Nine of Pentacles
Nine of Pentacles
As one first looks at this card, the amount of yellow in this card is almost drowning all of the other colours out. Those who have taken our class on colour may remember that the colour yellow has had documented psychological effects on the body that create a sense of cheerfulness and overall positivity, and thus the artist has deliberately set the tone for this card through the use of colour. As we continue to look through the image take note of the colours as it will play a very large part in the interpretation throughout.
As you glance at the two images you will notice a difference in the gown of the woman, this difference can be seen from deck to deck. The symbol is actually flowers, although for many they feel it closely resembles the symbol for woman; both answers could be arguably be correct at the same time. One has to wonder if the artist intentionally picked a floral design that would also look like the symbol for feminine energy furthering the idea of feminine strength that begins to build the message in this card.
Notice the shrubbery, these are grapevines. Grapes have long been symbolic of wealth and abundance. Not only are the grapes plentiful in this image, but if one were to once again use knowledge of colour here the grapes have been choosen not as a red or green hue but purple. Purple is the colour of royalty and wealth as it was the most difficult colour to obtain at this time.
Validating the notion of authority is the presence of the falcon (peacocks in some deck renditions). Falconry has long been the sport of royalty in which falcons and other raptors (like hawks) are trained for hunting purposes. The falcon sports keen intellect and inexhaustible focus.
Castle symbol meanings deal with goals. Castles are physical representations of our need to build (block by block) upon a strong foundation in order to obtain our goals. Castles may also deal with sheltering ourselves or limiting ourselves from reaching our goals. They are also a symbol of obtaining our desires within the whole (community).
The Snail's symbolism in this card deal with steady footing and stability. Snails carry their homes upon their backs which is symbolic of carrying our security in our hearts (security and happiness being an inside job). Snails are also symbols of slow (but steady) progress. Notice the spiral motif found on the shell of the snail, spirals signify a radiating consciousness, and an inner-centeredness that exudes outwardly.
Nine of Pentacles is about a person who has worked hard to create a life of abundance, and now the "fruits of their labour" is about to blossom. After all your hard work you can finally sit back, relax and enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of the good life – money, leisure time, fun, material comfort and rest. You deserve it! While you may not be at the finish line just yet, this is your opportunity to acknowledge your achievements and re-energise yourself for the final phase.
Nine of Pentacles - Reversed
When we look at the reverse meaning it is a directive to start focusing on and nurturing your own independent life. In today's modern world it is easy to get so caught up in the lives of others and how they impact our lives that we sometimes forget who we are, where we started, where we were going, or to tend to the ground beneath our own two feet in the spiritual sense.
When I see the nine of pentacles I often relay to the querent that they are not being true to their inner self, perhaps they are not surrounding themselves with nurturing people who can help them to become the best version of themselves. Take time to create and cultivate what is deeply within, be authentic, be confidently and live your own truth. The more one lives their own truth, the more one can and will attract like-minded people.
Also living your truth means finding it. Sometimes intuition can guide to specific things that don't make sense. Follow it whatever it is: documentary films/books/etc about a specific topic ; a particular celebrity that will help illuminate goals; spiritual work that will help keep more in tune with oneself and surroundings or something in the arts. While seeking out ones authentic self though, do not be afraid to let go of things that no longer serve. That is sometimes part of what a person needs to learn, and will help continue to step into full alignment.