Eight is the number of mastery and accomplishment. So, it is no surprise that both of these words represent the Eight of Pentacles.
It is interesting to note that within the Pentacles Suit, the Seven of Pentacles card is often associated with the concept of reward, while the number eight is traditionally connected with hard work.
In some sense, it would seem that these two should be flip-flopped. However, there was a hidden symbol found in the Seven of Pentacles that many do not pick up on, which is mountains in the distance.
It signifies that the completion of one accomplishment is just the beginning of another dream. The Eight of Pentacles supports this conclusion and sends another message: mediocrity kills and dedication, even after the reward has been given, is not only beneficial, it is required.
Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card: Key Terms
Before delving further into the upright and reversed meanings of the Eight of Pentacles, we have compiled a list of key terms that encapsulate the essence of this Minor Arcana card.
| Upright | Ambition, diligence, mastery, crafts and talents, perfectionism |
| Reversed | Lack of quality, workaholic, mediocrity, dead-end roads |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 8 |
| Element | Earth |
| Planet | Mercury |
| Astrological Sign | Virgo |
Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card Description
Here’s the illustration of the Eight of Pentacles Tarot card that will help you understand its meaning and symbolism in a better way.
If the man depicted in the Eight of Pentacles had a wife, she probably would have been a very lonely woman. Both the good and bad sides of ambition and perfectionism are presented in one image.
- Figure: A young laborer is depicted on this card who is etching a pentacle into one of eight coins spread out in front of and behind him.
- Pentacles: The layout of pentacles in the card symbolizes the continuum of future, present, and past. The pentacles positioned on the pole depict our past endeavors, showcased for appreciation. The one that the figure is holding shows the present, and the last one resting on the ground signifies the future.
Solely focused on the task at hand, it is easy to see that the young craftsman is both skilled and dedicated.
Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card Upright Meaning
The Eight of Pentacles is representative of a ‘work in progress’ that is soon to be a completed masterpiece.
There are many similarities between this card and the Three of Pentacles, which depicts an apprentice working on the structure of a cathedral. Here, though, we are dealing with a seasoned laborer who is obviously diligent and successful.
The card indicates a period of dedication, hard work, focus, and ambition. Just like the laborer you are working hard to improve your skills and reach a new level of mastery.
It shows that you’re aware that this will require a lot of focus and dedication, but you are ready to put in the hours and pay attention to the details.
You know that you will not become a master in these skills in a day, but you are prepared for the journey to come and ready to persevere.
Money and Career Meaning
Although money is often a necessary part of reaching our goals, it does not give our life meaning. If you’ve received this card in a finance or career reading, it signifies the need for a purpose.
Is the work you are doing meaningful? If not, you need to find the path that leads to you enjoying what you do. This might involve going to trade school, making a career change, or starting your own business.
The ‘what’ does not matter, as long as the dedication and effort are there. Anything you put your blood, sweat, in tears into will reap a hefty financial reward.
But you don’t want to rely on luck or get-rich-quick schemes, though. Make sure to invest your money wisely when it comes. Most importantly, have faith in yourself! Your self-confidence will partner with your skills and bring financial rewards.
Love and Relationships Meaning
Is your or your partner’s workload interfering with your relationship? When it comes to love life, the Eight of Pentacles urges you to find a balance between your work and your romantic life.
It is good to be ambitious and career-focused, but it is the personal relationships with family, friends, and others that we love that make life worth living. Make it a point to spend time with your spouse, even when duty calls.
If you are single but looking, make sure that your commitment to your work or other life responsibilities isn’t stopping you from finding (or keeping) a mate.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
The Eight of Pentacles often presents itself as a ‘good job’ in response to strides that one has made with physical recovery or emotional healing.
If you have been putting effort into being stronger or growing spiritually, stay on course. But if you are dealing with a health issue in the present moment, be careful not to view yourself as incapable or a victim of circ*mstance.
Although you might not be able to control the outcome, you are in charge of your effort and your outlook. Just changing your attitude to one that is positive can make a world of difference.
Eight of Pentacles Tarot Card Reversed Meaning
Let’s talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Eight of Pentacles tarot card in the reversed position.
Anyone who studies the Tarot will tell you that there really is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ card. What comes up as a positive in one person’s reading can be a terrible addition to someone else’s.
In general, the Eight of Pentacles reversed suggests that you’re fully focused on one area of your life and showing carelessness, idleness, or laziness in others. It reminds you that focusing too much on one area can make you neglect other important parts of your life.
Also, the Eight of Pentacles reversed refers to the importance of making informed decisions and learning to balance things out. It reminds you that having too many responsibilities can lead to overwhelming emotions and careless mistakes.
You just need to keep in mind that anything in excess has the potential to become a hindrance and not a help.
Money and Career Meaning
In a career Tarot reading, the reversed Eight of Pentacles brings a warning and highlights potential challenges in your professional life. It signifies a repetitive or unfulfilling job, a lack of ambition or commitment, and being on a stagnant career path.
This card suggests that things may not be going well at work, and it could be a sign of unsuccessful job applications or lacking the necessary qualifications for advancement.
