9 of Pentacles

Keywords & phrases

• Physical & material wellbeing
• Material success
• Contentment
• Satisfaction & appreciation
• Independence
• Self-confidence
• Self-care
• Self-love and acceptance
• Retreat & solitude

First impressions

This card conveys a feeling of peace and calm. There is also a lush richness to it.

What is happening in the card?

An androgynous character, perhaps a woman, in luxuriant floor-length robes embroidered with pomegranates, stands in a lush fruitful garden. A bird of prey, hooded, perches obediently on her gloved hand. Her body language, with chin up and chest open, communicates confidence, security and contentment.

In the distance, we can see a castle or a town and beyond that, mountains. In the foreground, at her feet is a snail.

In the garden, grapes grow abundantly on the vine and 9 pentacles also hang amongst the foliage, as sign of accumulated wealth.

She seems to be enjoying the moment in this peace and safety of her garden.

How can we relate to this card?

We experience the energy of the 9 of Pentacles when we are able to take a moment to enjoy our achievements and recognise ourselves for how far we have come along the road to reaching our goals and dreams.

This card also carries a strong self-care message. 

Message & affirmations

I am a strong, confident, independent woman andI love, respect and accept myself, just the way I am.  Therefore, I take loving care of myself mind and body, heart and soul.

My personal experiences of this card

I love the 9 of Pentacles. She inspires me to be in the moment and to appreciate what I have and what I have achieved. To find confidence in myself and to take loving care of myself.

One of my favourite versions of the 9 of Pentacles is from The Light Seer’s Tarot. See below my recent post on Instagram.

Events, situations & readings

In a work/finances spread:
The 9 of Pentacles is suggestive of a strong independent person who has come long way and achieved and great deal. Enjoying the fruits of their labour and efforts over time.

In a relationship spread:
If single the 9 of Pentacles may suggest that you need to be in love with yourself, care for yourself, before you can fully love another and achieve your dream relationship.

Within and relationship this card might indicate that you need to take a little more time for yourself to boost yourself as a whole individual within and outside the relationship. 

Reversed:
Take some time for yourself to practice some self-care and ‘me time’.

Do beware not to retreat so far that you isolate yourself from the outside world.

People & interaction with other cards

When appearing with The Hermit, the 9 of Pentacles can serve as a reminder to take time out occasionally to be alone, the feel the benefits of retreating from the noise of the outside world and to recharge your batteries. This message would be reinforced by the appearance of other healing cards that carry a strong self-care and acceptance message such as The Star and Temperance.

With the 10 of Pentacles, the 9 of Pentacles would indicate great achievement, completion and security.

Questions, prompts & insights

What have you achieved that you can be proud of? Take a moment to acknowledge how far you have come.

Are you taking good care of yourself, mind and body? What acts of self care and love could you show yourself today? 

Featured decks & credits:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot. Also featured, images from The Light Seer’s Tarot, by Chris Anne. And the 9 of Pentacles by Still Small Voice Tarot as part of an ongoing AI art Tarot project.