Three of Pentacles
Working together, each with their own skill, you build something fine.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Pentacles (Earth)
- Upright keywords
- Skill, Cooperation, Recognition, Mastery
- Reversed keywords
- Inexperience, Discord, Lack of recognition, Cutting corners
- Yes or no
- Leans yes
Traditional correspondences Golden Dawn: Lord of Material Works / Thoth: Works / 2nd decan of Capricorn · Mars / Sephirah: Binah (Understanding)
Upright meaning
Skill and teamwork are recognised.
A craftsman stands on a bench working on a cathedral arch, while a monk and an architect hold up the plans. The Three of Pentacles is collaboration and skilled work: building something together, being recognised for craftsmanship. Upright, teamwork pays off.
Reversed meaning
Poor teamwork or careless work. Take pride in what you do.
Reversed, the team struggles. Lack of skill, poor communication or cutting corners can hurt the project. Improve your skills and listen to each other.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Building a relationship together.
Not working as a team.
Work
Teamwork, apprenticeship and recognition.
Conflict or low-quality work.
Money
Income from skills.
Undervalued work.
Relationships
Working well with others.
Friction in a group.
Health
Working with professionals.
Ignoring expert advice.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Sharing knowledge.
Ego getting in the way.
As a person
A skilled craftsperson or a team player.
Someone careless or unskilled.
Timing
Results come as the work progresses over weeks. In the calendar, late December to early January is also a guide (roughly December 31 to January 9).
Advice
Work with others and do it well.
Take pride in your craft.
Questions to ask yourself
- Who can I work with?
- What skill can I improve?
- Am I doing my best work?
A common misreading
The Three of Pentacles isn’t only about building. It is any collaborative, skilled work.
The story of this card
Three brings growth to earth: skill and cooperation make something new.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a stonemason stands on a bench carving an arch in a cathedral. A monk and a figure holding plans stand beside him.
History and differences between traditions
The Golden Dawn named it Lord of Material Works.
Words for today
I build well with others.
I take pride in my work.