King of Pentacles as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Pentacles is the card of abundance, prosperity, security, abundance, safety, kindness, protection, and reliability. This card shows a dark-haired king, sitting on his throne, with abundance all around him. He is dressed richly, his robe embroidered with vines. He looks sophisticated and regal, and he is surrounded by material success. He is the epitome of prosperity and security. 

The King of Pentacles reminds us that love should be expressed through actions as well as words and feelings. A person’s generosity, material abundance, and devotion to your security cannot be discounted when choosing a partner. Commitment is expressed not just through words, but ultimately through actions. The King of Pentacles is a reminder that we all deserve to be with someone who treats us like royalty. 

Upright King of Pentacles as a Person

If the King of Pentacles appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is responsible, stable, and reliable. They honor tradition, but they’re also flexible to changing times. They’re family oriented, and usually an all-around wholesome person. It is astrologically associated with the element of Earth. Because Earth is a feminine element, this card carries a passive, receptive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the King of Pentacles as a person represents someone who has their fitness and wellness routines figured out. They usually take great care of their health, as well as those around them. Although they’re very health conscious, they also know to enjoy life, and will occasionally enjoy a decadent meal. Likewise, they’re not likely to follow trends because they have already figured out their personal style. This person understands what works for them, and what doesn’t. This applies to fashion, eating habits, and workouts. 

For emotional characteristics, the King of Pentacles as a person represents someone who is protective and takes pride in keeping it together. They take pride in being a provider regardless of traditional gender roles. They typically exhibit the mature, masculine, positive sides of the Earth signs. Like a Taurus, they’re responsible and steadfast. Their Virgo trait is their groundedness, self-awareness, and realistic approach to life. Like a Capricorn, they are ambitious. Their main motivation is their love for their family. 

For careers, the King of Pentacles can represent someone who works in leadership. They are natural leaders. Being responsible for a large workforce comes naturally to them. They are usually experienced in business, or they naturally have keen business acumen. King of Pentacles people are good with money. They think long term, and they avoid making rash decisions. As a business, the King of Pentacles may represent an established large company, usually with many subsidiaries. They’re more concerned with keeping their careers or business healthy, even if that means having a somewhat “boring” public persona. In fact, this person would rather have their privacy, and not have a “public persona” at all, if they could. 

The King of Pentacles as a person represents someone who makes you feel protected and safe. Whether you’re their romantic partner, family member, friend, or employee, you know they have it under control. If you’re romantically involved with this person, they will likely be very traditional with you. Their love language will either be gift-giving, or something practical like acts of service. Because this is a king, they’re seasoned in love, and they know not to rush into things. They’re generous with their attention, time, and resources. 

Reversed King of Pentacles as a Person

If the King of Pentacles reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is greedy or stingy about everything from financial resources to emotions to time and energy. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the King of Pentacles reversed as a person represents someone who is flashy and superficial. They’ll be in debt, but they’ll drive a luxury car, wear tailored suits, and work out at exclusive gyms. Don’t let their “expensive” outward appearance fool you. Although they are not as attention seeking as the reversed King of Wands, they can be equally vulgar. They like to make everything about money, and their big financial gestures are a manipulation tactic. This person may even control and dictate their romantic partner’s appearance. 

For emotional characteristics, the King of Pentacles reversed as a person represents someone who is emotionally unstable. They may be jealous, possessive, or controlling. They typically exhibit the mature, masculine, shadow sides of the Earth signs. Their Taurean shadow is their tendency to be stubborn and overspend. Like an unhealed Virgo, they nitpick and micromanage. Their negative Capricornian trait is greed. 

For careers, the King of Pentacles reversed can represent someone who is unstable at the workplace, or uses your stability at the workplace to abuse or manipulate you. For example, they could threaten your job security on a weekly basis. As an employee, if they’re not corrupt, they’re entitled and aggressively litigious. They’ll demand an unreasonably high salary or perks. And if they’re an employer, they’ll overwork and underpay you. In the reverse, a King of Pentacles is prone to bad decisionmaking. 

The King of Pentacles reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel financially manipulated, or even abused. This energy may manifest in the form of a con person who attempts to drain you out of your resources. Or, if this person is legitimately wealthy, they may use their resources to control others. If you’re romantically involved with this person, they may hold past gifts over you. A King of Pentacles reversed may use their resources to hire private investigators or install GPS trackers to stalk you. They are stubborn and stuck in their ways. 

Conclusion

For love readings, the King of Pentacles represents generosity, devotion, and security. We all deserve to find someone who treats us like royalty. We all deserve someone who is fully committed to us, and isn’t afraid to do what it takes to make us feel safe and loved. This card is a reminder that actions speak louder than words. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.