General

The Four of Pentacles is a card representing stinginess and hoarding behaviour. This is more than just keeping your cards close to your chest but being miserly and possessive. This card talks about someone who is holding onto what little they have and not letting go. In traditional tarot, this is depicted by a man sitting on a stool holding his pentacles tightly and making sure no one touches them, and his posture is stiff and he is unable to move about because he is so afraid that someone is going to touch his pentacles. I love how I read somewhere that money does not always buy happiness, this man does not look happy, in fact, he looks really grouchy. And money does not always give you much autonomy or freedom.

Upright

In the upright position, the Four of Pentacles can talk about having achieved some success and now that you have received the fruits of your labour, you are possessive over it. You are not willing to let it go or pursue anything else. This reminds me of the tale of an old man isolating himself and counting his coins. In love, this could mean that the querent or their person is a clingy person and someone who is possessive and jealous. This person is insecure and may lead to co-dependency. This could also mean that the relationship may be blocked by one or both parties holding onto the past and refusing to let the past go. In career and finances, this talks about paranoia in the workplace and thinking that everyone is out to get you. This card is also about savings and frugality.

Reversed

In the reversed position, this is about release the need to possess these pentacles. This could mean that the querent is now spending money, perhaps too much money. In love, this could mean that one or both have left the past in the past. There is an overcoming of fears and a need to possess the other. In career and finances, this could mean that the querent is allowing themselves to be more generous with friends and family and perhaps open to forming relationships with co-workers. This could also mean being charitable and donating time and resources to those in need.