← Encyclopedia of Tarot · lesson 75/121
Page of Pentacles
The Page of Pentacles is the beginner of the suit: a young, attentive learner fascinated by what can be made, earned or grown. As a person, the card can describe a student, an apprentice or anyone new to a field. As a situation, it points to a promising start, a course of study, or news about work or resources.
The image
A young figure stands in a green, flowering field, holding a single pentacle up in both hands and gazing at it intently. Ploughed land and a small grove lie behind, with mountains far off. Waite noted that he "moves slowly, insensible of that which is about him". The rapt gaze is usually read as concentration and the wish to understand.
Upright
Upright, the card is read as diligence, curiosity and a grounded beginning. Waite gave "application, study, scholarship, reflection", and also "news, messages". It favours learning a skill, starting a modest project with care, or taking a practical opportunity seriously.
Reversed
Waite's reversed meanings were prodigality and dissipation, and "unfavourable news". Modern readers often see a lack of focus, a plan that never moves past the idea, or procrastination. Some readers do not use reversals.
Correspondences
One of the court cards of Pentacles, element Earth. The Golden Dawn, whose attributions most English-language decks follow, calls this card the Princess of the Echoing Hills, the Rose of the Palace of Earth, and pairs it as Earth of Earth: the element at its most solid and receptive. The Princesses are not given a decan of the zodiac.
In a reading
As advice it says to study, practise and start small; in the outcome, that a seed has been planted. As a person it often describes someone young or new and keen to learn. Beside the Ace of Pentacles it strongly suggests a practical opportunity worth exploring.
In astrology
The Golden Dawn's correspondences, which most English-language decks follow (French, Marseille-based tradition differs for some Major Arcana).
Element: Earth — the element of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn