Eight of Pentacles card

Action on the way to personal development

Supporting / Blocking Tarot Card

support

The card supports processes where the querent needs to adapt to routine, to the work of learning, and to understand that there is a long process ahead before achieving the goal. In questions related to internships or apprenticeships, this card fully supports the endeavor.

Relationships

Career

Finances

Relationships

Career

Finances

The Meaning of The Card

The Eight of Pentacles is a card of hard work and dedication. In ancient times, it was common for a child to be sent to a craftsman to become an apprentice, where they would learn the trade and earn their keep. Only after many years of apprenticeship would the child become a master craftsman in their own right. This card represents hard work, attention to detail, and learning. It signifies that after a period of diligent effort and dedication, one will achieve their goals. The person who needs to take this step will eventually reach balance and completeness, understanding that this sacrifice is for their future.

Eight of Pentacles card: The Meaning of The Symbols

Card Symbols	Symbol Meaning
Coins	Represents the element of earth; it is grounded, rooted in the physical, symbolizing success, conventions, and abundance.
Apprentice	The apprentice symbolizes the individual’s duty to prove their abilities in order to gain recognition.
Tree Trunk	The trunk symbolizes the emotional aspect of a person. The tree represents the apprenticeship, as it symbolizes situations and developments in a person’s life that have occurred over a long period of time.
Gray Background	Symbolizes the monotony of work and the search for balance, compromise, limitation, detachment, protection.
Yellow Background	Symbolizes intellect and reason, diligence, strength, and the conquering of the ego in the process of apprenticeship.
Red Pants	The apprentice’s red pants symbolize hard work, diligence, and action.
Craftsman at Work	Represents perseverance, hard work, and action.
Hammer	Symbolizes self-control, motivation, and the concentration of resources to achieve goals, work, strength, action, masculinity, and creativity.
Light Blue Tunic	The light blue tunic symbolizes potential, opportunities, optimism, and hope. It represents the sky, spirituality, infinite possibilities, and eternity.
Bench	A symbol of taking a moment to examine the details. Indicates the need to relax, take a break, and reflect or savor what is manifested in the card. Rest, support, action.
Castle	Security, protection, authority.

Mythology

Daedalus escapes, losing his only son in the process, and arrives in Sicily, where he works for King Cocalus. Once again, he must prove himself and his talents as an apprentice. The card represents apprenticeship, symbolizing hard work where immediate results are not visible.

Representation of the Card in a Reading

In a reading, the Eights combine spirituality with practical ability. The person has undergone a process of development and has reached a stage where they must take one more step to move on to the next phase of their journey. This is a stage of both ending and beginning, a process of transition and change. After taking this step, the individual will achieve balance and harmony in their life. Persistence will bring the person to the desired place, where they can take the step that will bring balance to their life.