The Rider-Waite Eight of Pentacles depicts a boy working in front of a partially shuttered window. He is engrossed in carving pentacles on to round wooden platters. Six completed pentacles, all in various types of wood are fixed to the wall around the window. The boy is working on one and another is waiting to be finished. Through the gap in the shutters we can see a castle on a distant hill.
The Eight of Pentacles relates to focus and concentration. It encourages the viewer to improve her skills, to be able to work alone, to have self-discipline to finish the task at hand. It could be pointing towards a course of study, or the start of a new business or project. It says, “Get your head down and get the job done”. At the same time it indicates that the work is pleasant, something that uplifts you – you are doing something you love. You’re in the zone.
The Fool Learns a Craft
“I sit here working on a bracelet for my friend, the Empress. I concentrate totally on the task in hand, while at the same time part of my mind goes free, dreaming of a beautiful land with ethereal castles and clear, tempting lakes. I traverse mountains, breathing cold, sharp air, while my fingers shape beads and polish gold to perfect smoothness. My tongue turns the taste of metal into the taste of snow. My ears turn the hiss of the rasp into the cry of an eagle. I am fully here focused on my task, but my spirit roams free. I finish my morning’s work, satisfied with my craftsmanship, and my soul replenished.”
Practical Application of the Eight of Pentacles Energy
Zoe wants to start her own business. She’s a keen knitter and dreams of running her own yarn store. She knows that there are several skills she must learn. She sets about finding how she can learn to do accounts, set up a website and market her business. She undertakes each task with enthusiasm and joy because it brings her closer to her dream. Zoe discovers that she is a natural businesswoman – her future looks bright.
Further down the road, she has set up her business within a co-operative of craft shops and stalls. She becomes part of the community, while maintaining autonomy in her work. People are drawn to her because she always knows what she is doing. She helps them develop their own skills, while at the same time strengthening her own. She is sought after for her knowledge and her yarn store thrives. She couldn’t be happier in her work.
Eight of Pentacles reversed
You are not focused in the right place. You may be wasting your time on action that will not advance your skills or knowledge. You may be procrastinating. Perhaps you hate your work. The reversed Eight of Pentacles encourages you to take a step back and re-evaluate what it is that you want.
The Eight of Pentacles is one of my favourite cards. I think about it often as I make art and craft junk journals.
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