TAROT CARD GUIDE

Three of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning & Interpretations

← Suit of Pentacles

Three of Pentacles Card from the Rider Waite Smith Deck

Introduction

The number three, in numerology, is expressive, creative, social and joyful when positive. The 3 Of Cups gives a beautiful visual guide to its social and joyful nature. There's a child like carefree irresponsibility to the three as well as a need for attention - "look at what I'm doing!". This requires a certain level of supervision and support. The three can't express itself without company that is willing to acknowledge and/or support it.

The combination of the number three with pentacles, and its focus on the material world, is like a child doing a drawing and showing it to their parent looking for praise for what they have made. In the Rider Waite Smith deck the artist chose to visually represent this by depicting a skilled tradesman, a stone mason, being supported and guided in his work by a monk, who is probably the paying patron, and an architect holding up plans for him to follow.

This card does not refer to the paying patron since this character is better represented by the Queen Of Pentacles. Nor does it refer to the supervisor. Using the analogy of a child needing supervision and direction for its creative outlets this role would be better symbolised by The Empress if it's a nurturing role. If the supervisory role is formal, like that of an architect, then the card to look for would be The Hierophant. The 3 of Pentacles references either the artisan who is doing the creative work or a collective group working together as a team to see a creative project come to life.

In its simplest interpretation the 3 of Pentacles could be referring to making ones material possessions look good to others or showing them off. For example home improvements like mowing the lawn and tidying a garden so that your home looks good to neighbours and passers by. If surrounding cards are wands then this pulls the 3 of Pentacles into the work place, or community, suggesting recognition received for work done and what you've created or working as part of a team on something new and creative.

The 3 of Pentacles, or 3 of Coins, is a card of team work, apprenticeship or hiring of skilled labour. The element here is Earth which relates to wealth and material possessions. The positive aspects of the number 3 in numerology are the joy of living, sociability, self expression and creativity. The creative aspect of the 3 combined with the element of earth and its representation of wealth points to reward and/or recognition through application of skill and creativity. As 3 is also a social number it alludes to working with others to create wealth.

3 of Pentacles (3 of Coins) in a Tarot Reading

The 3 of Pentacles is a card of skill, teamwork, creativity and recognition. It represents using practical ability to create something of material value, often with the support, direction or cooperation of other people. In decks that use Coins rather than Pentacles, this card is also known as the 3 of Coins.

When the 3 of Pentacles appears in a reading, attention is often being drawn to what you can make, build or accomplish and how your contribution fits into a larger effort. Talent alone may not be enough: learning from others, accepting guidance and combining different skills can turn an idea into something tangible.

Upright Meaning

Upright, the 3 of Pentacles can indicate skilled work, learning a trade, developing an ability or receiving recognition for something you have created. Your contribution may be noticed and appreciated by other people, particularly when the quality of the work demonstrates your knowledge or creativity.

It is also a strong card for teamwork and collaboration. Different people may contribute different skills towards a shared objective. One person does not necessarily have all the knowledge required, but together the group can produce something that none could have created as successfully alone.

The card can also describe apprenticeship, training or working under the guidance of someone with greater experience. Receiving instruction or constructive criticism should not be seen as diminishing your own ability; it can be part of developing that ability further.

Upright keywords: teamwork, skill, craftsmanship, creativity, collaboration, apprenticeship, learning, recognition, achievement, practical ability.

Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the 3 of Pentacles can indicate problems with teamwork, poor workmanship or skills that are not being used effectively. People may be working towards different objectives, or an individual's contribution may not be receiving the support or recognition it needs.

It can also suggest an unwillingness to learn, accept advice or work within a group. Alternatively, the necessary guidance may simply not be available, leaving someone with enthusiasm or creativity but without the experience needed to turn it into a successful result.

In some readings the reversed card can point to work being done merely for appearance or praise, without sufficient attention being paid to its actual quality.

Reversed keywords: poor teamwork, lack of recognition, poor workmanship, inexperience, lack of cooperation, inadequate planning, ignored advice, wasted talent.

Love and Relationships

In a relationship reading, the 3 of Pentacles can represent people making a practical effort to build something together. A successful relationship may require cooperation, communication and an appreciation of what each person contributes.

Rather than being a particularly romantic card, it is concerned with the work involved in creating and maintaining something worthwhile. It can therefore describe partners making plans, improving a home, raising a family or working together towards a shared material goal.

Reversed, it can indicate that the effort is unequal, that one person's contribution is not appreciated, or that the people involved are failing to work together effectively.

Work and Career

Work and career are among the strongest associations of the 3 of Pentacles. It can indicate skilled employment, successful teamwork, an apprenticeship or training, or recognition for the quality of work you have produced.

It can also represent a project requiring several people with different areas of expertise. Cooperation with colleagues, clients, supervisors or other specialists may be important to achieving the desired result.

Reversed, the card can point to a dysfunctional team, inadequate training, poor standards or work that goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

Money and Finances

In financial readings, the 3 of Pentacles suggests that skills and creativity can produce material reward. Money may come through developing an ability, learning a trade, producing quality work or collaborating successfully with other people.

It can also indicate spending money on skilled labour or improvements to material possessions, such as employing a tradesperson or investing in improvements to a home.

Reversed, it can warn about paying for poor workmanship, failing to make good use of valuable skills or allowing disagreements between people to undermine a financially worthwhile project.

Advice from the 3 of Pentacles

When the 3 of Pentacles appears as advice, concentrate on the quality of what you are creating and be willing to learn from people who have knowledge that you do not yet possess.

Ask yourself: What can I contribute, what can I learn from others, and who could help me turn this into something tangible?

The 3 of Pentacles reminds us that creativity becomes materially useful when it is supported by practical skill, effort and cooperation.

3 of Pentacles According to A. E. Waite

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot
Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

A sculptor at his work in a monastery. Compare the design which illustrates the Eight of Pentacles. The apprentice or amateur therein has received his reward and is now at work in earnest. Divinatory Meanings: Métier, trade, skilled labour; usually, however, regarded as a card of nobility, aristocracy, renown, glory. Reversed: Mediocrity, in work and otherwise, puerility, pettiness, weakness.