder to come by.

If you are single, the reversed Three of Pentacles suggests you may feel disinterested in new love. Perhaps a past conflict or separation left you feeling inadequate or unappreciated. You are gently reminded to attend to your deeper concerns before pursuing a new connection. Once you clarify your needs and boundaries, you will find it easier to work with a new partner as a team.

When reading for how someone feels, this card represents a love interest who is unmotivated to put in the effort for a new connection. They may need time to integrate lessons into their approach before pursuing a relationship.

Career Meaning – Reversed Three of Pentacles 

In a career context, the reversed Three of Pentacles suggests that you may feel at a crossroads with your peers and coworkers. Perhaps your recent contributions have gone unnoticed, or a coworker’s feedback on your work struck a chord. Consider whether the environment is limiting your growth or if you are prematurely protecting yourself from criticism. You may be perceiving others’ intentions as competitive when they intend to support you.

The reversed Three of Pentacles could also indicate a stagnant period of decreased motivation. It may be time to reflect on the connections and commitments that bring you the most energy. If your progress has come to a halt, you will benefit from seeking advice from a trusted loved one or mentor.

Financially, this card encourages you to invest in opportunities that get you out of your comfort zone. You are likely to learn many lessons from networking and creative projects if you give them a try.

Health Meaning – Reversed Three of Pentacles 

When the Three of Pentacles appears reversed in a health context, it may be time to reassess your energy levels. You have goals that you would like to work towards, but feelings of self-doubt could be holding you back. You are gently reminded to lean on loved ones and professionals for guidance that will ease your mind.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Three of Pentacles 

In a spiritual context, the reversed Three of Pentacles suggests that your growth feels blocked at this time. Grounding practices like meditation and journaling are likely to give you the mental clarity you need to get through your situation. Once you have defined your needs and boundaries, you will find that connections and collaborative efforts will greatly inform your spiritual growth.

Three of Pentacles As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Three of Pentacles represents feelings of inadequacy and social disconnect. It may be time to reflect on your approach to feel more content with your efforts. 

Three of Pentacles As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

As actions, the reversed Three of Pentacles represents insufficient efforts to achieve your goals. Be gentle with yourself as you identify areas you could improve. It may require a second opinion to see your path more clearly.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Three of Pentacles appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous collaboration or learning experience. Your past dedication to developing skills and connecting with like-minded people is positively influencing your present situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Three of Pentacles encourages you to find peers or mentors who have common goals. You are dedicated to bringing your ideas to fruition, but some extra support could bolster your progress.

Future Position

The Three of Pentacles in the ‘future’ position predicts that your current situation will lead to involvement within a group or team. You are likely to attract like-minded people you can learn from if you sustain your efforts.

Yes or No Meaning of The Three of Pentacles 

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

When the Three of Pentacles appears upright, it gives you a ‘yes’. You are acquiring the skills and connections you need to manifest a desirable outcome in this situation.

When the Three of Pentacles appears reversed in a reading, it gives you a ‘no’. You may need to reevaluate your approach to accomplish your goals at this time.

Advice and Message of The Three of Pentacles 

The Three of Pentacles appears as a sign to connect with your community to accomplish your goals. Some tasks require a collaborative effort to make the vision come to life. Your hard work is likely to gain recognition, especially when you work in tandem with others. So long as you remain open to others’ knowledge and experience, you are likely to succeed.

Summary of The Three of Pentacles Tarot Meaning

When the Three of Pentacles appears, it suggests that you are determined to see your goals through. It is a great time to learn and connect with people who inspire you. Much of your satisfaction will come from collaborative efforts at this time. When this card appears reversed, you may be struggling to stay motivated. Consider whether your vision has left you feeling isolated from others’ support. Seeking advice from peers and loved ones is likely to give you a new sense of direction.