Ten of Pentacles At A Glance
Keywords: Inheritance, legacy, generational wealth, privilege, stability, tradition, bankruptcy, debt, fleeting success, breaking traditions
Season: Autumn
Element: Earth (the physical, our bodies, health, resources like money, time and energy)
Ten of Pentacles Tarot Card Description
The Ten of Pentacles is the tenth card in the suit of Pentacles. It is a minor arcana card within the Rider Waite Smith system of tarot which is understood to be the original tarot deck of this nature.
In the traditional imagery of the Ten of Pentacles card we see an elderly man in a cloak elaborately embroidered with moons and grapevines seated at the base of a large archway at the entrance of his grand estate.
The moon is a symbol for intuition and the spirit or inner-self and grapevines represent abundance from hard work. Together these suggests that the man has established his estate by combining hard work with his heart’s goal for his whole life.
His family and loved ones all chat around him and 10 pentacles glitter in the air around them. We see multiple generations of the family from the elderly man, to adults to small children suggesting this man is a creator of a legacy that will be inherited by the family.
It is a visually busy scene showing a wealth in abundance and happiness that the family enjoys together.
Ten of Pentacles Upright Meaning
When upright the Ten of Pentacles is a very exciting card to receive because it discusses themes of permanence, financial stability and satisfaction. It is the ultimate pay off.
This can look different for everyone but it may manifest as retirement, paying off a mortgage and truly owning one’s home, having zero debt, successfully establishing a thriving business or any other ways that build a legacy to be enjoyed and passed on for years to come.
The Ten of Pentacles doesn’t imply becoming a millionaire or winning the lottery, there is no set figure, but rather it implies we try to do our best with what we have available to us and work towards our own goals sustainably for the long term.
Abundance can look different for everyone, for some it may be money or a home, for others it may be starting a family and seeing everyone thriving, for others it could be reclaiming their health and recovering from illness.
“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” - William Shakespeare
Ten of Pentacles Reversed Meaning
When reversed the Ten of Pentacles can suggest financial loss or instability. It could mean spending recklessly to the point of bankruptcy or needing to sell or downsize our homes.
However the Ten of Pentacles is not always a negative card, it can remind us that nothing is truly permanent or completely stable.
Though we can work hard and save for rainy days we cannot predict the highs and lows of life. Old establishments and legacies can die out if they fail to embrace change.
It can be an indicator that following tradition in an ever-changing world can only take us so far and we may need to revolutionize our methods to keep up with the times. It also reminds us that if we are down on our luck this too can change.
We can always build and improve at whatever step of the journey we are on.
“What is a Legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Ten of Pentacles: Yes or No
The 10 of Pentacles is the ultimate yes card, especially if the question is about our money or assets. It says this opportunity has the potential to be very beneficial for us but we must consider that it will take an incredibly long time for this to pay off.
When reversed the Ten of Pentacles is a no card. It says our situation is not stable enough to allow for this venture at this time and that it poses too much of a risk to our finances.
Let’s Break Down the Ten of Pentacles In Our Lives
The Ten of Pentacles’ meanings can change depending on the type of question being asked. Here is how it advises us in different areas of our lives.
Ten of Pentacles In Love
When we see the Ten of Pentacles in response to love queries it can suggest now is a good time to work towards financial stability and independence. Though this doesn’t seem relevant to love, it is.
Finances are one of the most common reasons relationships fail and a big cause of stress and anxiety in individuals. So the Ten of Pentacles asks us to handle our own finances as much as possible to limit their affect on our emotions and relationships.
Reversed the Ten of Pentacles suggests a lot of conflict about money. It can also signify spending too much as a couple or taking on too many financial commitments within the relationship.
For example a couple could be trying to buy a house which is too expensive for them.
Ten of Pentacles With Money
The Ten of Pentacles is the ultimate money card. So to receive it in a financial reading is one of the best synchronicities a tarot reader can experience. It speaks of receiving an inheritance or a large sum of money or gift that was unexpected and advises us to use this money wisely.
Reversed the Ten of Pentacles warns of companies or businesses failing, unmanageable debt or unstable earnings. We are being advised to diversify our income streams into as many avenues as possible.
Ten of Pentacles At Work
The Ten of Pentacles in career readings advises us to invest our time and energy into creating a stable future. For many of us this may look like a career with dependable pay. For others it may be an invitation to take a chance at a new career and break away from tradition.
Reversed the Ten of Pentacles forewarns that a chaotic fast-changing career or our prior commitments may require us to be more structured and vigilant than usual.
It can also mean that we might have gotten too comfortable with the status quo and could be in for a shock when our field faces unavoidable changes.
Ten of Pentacles With Others
When asking questions about society the Ten of Pentacles suggests we make time for social gatherings. It can signify a large and expensive social event like a wedding. It can also suggest celebrating a local event as a community.
Reversed the Ten of Pentacles warns of an unstable environment. This likely means incoming economic downfall and it being the wrong time to invest.
Thought his sounds negative it is a reminder we are not alone in our financial struggles and that we will all prosper in time but until then we can find joy in people, not things.
Ten of Pentacles With Self
When we ask introspective questions and we receive the Ten of Pentacles it congratulates us for keeping a commitment or goal we have made with ourselves.
It suggests if we haven’t already we will see the results of our dedication to this commitment very soon. It is also a reminder to keep goin and doing the work that maintains this goal.
Reversed the Ten of Pentacles suggests the novelty of a goal we were once passionate about has started to wane. We are likely losing the motivation to continue the work or tasks needed to manifest the goal.
When reversed the 10 of Pentacles advises us to truly commit and dedicate ourselves to the big picture and not to give up just yet.
Ten of Pentacles As Feelings
The Ten of Pentacles feels like financial freedom, pride, joy and relaxation.
It can mean loving our work and contributing to society and making the word a little bit better.
