Four of Pentacles
Welcome to season 7 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Pentacles.
I’m going through each card in the suit, one per episode.
What we explore in this episode:
The themes of fear, control, and emotional self-protection that often show up in the Four of Pentacles
How this card highlights moments when we cling to familiarity, even when it’s no longer serving us
The physical and energetic imagery across multiple decks, from snakes and spirals to blocked postures and guarded treasure
How patterns of self-protection can create emotional, financial, or energetic "blocks"
Four of Pentacles
Pictures from the decks I talked about today :
In this episode, we explore the guarded posture of the Four of Pentacles. Often read as a card about control or holding on too tightly, this card speaks to the fear that arises before a big leap. It's that moment right before transformation when your subconscious says, “Nope, not safe,” even though your heart is quietly asking you to grow.
We look at how this card shows up visually in various decks—figures clutching oversized coins, snakes coiled around their spirals, hands gripping with uncertainty. These images illuminate the psychological and emotional toll of clinging to what feels secure.
The Four of Pentacles doesn’t shame us for wanting stability. Instead, it invites us to examine where we're creating walls instead of boundaries. It asks us to explore our relationship with scarcity, safety, and control—and to choose trust and curiosity over fear when it’s time to loosen our grip.
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
The first season, I introduced tarot through talking about oracle vs tarot cards, myths of tarot, how to find a deck, reading for yourself vs others, and much more.
In seasons 2 and 3, I went through the major arcana and the four suits, one per episode.
In season 4, I talked all about Tarot in Pop Culture and examined representations of Tarot in videogames, TV shows, movies, and more.
In season 5, I went through 13 Common Tarot Spreads, what they are, how many cards, and an example of what it looks like to work through one.
In season 6 I talked all about the Suit of Wands, one per episode.
Today's Tarot Pull:
Today’s card pull comes from The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle, and it was The Brawler from the Troupe suit. This card challenges us to step back from conflict and see where we might be responding to life with fists already raised—figuratively or literally.
The message here is clear: if we’re hitting the same wall over and over, it may be time to change direction or soften our approach. The Brawler reminds us that confrontation is not always strength. Sometimes, true strength is being willing to try a new way, ask a different question, or simply rest when the old ways stop working.
Reflective prompts on this card:
Where in your life are you holding on too tightly right now? What are you afraid might happen if you let go, even just a little?
What patterns have kept you feeling stuck or blocked?
Are you relying on force or avoidance to try and solve a problem that needs patience or perspective?
What would it feel like to pause, rest, and try something new?
Can you soften the edges of control and invite more curiosity, even in small ways?
Ways to Connect & Support
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Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: Local to the Greater Puget Sound area? Join me in person on Monday, May 12th from 4:45-7pm at the Sumner Library for a Potluck and to create your own Tarot Cards. No experience necessary. I’ll bring all the supplies and we’ll talk tarot and craft together. Sign up here!
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Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com