top of page
Search

Tarot Tuesday: The 4 of Pentacles Meaning, Symbolism, and How to Use It

In the rich and layered world of the tarot, the suit of Pentacles is associated with the element of Earth and speaks to the material realm: money, stability, home, work, and physical health. Within this suit, the 4 of Pentacles stands out as a card of control, possession, boundaries, and security. But like every tarot card, its meaning is not fixed, it shifts with context, intention, and the seeker’s own energy. Whether appearing upright or reversed, the 4 of Pentacles offers valuable insight into how one relates to wealth, self-worth, and the instinct to hold on, or let go.

ree

Visual Symbolism: The Body Language of Control


Most commonly illustrated in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the 4 of Pentacles shows a seated figure holding a pentacle tightly to their chest, with two more under their feet and one balanced on their head. Their expression is often solemn, protective, and even a little defensive.


This image communicates volumes. The figure is grounded, but immobile. They possess wealth but are not free. Their body is tense from the act of holding on. The card’s energy is not about abundance flowing, rather, it speaks of restriction, conservation, and perhaps even fear.


This powerful symbolism allows the 4 of Pentacles to communicate messages about wealth, but also energetic, emotional, and spiritual boundaries.



Core Upright Meanings


When drawn upright, the 4 of Pentacles usually suggests:

  • Financial stability- A strong foundation is being built. Money may be coming in, or a nest egg is being guarded. This is the “I’ve saved, now I’m secure” card.

  • Holding on tightly- Whether it’s to money, a person, a belief, or a fear, there is a tendency to cling. This card can represent a scarcity mindset, fear of loss, or over-attachment.

  • Boundaries and self-protection- On a personal level, the card may indicate the need to protect energy, limit access, or build healthy emotional walls. It can serve as a reminder to conserve one’s resources, physical or energetic.

  • Control and possessiveness- Sometimes this card is a warning. Are control and fear masquerading as stability? Are you hoarding your energy, time, or affection?



Reversed Meanings


When reversed, the energy of the card shifts dramatically. The coins may now be slipping through the figure’s grasp, or the figure is finally relaxing their grip. Reversed, the card might signify:

  • Releasing attachments-Letting go of fear, of control, of clinging. It can be a spiritual nudge to surrender and trust in the flow of life.

  • Financial insecurity or recklessness-Resources may be leaking. Overspending, risky behavior, or fear-based decisions may be occurring. There’s a need to reassess values and spending.

  • Greed or miserliness-An over-focus on material gain, status, or hoarding can be illuminated by this reversal. The reversed 4 of Pentacles asks: What are you afraid of losing?

  • Openness and generosity-On the positive end, this reversal may point to someone opening their heart, wallet, or mind after a period of restriction.


Spiritual and Emotional Lessons


The 4 of Pentacles teaches that true security doesn’t come from external control, but internal peace. Possessions, money, or rigid boundaries can give a temporary sense of safety, but at what cost?

This card invites introspection:

  • What are you clinging to and why?

  • Does the need to control stem from fear or past trauma?

  • How would your life feel if you trusted the universe more?

  • Are your boundaries empowering or isolating?



Using the Energy of the 4 of Pentacles for Your Benefit


Whether this card shows up in a reading or becomes a card you choose to work with intentionally, its energy can be harnessed for your spiritual and practical growth.


1. Create Financial Boundaries

The 4 of Pentacles is excellent to work with if you’re trying to establish a budget, savings goal, or financial limit. Place the card on your altar or near your workspace to remind yourself of discipline and long-term stability. Journal prompts:

  • Where am I overspending out of emotional need?

  • What are my long-term financial goals?


2. Strengthen Personal Boundaries

Use this card in spellwork or meditation to . If you’re feeling drained by relationships, work, or constant emotional labor, meditate with the 4 of Pentacles and imagine a golden coin at your heart center shielding your energy.

Affirmation: “I protect my peace, time, and energy with love and firmness.”


