Suit: Suit of Pentacles
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Earth
Star Sign: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Planet: Neptune
Angel: Archangel Uriel
Key Meaning: Reward and Recognition
The Three of Pentacles represents recognition for a job well done.
Number Three Meaning In Tarot
All threes, including the Three of Cups, Three of Swords and Three of Wands represent external movement. This is when the world begins to respond to your efforts. As pentacles relate to the material world, the 3 of Pentacles means you receive some practical reward or positive feedback for your efforts. For example, you might receive a salary increase, get promoted or win an award.
The number three is also connected to Mind, Body and Spirit. When this card turns up, it means you are gaining a better understanding of the material world. You are realizing your place and purpose here and becoming more involved.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
Three of Pentacles Keywords
🥰 Upright: Talent, reward, teamwork
😒 Reversed: Poor teamwork, sloppy work, lack of skill
Three of Pentacles Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. An artisan working on a cathedral carving receives approval from two admirers. He stands on a pedestal, indicating that his position is elevated. This is someone who is skilled and talented. You are still an apprentice here, fine-tuning your skills. The archway symbolises a pathway to the future, meaning that your talent and dedication will lead to more open doors. Fame, money or job satisfaction, whatever your goal, it is achievable.
LOVE: What does The Three of Pentacles Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the 3 of Pentacles turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
❤️ This card can mean you are in a relationship, or soon will be, with someone of higher social status than you.
❤️ If you asked will I find love? – this card suggests that you already have an admirer. It could be someone in your circle of friends, or even a boss or colleague at work.
❤️ If you asked, what does he or she think of me? This card says that they admire you. Respect is a much better foundation for a relationship than just physical attraction.
❤️ In a relationship, you may be working through some issues, and this card says your efforts are paying off. Your relationship is healing and growing stronger.
❤️ If you are teaching loved ones something, then instruct gently.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business, career or study and you receive the Three of Pentacles, then here is your guidance:
⭕ You are beginning to understand your purpose in life, and finding inspiration in your work, project or hobby. As you continue to up-skill, this leads to more opportunities in employment or self-employment.
⭕ You receive encouraging feedback, reward or recognition for your work.
⭕ This card is associated with teamwork, commissions or working in collaboration on projects.
⭕ Students receive a prestigious internship, reward or sponsorship.
Careers associated with this card include: working in a trade, craftsmanship or the arts.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The 3 of Pentacles in a Money Reading?
If you asked the Tarot about money and finances, and you receive the 3 of Pentacles, it can mean:
💲 You are beginning to profit from your efforts. This is known as the ‘payback card’, so it’s a good sign if want to earn more money, or buy a big ticket-item like a car or house.
💲 A property renovation goes well.
💲 A financial investment is starting to bear fruit.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“3 of Pentacles combined with Ace of Pentacles” – Job offer after graduation.
“3 of Pentacles combined with 8 of Swords” – Fear prevents you from using your talents.
“3 of Pentacles combined with Empress” – Working in the beauty industry.
HEALTH: What does The 3 of Pentacles Mean when You Ask About Health?
In a health reading, the Three of Pentacles can signify receiving good advice from a highly qualified health expert. It can also mean that you are on the way to achieving your health goals. Keep going!
YES/NO: Does The Three of Pentacles Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and this Tarot card turns up, then the answer is YES.
TIMING: Does The Three of Pentacles Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the 3 of Pentacles is about 3 years. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 5 years.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The Three of Pentacles Reversed?
When the 3 of Pentacles is upside down then the tools fall out of the artisan’s hands. This may mean:
✔️ You do not receive a reward or bonus.
✔️You receive criticism of your work, be careful not to dismiss it outright.
✔️ Poor teamwork, sloppy work or trying to take credit for a team effort.
✔️A work project or home renovation, takes longer and costs more than expected.
✔️In love, you feel unappreciated by your partner.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: Slacking, disrespect, settling for less, short-term thinking and working in the wrong job.
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Three of Pentacles Symbolism
Read Next! – Three of Pentacles Symbols
Previous Card: Two of Pentacles | Next Tarot Card: Four of Pentacles
Complete List: Tarot Card Meanings
Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
