The Three of Pentacles with Herbal Pairing Goji Berries

The Three of Pentacles with Herbal Pairing Goji Berries

Clair Porter
A sculptor stands confidently on a bench discussing his work in the Three of Pentacles. To the right a monk and an architect also discuss the sculptor’s work while holding a set of building plans. Three Pentacles form a triangle under the sculptor’s skilled chisel – its upward motion represents Fire, mirroring the three men in discussion and the artistic work in progress. A flower forms in the center of a downward facing triangle beneath the three Pentacles. This triangle symbolizes Water. Instinct. Trust. Going with the artistic flow. 

The sculptor knows his worth and is not afraid to negotiate – but neither is he delusional nor arrogant. He works hard and is eager to be ever evolving and bettering himself. He’s ready to let the world see his work and recognize his value. This may be a crucial step in the sculptor’s career, and he is hungry to build a solid reputation and a reliable client list. The Three of Pentacles is a card like many Pentacle cards in Tarot, revealing a success in the material world. A financial windfall will soon unfold itself as part of our latest artistic venture. When we take risks we receive earthly rewards – part of the Pentacle’s secret magic for manifestation. 


Most obviously, the Three of Pentacles represents a leap forward in a sculptor's career. It is the result of trusting  and being honest with ourselves as we grow into our gifts. True artistry entails authenticity – especially within oneself. The Fire and Water duality of the card indicates not just a developed career, but also a developed self. When we connect with our strengths and play to them strategically, we can make leaps and bounds in our path forward. And when we create alchemy with others – our clients, our critics, or our biggest fans, we also expand our own potential in a myriad of ways. Authentic artwork requires cooperation – as most works of art are a collaboration between painter and portrait, poet and publisher, sculptor and architect. The Three of Pentacles shows us the beauty of such alchemy while still reminding us not to forget who we are in the process. 


The perfect snack to help nourish a creative project are Goji berries. Native to Asia, this perennial vine with the Latin name Lycium barbarum belongs to the nightshade family and is thus related to bell peppers and tomatoes, as well as Ashwagandha. The small purple flowers eventually ripen into small red berries and in China, where they are mostly produced, the plants are grown as much for their leaves as their fruit, as the leaves are cooked in teas and stews. The berries have also been used in herbal remedies for nearly 2000 years to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes and impaired vision which are now on the forefront of the latest research. The striking fuchsia color of the fruit is due to several different carotenoids, including zeaxanthin as well as lycopene, powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage to cells and are being used to reverse age-related macular degeneration as well as help diminish other problems with the eyes. The berries contain an unusual polysaccharide-peptide complex that may also promote the formation of T-cells, thus boosting the immune system.


With the Three of Pentacles and Goji Berries in our back pocket, we are prepared to launch our next exciting venture – one that reflects some of our greatest strengths and skill sets. All we must do is trust ourselves to serve up the kind of talent, one that could really alter our direction successfully and open doors. So what are we waiting for? Let’s go! 


*Tarot reading is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

 

References


Barham, Lana. “What are the Health Benefits of Goji Berries?” Medical News Today, 23 January 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322693


Bojana B. Vidović, Danijel D. Milinčić, Mirjana D. Marčetić, et al. “Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 27 January 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868247/


Peter Bucheli, Karine Vidal, Lisong Shen, et al. “Goji Berry Effects on Macular Characteristics and Plasma Antioxidant Levels.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, February 2011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21169874/


Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. San Francisco, Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2007. P256-257
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