By Katrina Rasbold
The Pamela Colman Smith version of the 7 of Pentacles card evokes a sense of patience, reflection, and the fruits of labor. The classic interpretation marries up nicely to her imagery, but we can look deeper and see greater layers to this message.
The Symbolism of the 7 of Pentacles
The card depicts a lone figure standing next to a lush garden, where six pentacles are clustered among the vines, and a seventh lies at the figure’s feet. The individual appears contemplative, leaning on a gardening tool and gazing at the pentacles with an air of mixed satisfaction and reflection. Every element in this scene—from the posture of the figure to the details of the garden—conveys symbolic meaning.
1. The Figure’s Stance and Expression:
The central figure’s stance suggests a pause in activity, a moment of taking stock of one’s efforts and their results. The slight bend forward and the relaxed hold on the gardening tool suggest a feeling of thoughtful observation, as if the person is evaluating their progress and considering the next steps. This posture embodies the essence of the 7 of Pentacles: assessment and contemplation after a period of hard work. He looks weary from his work, but he is determined to continue because the rewards are apparent and almost ready to access.
2. The Gardening Tool:
The tool, most likely a hoe or rake, signifies labor and effort. The fact that it is not in use at this moment suggests that the period of active work is currently on hold. This symbolizes that while hard work has been invested, the time has come to step back and assess what has been achieved thus far. It highlights the idea that not every moment is for action; some are for observation, planning, and re-strategizing.
3. The Garden and the Pentacles:
The garden is lush and fertile, signifying growth, abundance, and the nurturing of something valuable. The placement of the pentacles within the vines represents the material rewards or achievements that have come from one’s labor. Their arrangement in the garden suggests that they are part of a living process—something cultivated, nurtured, and now bearing fruit. However, the fact that the figure still holds one pentacle separately hints at a sense of incompleteness or an ongoing process. This speaks to the themes of continued investment, waiting for full fruition, or considering what to do with the harvest.
4. The Separately Held Pentacle:
The solitary pentacle the figure holds seems disconnected from the rest, symbolizing a potential feeling of dissatisfaction, unrealized potential, or even the desire for something more. This could indicate that, despite the visible abundance, the figure senses that the work is not yet finished, or perhaps there is more to be achieved or refined. It invites the reader to ponder whether what they have gained is enough, or if there is still something missing.
5. The Background:
The muted background, free of distractions, suggests that the focus is entirely on the task at hand and the results it has yielded. This visual cue reinforces the message of introspection and evaluation, as there is little else in the scene to draw the eye away from the main elements. The scene’s simplicity also conveys patience, as there is no urgency or rush indicated by the surrounding environment.
Going Deeper
The 7 of Pentacles is often read as a card of pause and assessment, symbolizing the need to take stock of one’s efforts and their results. It suggests that a phase of labor or effort is concluding, and now is the time to reflect on what has been achieved, what has yet to come, and what changes, if any, need to be made. It speaks to themes of perseverance, delayed gratification, and the potential for future rewards.
When I was growing up in Kentucky, we had a large garden each year and we tended it by hand. The only machinery we had was the small tiller my dad would use to break up the ground each year. Every furrow was made by hand, we planted by hand, and we pulled every weed by hand or scraped it out with a hoe. Many of the vegetables we planted required that the seeds get placed every few inches along an extended furrow that we dug out with the corner of a hoe. Although we had a string that ran from one end of the row to the other, every now and then, it was important to look back on your work and make certain that the row was straight so the garden was properly alligned. This card reminds me of that moment when you have worked for a while, the sweat is stinging your eyes, your back hurts, and you look back to see that the row is perfectly straight. Alternatively, you might look back and see areas that you need to go back and straighten. To me, this card aptly illustrates that moment when you not only look back and evaluate, but also stretch out and give your bones and muscles a quick break. It is a time of evaluation and a moment of relief in the hard work the garden requires.
In a reading, the card can signal a period of waiting—where the results of one’s hard work are not yet fully visible, and patience is required. It can also indicate the need to reassess one’s strategies and plans. Are the current methods yielding satisfactory results, or is there a need to make adjustments? The 7 of Pentacles encourages thoughtful consideration and planning, rather than jumping into the next phase without due diligence.
What to Focus on This Week
In any reading, the 7 of Pentacles recommends a time to stop, evaluate, and course correct if needed. This card can appear in readings related to career, projects, or personal goals, suggesting that the querent is at a crossroads. It encourages them to review their progress objectively, celebrate their accomplishments, and make informed decisions about what comes next. It might also indicate a need for patience and to trust that the effort put in will bear fruit in time.
In relationship readings, the 7 of Pentacles can suggest taking a step back to assess where the relationship is heading. It may signify that one or both partners are evaluating their efforts and considering whether the relationship is meeting their expectations and fulfilling their needs. In a new relationship, it encourages the querent to wait before fully investing and going all in on the relationship. It does not mean to disconnect entirely, but only that there is more you need to see and know before commiting.
This card also speaks to the importance of self-pacing. Where the Knight of Swords and the Chariot encourage us to rush in impuslively, the 7 of Pentacles tells us to press forward, then rest and evaluate, press forward, then check your work.
Reversed Interpretation
When reversed, the 7 of Pentacles can take on a slightly different tone, indicating impatience, frustration, or a sense of wasted effort. The figure’s contemplation may turn to dissatisfaction or disillusionment, as the results of their labor seem inadequate or not worth the time invested. This version of the card urges caution against rash decisions made out of frustration and reminds one to reassess with a clear mind.
Final Thoughts
Pamela Colman Smith’s 7 of Pentacles is a rich tapestry of symbolism that speaks to the cycle of effort, reward, and reflection. It invites both the reader and the querent to pause, take stock, and carefully consider their next steps. Whether in the context of personal goals, relationships, or spiritual growth, this card serves as a reminder that progress is a journey that requires patience, insight, and the wisdom to know when to act and when to wait.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She is the author of Tarot For Real People. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.