Knight of Pentacles, Minor Arcana, Pentacles XII
Like every other Knight in the Tarot deck, the Knight of Pentacles symbolizes young, passionate, freedom-loving energy. But compared to the Knight of Swords or Knight of Wands, the Knight of Pentacles is slow, more deliberate, and less prone to unthought-out adventures.
The suit of Pentacles is associated with the Earth element. Given this Knight’s erect posture, the poised, open way he holds his pentacle, and the strength with which his horse stands on the ground, we can see how this Knight is deeply rooted to the world. The bright yellow background is another symbol of confidence, as it implies a bright, sunny demeanor. The Knight of Pentacles looks ahead with quiet self-assurance.
Notice how he doesn’t seem in any rush to act on anything. At least not yet. He is viewing the vistas, studying the terrain, while keeping his worldly goal – symbolized by the pentacle – within his visual field. He is fully dressed for battle but he doesn’t look belligerent. His black horse symbolizes maturity, independence, and a strong sense of self; this knight wants to make sure he can handle what life will bring.
In divinatory readings, this card symbolizes taking the time to make plans, assessing risks, and building confidence before taking action. In most situations in life, this is a great strategy. Only when you’re required to make urgent decisions can the Knight of Pentacles pose an obstacle – it’s just that sometimes in life we don’t have the time or the opportunity to take time to think.
If your reading is about your career and finances, the Knight of Pentacles means you are doing the required research, planning, and due diligence before you apply for a job, open a business, or make investments. Whatever your next steps are, you are being smart about how you go about them. Your confidence in your abilities shines, and your detailed approach will pay off. Victory favors preparation, and you are well positioned to overcome any challenges that might come your way.
Just make sure you don’t take more time than necessary. Planning is a great tool but waiting too long can cause you to miss opportunities. Do your best to identify the right time to act, and do act when that time comes.
If your reading is about your social life, the Knight of Pentacles suggests these days you take your time before you trust or open up to people. In our social media-crazed day and age, this is probably a good strategy. You don’t feel like disclosing much, your private life is only for you to know, and you want to get to know people before you let them into your world. If your behavior comes from self-love, it’s great. But if it’s coming from fear, you might want to explore why you prefer keeping people at a distance.
What does the Knight of Pentacles Tarot card mean for love?
For singles, having the Knight of Pentacles in your reading might mean that deep down you aren’t in any rush to be in a relationship. You want to take the time to get to know your date, make sure they are right for you before you make any commitments or go public with the relationship. You want to ensure that you aren’t wasting your time.
It makes sense that you don’t want to open your heart to just about anyone; you have standards and you refuse to be desperate regardless of how long you’ve been single. Chances are, this is the right strategy right now. Just make sure your self-protective approach comes from self-love, and that it’s not coming from a fearful place inside you.
For couples, the Knight of Pentacles might mean a slowdown in the relationship. It could be that you are each, secretly or quietly, taking some time to review your life goals, where you are and you want, and whether this relationship fits with those goals. Most likely, you’ll stay together, as the imagery in the card doesn’t suggest a breakup. But it does suggest taking things more slowly, or with more deliberateness.
If you are at that stage where you need to decide whether this is a committed relationship or not, the Knight of Pentacles says whatever your decision, it’ll be the right one, as you both have thought about it a lot, and you decided only after much thought. Most likely, you’ll stay together and truly commit.
What does Knight of Pentacles reversed in Tarot mean?
Knight of Pentacles reversed shows fear – fear of the unknown, fear of what the future might bring. This fear has to do with lack of trust in the self, or in the environment. Sometimes such fears are justified, as there are environments that are really negative and just bad for anyone. But most of the time, such fears come from deep down, from a place within the psyche, and they just want to be heard!
Listen to your fear as it speaks – chances are it has some very interesting things to say. It’s there for a reason. Maybe you experienced negative situations before and your fear has come into being as an expression of self-love, a way to protect you from any further harm. Don’t judge it; try to learn from it instead. This will free the energy of your fear and you’ll be able to move forward with confidence.
Astrological association
Pentacle cards – all 14 of them – in Tarot’s Minor Arcana are associated with the earth element, which is associated with the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The Knight of Pentacles, specifically, shows male Virgo energy.
The Knight is a Court card. In Tarot’s Minor Arcana, there are 16 court cards: 4 Pages, 4 Knights, 4 Queens, and 4 Kings. Court carts personify the querent (you), or a very important person in your life. They are about people or personalities, and they rarely show outside events.
If the card is upright and it’s about a Virgo male in your life, rest assured this is someone who has taken a good long look at the details of the situation he is in. He is an honest soul, and just wants to do the right thing.
If the card is reversed, this Virgo might be acting with fear. He can’t decide because he is emotionally paralyzed. He can’t move forward and he stalls your progress, too. Help him identify the fear so you can both move on.