The Three of Pentacles augurs, as with all threes, fertile ground and creativity. This is said to be the case because it combines the Ace and Two that it follows in its suit and the tarot deck itself. The Three of Pentacles displays a sculptor finishing three pentacles etched in the archway of a monastery. There are few people nearby who are admiring his work. There is great enthusiasm shown by this card, which shows that the promise of the Ace and Two of Pentacles is or will be fulfilled. The querent began a new financial venture, received a little to put towards it, and now, he can finally begin to turn himself a profit.
The Three of Pentacles shows a scene where craftsmanship is in play. All threes are representative of wholeness and the holy trinity which is the complete union of all aspects of God. They show how the effort used in the first two cards has paid off, so the querent can see the early fruits of his labour in the realm of monetary pursuits. The proper balance has been achieved and everything is going well, which should be savoured.
When more than one three appears in the same spread, there is a more well-defined interpretation that can be revealed to the querent. Pairs of threes portray being productive in one’s work and achieving the proper amount of focus, and three of these foretells the need to make some decisions before covering more ground towards one’s goals, or in this case, one’s professional goals. It seems that there is still more work to be done. Having four threes in a spread shows awards, achievement, and accolades, which can sometimes go hand in hand. The Three of Pentacles may imply that the creative ideas that the querent is giving rise to have been earned and not simply picked up while tripping one’s way through their work.
The Three of Pentacles in an Upright Position
The Three of Pentacles in an upright position is an indicator of skill and a professional demeanour. The querent may be doing well with his business affairs and he is having a great time developing new ideas that will make him more money. This can also be seen as the period where someone recognizes the abilities of the querent and gives him credit for his talents. This could show where the querent has been offered additional work based on the quality of results he provides. This could also be seen as a promotion of some type. The querent my find themselves in college where they are able to hone their craft. The querent may not just see a new position of some sort, but a raise that goes with most promotions may be available to the querent. The upright Three of Pentacles shows that they will be able to use their own mind at work instead of assuming the role of drone.
The meaning of all Minor Arcana cards can be modified by the cards that surround it. Court cards from the Minor Arcana (Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings) all represent people. They have corresponding physical characteristics as well as their own astrological correspondences. The Three of Pentacles shows recognition and achievement from those around the querent when he is just starting out in his chosen path of expertise. The court cards in the general area where the Three of Pentacles resides will help to identify the people who are involved and present to see the querent enjoy his success. The Major Arcana cards present will also colour the reading of this card. These cards include the Wheel of Fortune, which foretells that the querent will have an opportunity with a job that has room for advancement and a real chance at providing long-term happiness and success. Another trump that elevates the interpretation of the Three of Pentacles would be the Lovers. This card augurs a meeting between the querent and a love interest at work.
The Three of Pentacles in a Reversed Position
The reversed position of each card of the Minor Arcana is really as it states: an inversion of the card’s meaning. In the Three of Pentacles, we see that its reversal has toppled the querent, but his work remains intact. The pentacles he has carved out of stone for the monastery remain unscathed, which shows that the querent may have left his a job or taken leave in some way due to feeling underutilized, bored, and unchallenged, but the work speaks for itself, and he may be able to pick up where he left off in a new career since it is still very early in the game. The querent also may not feel very appreciated. The saying, “Overworked and underpaid.” comes to mind, and people may become envious of the recognition the querent has been getting at work. The querent should be reminded that he is still starting out and has options when it comes to his future.
There is also something be said for standing up for oneself with this card in its reversed position. If people are giving him a hard time, the Three of Pentacles urges him to defend himself. This does not mean that he should use violence, but the querent is talented and experienced enough that he doesn’t need to put up with school age bully-like tactics from grown individuals who are feeling more inadequate since he came onto the scene. The reversal of the Three of Pentacles encourages an individual to stand behind the quality of his work regardless of what others may think or say. There is also a warning that one may not be as skilled as he thinks, or has overinflated self-esteem from a few good successes, but doesn’t have the long term experience to do well in every arena. There is also a warning to avoid the black arts as the pentacles become pentagrams, the symbol of the devil worshippers, when the Three of Pentacles is reversed.
Key Terms
- Promotions
- Recognition
- Talents and abilities
- Honing one’s craft
- Jealousy at work