Page of Pentacles
Novitiate
“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.”
Rosalind Franklin
Page of Pentacles at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Page of Pentacles studies a practical possibility with the concentration needed to turn interest into competence.
| Upright | study, a practical message, financial learning, careful ambition, beginning a qualification |
|---|---|
| Reversed | procrastination, poor study habits, bad news, waste, luxury without means |
| Linked card | Ace of Pentacles |
| Soundtrack | Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Study
- A practical message
- Financial learning
- Careful ambition
- Beginning a qualification
- Curiosity about work
- Setting a realistic goal
- Managing resources
- Patient observation
- A promising apprenticeship
Reversed meanings
- Procrastination
- Poor study habits
- Bad news
- Waste
- Luxury without means
- Lack of focus
- An impractical goal
- Avoiding responsibility
- Shallow ambition
- Failing to apply knowledge
Page of Pentacles in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Practical support: Curiosity about work. Reversed: Lack of focus. |
| Career | Work: Setting a realistic goal; managing resources. Warning: An impractical goal. |
| Money | Financial theme: Patient observation. Warning: Shallow ambition. |
| Feelings | Upright: Financial learning. Reversed: Bad news. |
| Advice | Prioritise: A promising apprenticeship. Watch for: Failing to apply knowledge. |
| Outcome | Potential: Beginning a qualification. Obstacle: Luxury without means. |
| Yes or no | Yes, if you are prepared to learn and apply yourself. |
Symbols in Page of Pentacles
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The raised pentacle | The Page studies value before claiming mastery over it. |
| The still posture | Concentration slows movement and excludes distraction. |
| The ploughed field | Learning is connected to future labour and yield. |
| The distant mountains | The practical goal belongs to a longer path of development. |
A. E. Waite's original description
A youthful figure, looking intently at the pentacle which hovers over his raised hands. He moves slowly, insensible of that which is about him.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
Application, study, scholarship, reflection; another reading says news, messages and the bringer thereof; also rule, management.
Reversed:
Prodigality, dissipation, liberality, luxury; unfavourable news.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Ten of Pentacles
- Next card: Knight of Pentacles
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
