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Three of Pentacles
The Three of Pentacles is the card of craft and teamwork. It describes work that is taken seriously, done well and seen by others: a skill put to use in a shared project, where each person brings something different and the result is better for it.
The image
A craftsman stands on a bench carving the arch of a church, while a monk and a figure holding a plan look on and discuss the work. Three pentacles are set into the stone above them. The scene is usually read as planning and making meeting: the expert, the client and the vision all needed for the building to rise.
Upright
Upright, the card is read as competence, cooperation and the early fruit of effort — feedback, a commission, a reputation beginning to form. Waite gave "metier, trade, skilled labour", and also renown and glory. It is a good sign for learning a trade, working in a team or showing work to people who can value it.
Reversed
Waite's reversed meanings were mediocrity, pettiness and weakness in work. Modern readers often see poor teamwork, a lack of standards, or effort that goes unnoticed. Some readers do not use reversals.
Correspondences
A Minor Arcana card, the Three of Pentacles, element Earth. In the Golden Dawn's attributions, which most English-language decks follow, it is the Lord of Material Works: Mars in the second decan of Capricorn, 10°–20°, in Binah, the third sephirah.
In a reading
As advice it says to bring others in and to do the job properly; as an outcome, that the work will be noticed. In an obstacle position it can point to a team not pulling together. Waite himself compared it with the Eight of Pentacles: the apprentice there is the craftsman here.
In astrology
The Golden Dawn's correspondences, which most English-language decks follow (French, Marseille-based tradition differs for some Major Arcana).
Decan: Mars in Capricorn, 10°–20°
Element: Earth — the element of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
Mode: Cardinal — Capricorn is a cardinal sign