EXPLORING THE KING OF PENTACLES CARD

TODAY'S CARD is THE KING OF PENTACLES (KP). The first below KP is from the newest deck in my collection, The Archeon Tarot:

This second KP below is from one of the oldest decks I still have in my collection (that has waxed and waned in number over the years), The Motherpeace Tarot:

And here's another different take on the KP in The Manga Tarot:

Last below is not a Tarot card, but from a deck of regular playing cards for which there's a different photo of Elvis Presley on each, ranging from his early to his later years. Yes, The King himself. He makes a perfect King of Diamonds -- which would correspond to Pentacles -- not only was he very "earthy" but he was a sun sign Capricorn (an earth sign). I thought of this card because it's in the deck I use late at night when I'm playing solitaire to wind down:

And for COMPARISON, here's THE KING OF PENTACLES in the well-known Rider/Waite/Smith deck:

THE KING OF PENTACLES: In my experience the court cards of the Tarot can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to read when they show up, but usually well worth any extra effort that may be required. As for today's King, I'm not sure whether this card has actually been the most challenging of the courts for me, or if it just did not show up all that much over the years I've been keeping notes for this blog because I had only three meanings noted down for it. So I kept putting off writing about the KP, thinking I'd eventually gather more comments on this card, but I did not. One night recently I sat down with my lap desk determined to delve into the KP. I pulled a series of cards (one at a time) asking that each give me an insight into or "meaning" for the KP. It was a helpful process though some of the "meanings" felt a bit off the specific mark. I decided to let my long list of possible "meanings" stew at least over night. And the next morning I realized some of the dreams I'd had offered expanded and more on point "meanings" for the KP. (This underscores how much alike the experience of dreaming and reading the Tarot cards often are.) I now feel prepared to make this post on the KP. But before I go on, I don't know if I've mentioned this here already about the court cards: a King can sometimes represent a female in a reading, a Queen a male, and a Knight a female. Just to keep things simple, though, I refer to the KP as male in the "meanings."

MEANINGS/INSIGHTS/READINGS FOR The King of Pentacles, SOME LESS COMMON OR EVEN QUIRKY -- Please note: The below is not intended to be an exhaustive exploration of this card; a quick Google will produce a wider variety of takes should you not be familiar with it. (Given my heavy reliance on projection of my feelings and experiences onto the cards, I recognize that I may very well reveal more about myself here than I do about any particular card. However, this is exactly my point: I use the cards as a path to self-discovery and healing. I hope what I post here that comes out of that process will be useful in some way to other seekers.):

A dangerous man, all the more so because he projects quiet and generosity. But watch the shadows that flicker quickly across his face in unguarded moments. They're darker than any cast by the collection of things he gathers around himself.

Someone who can be a bit much. Endlessly complex, demanding, or overwhelming and a challenge to say no to.

Escaping from overwhelming material responsibilities, into ego-inflating fantasies.

Someone who's feeling strangled by responsibilities. Drawing another card at random might offer a clue about what needs to be done about this.

Building an extensive domain on a shaky foundation. Over management/control, like acid rain, ultimately poisons from the roots on up.

Someone who hides tremendous insecurities behind material success and possessions.

You cannot have everything or do it all. Even a King's dominion and powers have their limits.

A weight gain is very probable over the next few weeks. This could negatively impact your moods and energy levels, so be forewarned and work to make better choices.

Someone who needs to be called on their tendency to run over others in their haste to deal with their own busy lives.

Isn't all this focus on where to go, what to do, who to do it with, and schedules, schedules, schedules, a bit too much? Then give it a rest. Nothing will be lost and considerable might be gained by sitting quietly alone, enjoying your own company for a change.

A creative ferment. It might be best to arrange your life to accommodate it, as it will impact you, one way or the other. And if you don't honor it, you could wind up cranky and overbearing.

If you observe closely you'll see his little boy within, the source of a lot of his charm. Also, of his occasional puzzling pouty mood.

This character tends to get a bit lost in the wild and fecund woods of his own mind. He's also a rather sturdy and mature personality so probably would not mind your opening his eyes with some thoughtful clarifying comments. He might even welcome a new view point.

You've taken on a great many projects. So you're not feeling lazy if you want to just sit on your butt for a while. Just be sure not to sit so along that grass begins to grow under you. :-)

Remind yourself when you're feeling low of the ways your surroundings nurture and inspire you.

A prudent person who's able to successfully nurture many projects at once.

A quiet celebration in natural surroundings (e.g. in the woods).

An earthy, sensual, magnetic man (like The King of Diamonds above).

A take charge type of person whose impetus to do so may come from an unconscious innate ability to help heal others with his energy field.

Someone with the ability to draw the many different energies of a group of people into one effective and positive focus of action.

Of all the kings, he most appreciates and practices the reciprocity involved in true leadership between leader and led. How "win/win" is more than a catchy expression.

There's the term "Earth Mother." This King at times is like an "Earth Father." Although he may not be obviously fatherly, it might show in his active concern for environmental or political issues. He might be a fireman or policeman, or EMT worker.

Can represent a community of people. Surrounding cards and/or your intuition will tell you more about these folk and why they have shown up in your reading.

Approach the richness of life with open and flexible awareness. This is good stewardship and should be applied to yourself as well.

And, taking off from that last "meaning," I'll close with the last two lines of a poem by Mary Oliver, The Summer Day: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do / With your one wild and precious life?"

* * * *

'til next time, keep enjoying The Tarot, in whatever ways it comes to you in your life,





[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing, please email me for permission (under "View my complete profile")**** SEE ALSO: United Haiku and Tanka Society (UHTS) (charter member); Roswila's Dream & Poetry Realm for Tarot poetry; Roswila's Taiga Tarot for taiga (illustrated tanka); Trying to Hold A Box of Light for digital photos only.