3 of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles shows a young stonemason relishing in honing and developing his craft. Rather than hiding away until his art is perfected, he is already in the process of putting his skills to the test by working on a very important commission; a large and soaring cathedral. While working, the young mason os conferring with two architects standing nearby. Despite their very different skillsets and roles, there is a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation between the three collaborators. After all, they are all working towards one shared vision.

The upright Three of Pentacles suggests positive collaboration and teamwork, a thriving and productive work environment that allows for both professional growth and self improvement, as well as developing and honing your skills, building towards a higher level of mastery, of his craft, his money and his life.

When, on the other hand, the Three of Pentacles reversed appears in Tarot readings, it indicates a lack of support and understanding between yourself and your collaborators, colleagues or superiors. It can also represent a solo project that would vastly improve if you were to enlist the help and expertise of the right collaborators, people with skillsets and visions that complement and add to your own.

What the Pentacles mean in Tarot

The Tarot’s Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, one representing each of the four elements that make up the natural world. There is the suit of Wands for fire, the suit of Cusp for water, the suit of Swords for air and the suit of Pentacles for earth.

The earth element is associated with everything that is tangible, solid and structured about our world- money, property, physical health and the various structures and systems that exist within businesses as well as family dynamics are all in play when one of the Pentacles Tarot cards show up.

Numerological number 3 in Tarot

According to numerology, the number 3 represents growth and expansion, forward momentum and the tying together of different aspects and energies. The number 3 has deep roots in myth and religion, with connotations ranging from ‘the father, the son and the holy ghost,’ to that well-known fairy tale notion of ‘three days and three nights.’

The numerological significance of the number 3 makes perfect sense in relation to the 3 of Pentacles card. Here, we have the three collaborators, each contributing their unique skill and expertise to the shared vision of the cathedral.

Three of Pentacles Tarot card description

Depictions of the Three of Pentacles differ from Tarot deck to Tarot deck, but most renditions are bound to include the symbols and details known from the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot. It is its symbolism we are going to be taking a closer look at here.

The stonemason

The young stonemason standing in the middle of the card’s foreground appears to be the main character in the Three of Pentacles Tarot card. He is dressed in work clothes and is holding his tools, clearly depicted mid-action. His face is turned towards the two architects standing nearby, seemingly conferring with them on how to proceed.

The architects

The two architects in the Two of Pentacles card appear to be a little older than the stonemason, and ostensibly, they are of a higher rank than him. This, however, doesn’t seem to come into their considerations as they appear to listen and discuss with the young man to make sure he is on the right track.

The cathedral

The three characters are standing within the an impressive cathedral, a holy and important place. Their work on the cathedral seems to imply that skillsets and craftsmanship are sacred gifts, and that even something that may seem like a humble skill can be instrumental in building something incredible.

The three coins

Three coins are carved into one of the cathedral’s arches. The coins represent the seeds of potential for material success. The three coins also symbolise the three collaborators, without consideration for whose contribution is the most valuable or significant.

Three of Pentacles Tarot card meanings

When the Three of Pentacles card appears in a Tarot reading, its meanings are mostly positive, though this depends on any surrounding Tarot card sin the spread, and on the individual Tarot readers interpretation.

Here are the key upright Three of Pentacles Tarot card meanings.

Collaboration

One of the most important Three of Pentacles Tarot card meanings is teamwork and collaboration. The card my appear as reminder that one person cannot pull off what three, or a team, can accomplish together when they pool their skills, efforts and unique strengths. A shared goal can be much easier to reach than one that you only set for yourself. Others can help keep you accountable, and cheer you along and believe in the project when you falter.

Skill development

The upright Three of Pentacles can be a sign that you are developing and honing your craft or your skillset. After all, there is only one way of truly learning something new, whether about life or business, love or art, and that is by throwing yourself in the deep end and start practicing.

Like the young stonemason depicted in the card, you may not yet be the most experienced, expert or senior at what you do, but you are not letting that hold you back from moving in the direction of success.

Implementation

The Three of Pentacles card can indicate that you are implementing something you have only had a theoretical knowledge of before.

There energy of the Three of Pentacles Trot card is hands-on, and suggests that you are happy to roll up your sleeves and dig in.

Reversed Three of Pentacles Tarot card meanings

When the Three or Pentacles reversed comes up in a Tarot reading, its generally positive and encouraging meanings become inverted. Here are the main reversed Three of Pentacles Tarot card meanings.

Misalignment

When the Three of Pentacles reversed can be a sign of misalignment and discord between you and your collaborators, colleagues, clients or superiors. You may have misunderstood the assignment they gave you, and they may have miscommunicated their ideas. All in all, you are simply not on the same page, and the vision you all have of the finished product or creation are vastly different. This causes a lot of conflict and significantly slows any progress you are making.

Consider this experience a lesson learned, and take the knowledge you inevitably gain from a bad experience and apply it when entering into any future projects involving a team of people. Make sure you have shared goals and clear communication from the moment you begin working on a new job or commission.

A solo project

The Three of Pentacles reversed can indicate a solo project, a passion that you are working on on your own.

Solo projects are not inherently bad, but the reversed card tends to highlight the more negative aspects of flying solo. Without a team around you to help with motivation and encouragement, as well as ensure that you achieve what you set out to achieve on time, you become more prone to doubting your vision or ideas when you are working alone. Progress may be slower and more tentative.

Three of Pentacles Tarot card interpretation

The Three of Pentacles card has many layers of meaning – which one comes to the forefront in a Tarot reading is always going to depend on the surrounding Tarot cards, and on the individual Tarot reader’s take on the card. In other words, the Three of Pentacles can be interpreted in a great number of different ways. Here are a few examples of what the reversed card might mean in the context of different Tarot readings.

What the Three of Pentacles Tarot card means in love Tarot readings

Upright

You and your partner/s communicate well, and you are moving towards a shared vision of the future. If you keep growing, learning and discovering together, there is great potential here.

Reversed

There is a fundamental misalignment of values or future plans within your relationship. If you cannot get on the same page, your relationship is bound to be fraught with tension.

What the Three of Pentacles Tarot card means in a career Tarot reading

Upright

You are in a phase of growth and expansion. You may have surrounded yourself with a great team, or just one experienced business collaborator, and magic is happening as a result of your shared motivation and talents. Your career is looking up.

Reversed

You seem to have lost momentum in your career. If you are working alone, this may be an easy fix, as connecting with the right business or creative partner is going to add the fuel you need. If, however, you are working as part of a team, consider finding new collaborators and a more conducive environment that allows you to grow and contribute.