3 of Pentacles

 Keywords & phrases

• Opportunity
• Collaboration, cooperation and teamwork
• Improvisation, innovation and creativity
• Commission
• Mentorship
• Apprenticeship
• Executing plans
• Good old fashioned hard work

First impressions

Some work is in progress. Not the most exciting card in the deck but one of hard work, creativity, solid progress and satisfaction. Three heads are better than one… or something along those lines?

What is happening in the card?

A craftsman is at work. He is under the appraising eyes of those with the vision, the project plans and the perhaps the finances too. They seem to be assessing his progress and there is a conversation going on here. Though there may be blueprints to follow, there is scope for discussion, improvisation and improvement.

It is a collaborative undertaking.

How can we relate to this card?

We experience the 3 of Pentacles in our daily lives when we are in the creative, manifesting and doing stage of a task, job or project.

The plans have been drawn up and now we are adding the creative spark. And we are doing the work. We understand what has to be done to bring a plan to life and we are not alone in our endeavours. We may have a boss or a mentor or colleagues to whom we are looking for approval, advice or cooperation.

This card could just as easily be about supporting and lifting up others, in your team, in order to achieve a common goal. Are you the mentor or the mentee?

Message & affirmations

Today, I do work that I love with people that I respect and admire. Creative work that challenges and inspires and takes us forward in the direction of our goals. I am worthy of the work, grateful for the reward it brings and for the freedom that reward gives me to be and do what I need to for myself and my family.

My personal experiences of this card

I’m always pleased to see this card pop up in a reading or a daily draw. I often take it to mean that there is some new work in the pipeline or a proposal is going to hit its mark.

The 3 of Pentacles speaks to me of cracking on with the job and being flexible in my approach.

If I’m struggling with a work issue the 3 of Pentacles reminds me that I have a network of colleagues and clients that I can tap into for guidance and inspiration. And if I’m having a difficult time working within a team the appearance of this card encourages me to think more collaboratively and to open my mind to others’ ideas and opinions.

Events, situations & readings

In a work/business spread:
The 3 of Pentacles encourages you to seek collaboration in your professional endeavours. You don’t have to do it on your own.

Or to be the one to encourage others in their efforts.

In a personal/spiritual development spread:
Seeking the help of others to work on your personal and spiritual growth.

In a relationship spread:
The 3 of Pentacles in this context asks you to consider how you might work with others to nurture and grow in your relationships. What work must you do to make it ‘work’?

People & interaction with other cards

In a reading with the Ace of Pentacles, the 3 would suggest that there is a new and promising opportunity to collaborate. With the 10 of Pentacles and The Sun, growth and success may well be on the cards.

And with the 6 of Wands comes recognition for you and your team for all the hard work and creativity.

Questions, prompts & insights

Who are your team and how do you relate and collaborate with them to achieve your joint goals?

What new projects do you have coming up and how can you approach them with openness and flexibility?

Where can you seek out new opportunities for collaboration?

How do you get your creative juices flowing?

Is there anyone who could benefit from your expertise and guidance?

Do you give credit where credit is due?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.