3. Break Free from Scarcity Mindsets

Sometimes the 4 of Pentacles warns against being too closed-off. If you’re afraid to invest in yourself, give to others, or take a risk, this card invites reflection. Pair it with the Empress or Six of Pentacles to restore balance and flow.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I afraid there won’t be enough?

  • What would it feel like to trust in abundance?


4. Use in Spellwork or Intentions

  • For Protection: Place the 4 of Pentacles with black tourmaline or hematite during a boundary-setting ritual.

  • For Financial Control: Use in a money jar spell with bay leaves, cinnamon, and coins. Speak the intention of disciplined wealth building.

  • To Let Go: If working through scarcity or emotional clinginess, burn a petition with your fear written on it, with the reversed 4 of Pentacles nearby.


Astrological and Elemental Correspondence


The 4 of Pentacles is often associated with Sun in Capricorn, a combination of ambition, control, discipline, and material focus. This adds a layer of clarity: the card isn’t just about money, it’s about how we build and protect structures in our lives.


The Earth element reminds us that this energy is slow, methodical, and often karmic. What is built with care can last. But Earth can also become stagnant and stubborn if not tended with flexibility.

ree

Final Thoughts: Learning to Let Go, or Hold Wisely


The 4 of Pentacles is a mirror. It can show both the strength of wise stewardship and the shadow of fear-based control. Like all tarot cards, it’s not inherently “good” or “bad”, it simply reflects energy.


When embraced consciously, the 4 of Pentacles can help build a life of healthy boundaries, sustainable wealth, and energetic protection. But if left unchecked, it can warn of missed opportunities, isolation, or the slow suffocation of spirit through fear.

Whether you are looking to ground, to grow, or to release, this card offers a powerful key to reclaiming what is truly yours.

Comments

Contact

Please submit a contact email for questions about appointments, orders, events, custom workings, etc.
Our messages are answered during business hours, M-F 11AM to 6pm (and occasionally beyond business hours when we can't sleep). 

**PLEASE NOTE: We get bombarded with messages, so please be patient with us. We will get to every message.

To book appointments,  book Bodhi for an Event, or for general information:

(844) 441 - 1113

(918) 380 - 2582 

​

All Fan Mail Can Be Sent To:

The Blue Bodhi

PO Box 1220
Jenks, OK 74037

​

Thanks for submitting!

  • TikTok
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2024 The Blue Bodhi - All rights reserved. Please contact for use of any photographic or written material.

 

The service and all materials therein or transferred thereby, including, without limitation, software, images, text, graphics, logos, patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, photographys, audio, video, music and all intellectual property rights related thereto, are the exclusive property of The Blue Bodhi, LLC. Except as explicitly provided herein, nothing in these terms shall be deemed to create a license in or under any such intellectual property rights, and you agree not to sell, license, rent, modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, publish, adapt, edit or create derivative works thereof.

​

This site is owned and operated by The Blue Bodhi, LLC. These terms set forth are under which you may use our website and services as offered by us. This website offers personal services, classes, private instruction and physical items. By accessing and/or using the website, you approve that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms.

​

Legal Disclaimer: All information, advice, guidance, counseling, and services provided through this website are expressly offered as religious and spiritual services by duly Ordained Wiccan Clergy and Ordained Christian Clergy. These services constitute the exercise of religion, pastoral care, and ministerial counsel, and are protected under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and all applicable state and federal laws concerning clergy–parishioner privilege. Nothing herein shall be construed as medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Any and all communications, whether written, verbal, or electronic, are considered privileged and confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. By engaging with this website or its services, you acknowledge and agree that all offerings are strictly religious in nature and fall under the protections afforded to clergy and religious institutions.

​

In order to use this website and/or services, you must be at least 18 years of age, or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction and possess the legal authority, right and freedom to enter into these terms as a binding agreement. You are not allowed to use this website and/or receive services if doing so is prohibited in your country or under any law or regulation applicable to you.

​

When buying an item, you agree that: (i) you are responsible for reading the full item listing before making a commitment to buy it: (ii) you enter into a legally binding contract to purchase an item when you commit to buy an item and you complete the check out payment process.

