What Does the Knight of Pentacles Tarot Card Mean?

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A guide to interpreting the Knight of Pentacles upright and reversed
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In myth and legend, the noble Knight is a symbol of valor, dedication, and adventure. The Knight of Pentacles tarot card is not far off from this popular archetype—he symbolizes your relationship with duty, responsibility, and self-discipline on your quest to build a stable, rewarding life. In this article, we’ll dive into what this card means upright and reversed (upside down) for your love life, career, health, and more, plus what you can do to implement its message in your life. Onward!

Things You Should Know

  • Upright, the Knight of Pentacles symbolizes perseverance and responsibility. It’s a reminder that the daily grind is key to success.
  • Reversed, the Knight of Pentacles represents either a lack of self-discipline or taking self-discipline to the extreme.
  • In “yes or no” readings, the Knight of Pentacles almost always signifies a “yes” answer.
Section 1 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles Meaning

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  1. This card affirms that you’re slowly working toward your goals. It’s a good sign that your consistency and commitment are paying off. You may be an expert planner with a keen eye for detail who embraces the daily grind since you know it will lead to a brighter future. All in all, the Knight of Pentacles is a reminder that the mundane, “boring” aspects of daily life are necessary to achieve your goals . [1]
    • For example, if you’ve been doubting that your efforts to save up for a down payment on a house are working, pulling this card could be reassurance that you’re on the right track.
    • What to do: Practice gratitude for what you’ve already achieved—even small victories are important stepping stones to success. Keep pursuing your goals with consistency and optimism.
    • Keywords: Patience, loyalty, practicality, perseverance, ambition, profit, finishing what you started, making your dreams come true
  2. It could indicate a lack of self-discipline is holding you back. You might find routines and healthy habits boring, or be struggling to reach your goals due to disorganization. Even if you have committed to a schedule or routine, you may feel dull or restless as a result. [2] For example, you might be struggling to write your dream novel because you can’t get in a productive writing routine, or your mind wanders elsewhere when you do finally sit down to work.
    • On the other hand, a reversed (upside down) Knight of Pentacles could mean you’ve taken your routine and duties too far and become stubborn or resistant to growth. You may have become a workaholic or burned yourself out after taking on too many responsibilities.
    • What to do: Work on balancing work priorities and fun . Identify your most important needs and brainstorm attainable ways to get them, focusing on doing a little bit of work each day rather than tackling the entire project at once. And remember, it’s OK to be spontaneous now and then, too!
    • Keywords: Defensiveness, apathy, stubbornness, lack of self-discipline, dissatisfaction, jealousy, selfishness, laziness
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Section 2 of 10:

New to Tarot? Talk to a Keen Advisor

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  1. Did you know that you can get a personalized tarot reading by one of Keen’s expert Spiritual Advisors? Keen’s vetted Advisors are available anytime, day or night, and sessions are 100% confidential with a satisfaction guarantee. Plus, you can get your first 5-minute tarot reading for only $1. Click here to try Keen’s special offer for new customers and discover more about yourself with a personalized tarot reading.
Section 3 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles for Love & Relationships

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  1. This romance is generally grounded, realistic, and sensual. It’s likely here to last, too—this card doesn’t promise marriage per se, but it does reveal a high level of commitment. Your love interest may move slowly, but they have your best interests at heart. [3]
    • In an existing relationship, this card means that you and your partner’s hard work and dedication to each other has paid off and you’re free to enjoy the fruits of your relationship.
    • What to do: Be patient with your romantic interest or partner. They care for you and want to get to know you and grow closer at a safe but steady rate.
  2. One or both of you may have commitment issues, or it’s possible that one of you is treating the relationship carelessly and isn’t ready to commit to mature, accountable love. You may have different ideas of how fast the relationships should move—one partner may feel like it’s a waste of time, while the other feels things are moving too fast. [4]
    • What to do: Meditate or reflect on the pace of your relationship. Are you comfortable where you are? Is your partner meeting your needs at this moment? If not, consider giving each other space to think about what it is you truly want, both in the present and the future.
    • Sometimes talking about your relationship struggles with someone else can be so helpful. If you could use some extra spiritual guidance in your life (can't we all?), we highly recommend Keen . They've got a whole network of experienced Spiritual Advisors who can help you navigate your relationship struggles.
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Section 4 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles for Career

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  1. Drawing this card is a very good thing—it means you’re committed to reaching your professional goals and your dedication and focus so far will pay off, either in your current career or your future dream job, like owning your business. [5]
    • What to do: Be patient while you work on achieving your professional goals. Your results may come slowly, but all of this time spent working, learning, and improving will be a great asset to you in the future.
  2. You might lack ambition, or you could be an obsessed workaholic. In either case, you’re neglecting one area of your life for the other. Maybe you’re working so hard and often that your relationships or health are weakening, or on the other hand, you might be spending too much time pursuing frivolous activities that are holding you back from a successful career. [6]
    • What to do: Be honest with yourself about how you balance your time. If you’re working too much, set boundaries to protect your personal life—don’t answer calls or emails off the clock, delegate tasks when you’re overwhelmed, and reserve quality time to spend with your loved ones.
    • If you’ve been neglecting work, take some time to visualize your future dream job or professional successes. Use that image as motivation to apply yourself a bit more in your current career or take the necessary steps to find a job you’re more enthusiastic about.
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Section 5 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles for Money

