Knight of Pentacles: Hard Work

Tarot Stories
2 min readFeb 3, 2021

I picked this card yesterday, but only finished my entry today. I was carried away in work, which is coincidental given the meaning behind this card. I was productive which was satisfying but not necessarily fulfilling, if that makes any sense. I was glad for the time to pass so quickly, a little stressed as I have a big deliverable in two weeks, but overall still in a neutral space.

I am not completely without hope though. Yesterday I also noticed the sun going down close to 6pm, an indicator that winter is already in decline and we are heading to longer days and summer. A small reprieve from the dull, grey days and something to look forward to when there really isn’t much else.

Knight of Pentacles from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

What you see: A knight in armour sits on a black horse and holds a pentacle in his hand. Plowed fields and pastures can be seen in the background.

What it means: The knight is carefully considering his work as he sits upon his horse, stationary in the middle of the fields that he has been toiling in.

The story: The Knight of Pentacles represents hard work; the effort, routine and responsibility that generally results in productivity and benefits.

Reversed meaning: Reversed, the card represents boredom, laziness, a lack of productivity or feeling “stuck”.

Reflection: Another bright card within this suit, the knight looks steadfast and diligent — his body language reflecting perfectionism and determination. So far, many of the figures in this suit tend to be very focused and almost grim by the expressions on their face. I guess, we haven’t seen the rewards (yet) or the fulfillment from the hard work. This suit seems focused on the journey which perhaps we forget isn’t the most fun.

My research sources:
A Complete Guide to the Tarot, Eden Gray, 1970
Tarot Card Meanings, Biddy Tarot
Card Meanings, Labyrinthos
Root Lock Radio: A Tarot Podcast

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Tarot Stories

A Canadian marketing strategist learning storytelling through the Tarot, and maybe finding the meaning of life along the way.