King of Pentacles

Symbolism

The King of Pentacles sits on a throne decorated with bulls' heads, wearing a robe embroidered with bunches of grapes and vine leaves. He holds a pentacle in one hand and a scepter in the other, with a castle behind him. In the 1909 art, the vines seem to grow right out of his robe: his wealth is the fruit of long cultivation.

In general

The King of Pentacles is the card of mature prosperity. It shows up when there's financial security, business success, practical leadership and the ability to turn work into lasting wealth. It's about stability, generosity, discipline and knowing how to manage resources. It can represent a successful, dependable person, or those qualities in you. Reversed, it points to clinging to the material: greed, stubbornness, measuring everything in money, or bad financial decisions.

Yes or no

The King of Pentacles reigns among vines and riches: yes, with stability. It's a solid, secure answer. Reversed, the answer is maybe: he clings too tightly to what he has, so don't measure everything by what it's worth in money.

In love

In a love reading, the King of Pentacles points to a stable, protective, generous partner who offers security and commitment.

If you're in a relationship, it speaks of building a solid future together. If you're single, it shows someone mature and dependable.

Reversed, it points to control, putting work or money first, or showing love only through material things.

As feelings

As feelings, the King of Pentacles means serious, protective affection: this person wants to give you security. Reversed, the feelings are possessive or cold.

At work

At work, the King of Pentacles often points to success, leadership, profitable business and career stability. Reversed, it warns against greed or rigidity.

With money

With money, the King of Pentacles is one of the best cards you can get: wealth, solid investments and good management. Reversed, be careful with risks taken out of ambition, or holding on too tightly.

In family and friendship

In family and friendship, the King of Pentacles is the generous provider who offers stability. Reversed, it shows someone controlling about money.

On the personal path

On a personal level, the King of Pentacles asks you to manage what you've built well and use your resources generously. Reversed, it's a reminder that security isn't only about money.

Advice

As advice, the King of Pentacles says: build solidly, and share generously.

In the Celtic Cross positions

• The Present: there's stability, success and resources.
• The Challenge: the obstacle is attachment to material things, or rigidity.
• The Crown: you want financial security and fulfillment.
• The Foundation: underneath the question are years of work and discipline.
• The Recent Past: a recent financial or career win changed the situation.
• The Near Future: stability, or someone influential, is coming.
• Yourself: you're mature and practical.
• Your Environment: there's prosperity and opportunity around you.
• Hopes and Fears: you want security, and you're afraid of losing what you've built.
• The Outcome: this points to prosperity and stability.

Frequently asked questions

Is the King of Pentacles a good card?

Yes, it's one of the best for money, work and stability.

What does the King of Pentacles reversed mean?

Reversed, it points to greed, stubbornness, materialism or bad financial decisions.

Is the King of Pentacles a yes or no card?

Upright, it's a yes. Reversed, it's a maybe.

See also the Queen of Pentacles, who comes before him, the Ace of Pentacles, where the suit begins, and The Emperor, another card of stability.