The Eight of Pentacles is the poster child for the long game.
Success comes through patience. The Eight of Pentacles asks you to focus on what’s immediately at hand while keeping your eye on the prize.
Your determination may apply to several areas of your life, although this card most often connects to professional pursuits. And in that sphere, the Eight of Pentacles wants you to carve out your place in the world.
You might be an artisan, tradesperson, or sculptor. The focused, eye-to-hand quality of this card also speaks of intense concentration and, sometimes, repetition. Advancement comes with experience. And the only way to get experience is by well – experiencing. And that starts with daily investment.
The effort put in can feel ritualistic or, at times, mundane. There’s sweat involved, but all workouts also bring an endorphin buzz. Attune to the positive.
The Eight of Pentacles is also considered the card of higher education. You might be attending college, learning a trade, or taking classes. This card welcomes study.
For life path and career, the Eight of Pentacles heralds great things as long as you stay the course.
Emotionally and personally, the Eight of Pentacles feels like chipping away at something. You might be working on a relationship or improving your health. Progress might feel slow, but it’s the only way to go. Skimping on quality leads to growth without strong roots; your foliage is easily pulled out. That’s not what you want! Get at it in small bites.
When reversed, the Eight of Pentacles tells a different story. Diligent focus, professional or personal, becomes an obsession; you’re working something to death. Does the effort you’re putting in come at the expense of yourself? Consider ways to pull back or reflect on where the drive to succeed in overwhelming measure stems from.
The reversed Eight of Pentacles can also bring avoidance. You may need to focus, buckle down, or get started on something but find the effort daunting. You might also be forcing yourself towards something that’s not quite right. Explore your resistance to learn how to move forward (or move away from) your plans.
The Eight of Pentacles reversed in a relationship reading can suggest the investment is not worth the gain. Are you putting your coins in while your coffers are empty? Measure the energy exchange and reroute your resources (and heart) accordingly.
When trending positive, the Eight of Pentacles skillfully renders something beautiful. Don’t underestimate how big all the small steps are.
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Tarot Spread
If you are drawn to the Eight of Pentacles and want to dig deeper, get them outta your deck, make them your mascot, and draw some cards from the rest of the deck with this tarot spread I created!