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  1. You typically avoid taking large financial risks or making big purchases without thorough research and prefer to save your money for a rainy day. You may be more likely to buy expensive things for your loved ones than for yourself. [7]
    • What to do: Continue saving and making smart, reasonable purchases. Try not to dip into your savings if you don’t have to—you may have a need for an extra financial cushion coming up, like for an emergency or school.
  2. You might just be going through a phase where you’re spending too much, or you may have built an overspending habit over time. You may regret your purchases or never use the things you buy. It’s possible that your savings are dwindling, leaving you unprepared for an emergency. [8]
    • What to do: Avoid impulse buys by thinking about big purchases for a week or longer. Do you need an item, or is it something you simply want ? It’s OK to treat yourself now and then, but do so as a reward for other good habits.
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Section 6 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles for Health & Wellness

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  1. If you’re recovering from an illness or injury, pulling this card is reassurance that you’ll get through it by taking care of yourself consistently (just like the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”). [9]
    • What to do: Keep sticking to your wellness routines. Eat nutritious meals, get regular exercise, and do your best to get a solid night’s sleep every night.
  2. You might be overly obsessed with your looks or fitness, spending too much time and money on cosmetics, supplements, and over-exercising to achieve a “perfect” appearance. In this case, your “healthy” habits could actually have a negative impact on your overall well-being. On the other hand, you might be at the other extreme and not paying enough attention to your diet, fitness, or wellness. [10]
    • What to do: Listen to your body. If you’re overactive, give yourself a break to rest and recover, and remember that your physical appearance is only one aspect of your health (your mental and emotional well-being is just as important!).
    • If you’re underactive or neglecting your well-being, start giving yourself small, achievable, daily goals. They might be as simple as going for a calming walk or taking the stairs up to your apartment instead of the elevator.
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Section 7 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles for Spirituality

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  1. If you’re going through a hard time spiritually or emotionally (like a breakup, the death of a loved one, or a crisis of faith), you probably want the struggle to be over as soon as possible. This card is a reminder to slow down and sit with your feelings instead of suppressing them. By processing your emotions with intention, you’ll emerge on the other side of your obstacle stronger and wiser than before. [11]
    • What to do: Show yourself compassion and take on one challenge at a time. Remember that it’s OK to feel down and to ask for help when you’re struggling. And if you feel like you could use someone who really gets it, consider connecting with a Spiritual Advisor to talk things through. Keen's Spiritual Advisors are great, with affordable options for any budget.
  2. If you’ve been restless, anxious, pessimistic, bored, or unsatisfied with your life lately, chances are these feelings won’t resolve on their own. Only you can fulfill your dreams and build a life that’s personally rewarding, and the Knight of Pentacles reveals that planning and dedication are the keys to finding happiness. [12]
    • What to do: Get super clear on what it is you want in life, then cultivate good habits to help you reach those goals. For example, if you want to get in better shape, you might start by implementing a light workout regimen or committing to cooking all of your dinners. Once you’ve accomplished this first step, adding more productive habits will become easier and easier.
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Section 8 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles in “Yes or No” Readings

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  1. When upright, the card indicates that your level-headedness and dedication will see you through life’s challenges (even when things don’t seem to be working out right now). For love and career questions, the upright card reveals that it's the right time and the right place to achieve your goals. [13]
    • When reversed, the card can still mean “yes,” although it’s a softer, more neutral “yes” than if it were upright. It shows that you’re done with monotony and routine and ready to shake things up in your personal life or at work to get what you want.
    • However, one exception is that both the upright and reversed Knight of Pentacles typically mean “no” in questions about whether to reconcile with an ex.
Section 9 of 10:

More about the Knight of Pentacles

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  1. He commands power and respect, but his longing gaze indicates he may not be satisfied with his current wealth and status and is looking for something more. Other seated Knights in a tarot deck ride forward, the Knight of Pentacles is stationary, meaning he’s committed to his present duties and responsibilities despite having loftier goals. [14]
    • In the Rider-Waite deck, he looks over a plowed field, which may represent a recent harvest (one of a cycle of harvests that must be continued), a soon-to-be-planted field (representing an upcoming job), or a dead landscape (signifying failure or an unwillingness to grow).
    • The Knight holds one pentacle (a circular talisman inscribed with a pentagram, symbolizing the element earth), but he looks beyond it instead of at it. This may mean he’s frustrated with his current circumstances and is focusing on the future.
      • Some say the pentacle is a coin, signifying financial gains. Since the Knight is looking beyond the coin, this interpretation could mean he’s more interested in his duty or calling than any monetary incentives.
  2. It’s related to the element of earth—strong, dependable, sensual—and encompasses all things you experience with your senses. These cards represent aspects of your life like money, business and professional deals, belongings, work, arts and crafts, or your home and garden. [15]
    • Qualities of this suit include working hard and aiming for a job well done (no matter how difficult or dirty) to build a future that is comfortable, prosperous, and fulfilling.
  3. There are four Knights in a standard tarot deck (one of each suit) and they belong to the court cards, along with Pages, Queens, and Kings. A Knight’s future is unknown, and he may represent someone of any age or gender who’s ambitious and ready to begin their life journey (even if they lack the experience to fully think things through ahead of time). [16]
    • In a reading, Knights may indicate that some sort of action is needed. In the case of the Knight of Pentacles, this could mean a change in career or finances.
    • In a given suit, a Knight (or sometimes a Prince instead) is the number 12.
    • If you're loving all of this tarot trivia, you'd probably also love a personalized tarot reading. Having an expert interpret the cards for you makes a big difference (plus, it's just really fun!). You can even get a personalized reading online. If you're interested, we recommend checking out Keen —they have vetted expert Tarot Advisors.
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Section 10 of 10:

Knight of Pentacles Associations

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    • Element: Earth [17]
    • Planets: Mercury, Venus
    • Astrological signs: Leo, Virgo
    • Key dates: April 11–May 10, August 12–September 11

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      References

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