 

The prices we charge for using our services/for our products are listed on the website. We reserve the right to change our prices for services/products displayed at any time, and to correct pricing errors that may inadvertently occur. Additional information about pricing and sales tax is available on each service/product page. 

 

For any issues with product or service, please contact the site. Custom made items, herbal teas, scrubs, oils and any other perishable products are not eligible for return. Digital items, services, private appointments and classes are not eligible for return.

​

RETURNS

For any issues with product or service, please contact the site. 

​

ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

 

Custom made items, herbal teas, scrubs, oils and any other perishable products are not eligible for return. Digital items, services, private appointments and classes are not eligible for return.  

​

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICES OR PRODUCTS TO ANYONE.

​

MISSED APPOINTMENTS & CANCELLATIONS

The Blue Bodhi's goal is to provide the highest quality services for everyone. No shows, late arrivals and cancellations are all a necessary evil in today's world. If you know that you will be late or cannot make your appointment, please let us know immediately so Bodhi isn't waiting on an appointment and so your appointment can be given to someone on our waiting list. 

​

No shows are subject to losing your deposit and/or appointment fee. We reserve the right to refuse rescheduling if there have been no show appointments with no communication.

​

Late arrivals within 10 minutes of the appointment time will be able to keep an appointment if the appointment is an hour long. For appointments that are only 30 minutes, 10 minutes late can cause issues with the reading and/or service. If you are 15 minutes late, the appointment must be rescheduled.

​

CANCELATION POLICY & FEE SCHEDULE FOR  RETREATS

There are no refunds if you cancel within 2 weeks of the start of the retreat. Deposits and payments cannot be transferred to another retreat or another person. If a refund is due, we will refund the credit card used to pay for the retreat.

​

If you need to cancel a residential retreat, please let us know as soon as possible by sending a message to the site.

Standard Cancellation Fee Schedule:
(please refer to your retreat confirmation for specific dates for your particular retreat)

> 8 weeks     $100

4-7 weeks     $175

2-3 weeks     $300

< 2 weeks     No Refunds

​

The Blue Bodhi books up weeks in advance and there is a waiting list. Cancellations are only accepted 48 hours in advance so your appointment can be given to someone on our waiting list. Cancellations are not subject to a return of fees. Cancellations before 48 hours in advance can be rescheduled with no further fees or deposits.

 

We may permanently or temporarily terminate or suspend your access to the service, classes and more without notice and liability for any reason, including if in our sole determination you violate any provision of these terms or any applicable law or regulations. You may discontinue use and request to cancel your account and/or services at any time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, with respect to automatically-renewed subscriptions to paid services, such subscriptions will be discontinued only upon the expiration of the respective period for which you have already made payment.

 

You agree to indemnify and hold The Blue Bodhi, LLC harmless from any demands, loss, liability, claims or expenses (including attorneys' fees), made against them by any third party due to, or arising out of, or in connection with your use of the website or any service of the services offered on the website.

 

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall The Blue Bodhi, LLC be liable for any indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, including without limitation, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data or other intangible losses, arising out of relating to the use of, or inability to use, the service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, The Blue Bodhi, LLC, assumes no liability or responsibility for any (i) errors, mistakes or inaccuracies of content; (ii) personal injury or property damage, of any nature whatsoever, resulting from your access to or use of our services or products; and (iii) any unauthorized access to or use of our secure servers and/or any and all personal information stored therein.

 

We reserve the right to modify these terms from time to time at our sole discretion. Therefore, you should review these pages periodically. When we change the terms in a material manner, we will notify you that material changes have been made to the terms. Your continued use of the website or our service after any such change constitutes your acceptance of the new terms. If you do not agree to any of these terms or any future versions of the terms, do not access (or continue to access) the website or service.

 

You agree to receive from time to time promotional messages and materials from us, by mail, email or any other contact form you may provide us with (including your phone number for calls or text messages). If you don't want to receive such promotional materials or notices - please just notify us at any time.
 

bottom of page