The generous King of Pentacles sits on an elaborately decorated stone throne with a cheerful yellow sky above him. His robe is embroidered with ripe, purple grapes and large green grape leaves which seem to merge with the verdant plants and flowers surrounding him as he reclines in his fertile garden. In one hand, he holds a golden scepter and in the other, a large gold coin which he gazes at lovingly. A true king of Beltane (the ancient Celtic fire festival marking the peak of spring), the King of Pentacles wears a crown lined with roses. Though his stance is relaxed and open, we see one of his feet is covered in shining protective armor. This man did not come to such a successful or bountiful existence by chance. Beneath his layers of opulence and grace is no dandy but a man who is virulent, powerful, focused, hardworking and able to take the longer view. The elegantly carved bulls on his throne are an obvious reference to the luxury driven and sensual zodiac sign of Taurus, underscoring determination and an ability to commit to goals and plans while also allowing time to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. The throne itself is like the king, solid – with a strong stone foundation – as is his well-maintained castle in the background. Not only did he patiently build his kingdom through strategic planning and sustainable deeds, but he is clearly able to maintain his wealth and protect what his rightfully his through sound judgements, disciplined strength and wise foresight. His golden scepter and pentacle further exemplify his wealth, prosperity, and financial success. In his younger days, he applied himself dutifully to his goals, plodding his accomplishments through small measures. Now in his older years, he can sit back and reflect on his fruitful career with pride.
When gazing at this card, we are immediately drawn to the regal and generous presence of this just ruler. A stable and reliable provider who loyally protects his subjects, anyone under the care of this patriarch is bound to flourish and prosper. His calm posture suggests confidence without impatience or agitation – he is not striving for more than what he needs nor is he preoccupied with paranoia or anxious fears. Instead, he has settled into a position of responsible leadership. When the King of Pentacles reveals himself in a reading, we are in a position to build, manage, and sustain material success over the long term. Our ability to continually show up again and again, though not glamourous or especially exciting, has helped us to create the exhilarating success which is now within our grasp. Will we continue to grow in the same manner as the King of Pentacles – generous and yet disciplined in our leadership? Without greed, corruption or Ego? Success is just like a coin as it can have two sides – one which gives us confidence, strength and empowerment and the other which can bestow addiction, fear of losing the wealth we have accumulated, distrust, self-centeredness or isolation. With each coin that the King of Pentacles attributes to us, let us remain in his image – a benevolent liege who accumulates true wealth in the form of harmony, self-satisfaction and good will.
A perfect companion to the King of Pentacles is Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), a small ground cover which is the main ingredient used in maibowle, a traditionally pagan beverage from Germany. Made by steeping the herb in white wine, often with sugar and fruit, maibowle was served during Beltane – as Sweet Woodfruff flowers during early May. Because of its fragrant vanilla-like scent, it was used in mattresses during the Beltane season, woven into floral crowns or used as a "strewing herb" to spread over floors, bringing a fresh, sweet scent into the home. Sweet Woodruff and her cousin, Cleavers (Galium aparine) belong to the Rubiaceae plant family. They both have square stems, whorled leaves, small white flowers, and similar, sticky, hooked fruit. They also share similar diuretic, lymphatic-supporting qualities when ingested and skin-soothing properties when applied as a poultice topically. Both plants contain major bioactive glycosides called asperulosides that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-obesity properties. Studies show that these sister species reduce adipose fat mass in mice, improve metabolic functioning by stimulating fatty acid oxidation in the liver as well as inhibiting the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways while also lowering oxidative stress.
Allow Sweet Woodruff and the King of Pentacles to guide you when you seek financial security and material wealth. They will show how to enjoy what you have worked so hard for without succumbing to the greed, addiction and selfishness that can sometimes happen with success and affluence. Instead, with their guidance, you can stay in present in the moment, enjoy the sweeter things in life, relax into your accomplishments, share them with loved ones and foster the healthiest type of wealth of all – love, contentment and peace.
*Tarot reading is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith
References
Laanet, Pille-Riin, Saar-Reismaa, Piret, Jõul, Piia, et al. “Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Estonian Galium Species.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 22 March 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10056973/
Manzione, Maria Giulia, Martorell, Miquel, Sharopov, Farukh et al. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Asperuloside, A Systematic Review.” ScienceDirect, 15 September 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299920304362#:~:text=Asperuloside%20has%20also%20beneficial%20effects%20against%20inflammation%2C%20obesity%20and%20cancer%20cell%20proliferation
Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. San Francisco, Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2007. P234-235
Shore, Lynn. “Beltane Herbs.” Urban Herbology, 30 April 2011. https://urbanherbology.org/2011/04/30/beltaneherbs/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20delicious%20drink%20made%20from,flower.%201%20tablespoon%20of%20grated%20orange%20zest