The reversed Eight of Pentacles also indicates idleness and laziness. If you’re in business, it serves as a reminder not to compromise on quality or rush through your work. For students, this card urges you to put in the necessary effort to avoid failing exams.
Additionally, it also teaches you to be cautious of going to the opposite extreme and becoming a workaholic or taking on more than you can handle. It’s essential to strike a balance between work and personal life.
In terms of finances, the reversed Eight of Pentacles suggests overspending, financial insecurity, potential debt, and susceptibility to scams. It advises you to be responsible with your money, make wise investments, and avoid being overly materialistic.
While it’s important to be prudent with your finances, avoid becoming overly stingy or selfish. Find a balance between financial responsibility and generosity towards those in need or whom you trust.
In short, the reversed Eight of Pentacles serves as a reminder to maintain a mindful and balanced approach to your career and financial matters.
Love and Relationships Meaning
The reversed Eight of Pentacles Tarot love meaning suggests that your relationship may be lacking effort, commitment, or experiencing laziness. It warns against allowing workaholic tendencies to negatively impact your relationship.
Boredom and complacency may be creeping in, requiring you to make efforts to appreciate and invest in your partner.
If you’re single and the Eight of Pentacles appears in a love reading, it indicates a lack of confidence or effort in meeting new people. It shows that you might be feeling bored and uninspired due to neglecting your romantic side and focusing too much on work.
To find someone special, it’s important to prioritize the romantic aspects of your life and actively engage in social opportunities.
Remember, in love and relationships, what you give is what you receive. Putting in the effort, showing commitment, and nurturing your romantic connections are crucial for resolving issues and experiencing fulfillment.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
When the reversed Eight of Pentacles appears in the health Tarot reading, you should consider it a warning sign. It suggests that you may be overly obsessed with your body, engaging in harmful behaviors like extreme dieting or excessive bodybuilding.
It could also mean that you’re neglecting your health entirely, through poor diet, lack of exercise, or substance abuse. This card calls for finding a balanced approach to support your long-term well-being.
In the realm of spirituality, the reversed Eight of Pentacles indicates a disregard for your inner wisdom and suppression of your spiritual side.
It encourages you to shift away from materialistic or selfish tendencies and refocus on your spiritual well-being. Reconnecting with your spiritual nature is essential for restoring balance in your life.
Eight of Pentacles: Yes or No
The Eight of Pentacles is a yes card, especially when connected to a question that concerns learning or improvement of any kind.
Are you wondering if your finances or work situations will improve? Are you concerned about bettering a relationship? Things will definitely improve–if you’re ready to put forth a little effort.
Eight of Pentacles and Astrology
This card is linked to the planet Mercury, ruler of the Zodiac sign Virgo. Virgo is known as a dutiful person who loves to be of service to others.
This sign also isn’t afraid to venture out on his own in search of wisdom. The Eight of Pentacles is ambitious and wants to expand his knowledge and wisdom and so does Virgo.
Eight of Pentacles Important Card Combinations
The Eight of Pentacles is the card of ambition, diligence, mastery, and hard work. This meaning can slightly change when combined with other cards. Below you can find the most important card combinations of the Eight of Pentacles.
Eight of Pentacles and the Magician
Hocus pocus, focus. Although most magicians try to distract your focus using sleight-of-hand tricks, the wizard in the Magician Tarot card encourages you to increase your concentration.
Although this is similar to the overall message of the Eight of Pentacles, this card combination suggests that attentiveness is more crucial than ever.
What distractions could be stopping you from accomplishing critical tasks? Eliminate those, and you’ll be unstoppable.
Eight of Pentacles and the Hierophant or the Hermit
The Suit of Pentacles is considered career and money-based. The Eight of Pentacles is usually a work-focused card, but not when paired with the Hierophant Tarot card.
Instead of focusing on the end goal, the combination of the Hierophant and the Eight of Pentacles suggests making education and spiritual practice a priority.
Maybe you want to go to a certain school, learn a certain skill, or increase your knowledge on a particular subject. If it’s the Hermit card you received in the Combo, focus on learning a self-taught skill from books or videos. The timing is lining up for you to do so.
Eight of Pentacles and the Hanged Man
Are you an inventor at heart? Whatever you design or produce in the near future has a very good chance of succeeding. The Hanged Man card suggests taking your time on your creation and being thorough as well. The research will serve you well as will a solid plan.
Eight of Pentacles and the Two of Pentacles
Remember, all work and no play make for an exhausting life. The combination of Two of Pentacles and Eight of Pentacles sheds light on the importance of taking time to invest in things that you love outside of your work.
Having fun hobbies to spend time on can make life much more enjoyable.
Bowling, learning to do makeup, swimming, painting, and DIY home projects are just a few options. There are tons of lists online that you can Google search if you’re not sure where to begin.
The Eight of Pentacles: Final Words
That’s all for the Eight of Pentacles tarot card meaning! Can’t get enough? Learn how to read Tarot in this Tarot Beginners Guide or read more about the other major arcana cards here.
If you have pulled the Eight of Pentacles tarot card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
