Four of Pentacles as Hopes and Fears (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Pentacles is the card of insecurity, jealousy, possessiveness, stinginess, boundaries, and guardedness. This card depicts a man clutching many pentacles close to his body. His arms and feet are locked defensively in a closed stance. He acts as if he believes that someone is going to rob him at any second. He is guarded and does not trust others. 

The Four of Pentacles reminds us that boundaries are important to healthy relationships, but sometimes insecurity can take our boundaries too far. When we have our guard up to the point of paranoia and jealousy, we deprive ourselves of the ability to give and receive love and emotional support. The Four of Pentacles is a reminder that love should be freely given and that possessiveness can destroy relationships.

Upright Four of Pentacles as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Pentacles, it means that you are seeking security and stability, possibly through saving money, being cautious with your resources, or maintaining control over your current situation. This card reflects a desire to protect what you have worked hard to acquire, emphasizing the importance of financial prudence and careful management of your assets. It suggests that you value a solid foundation from which to build your future, indicating a period where consolidating your gains takes precedence over taking risks.

The Four of Pentacles as fears can represent the fear of financial insecurity, losing what you have accumulated, or the negative consequences of being too rigid or controlling with your resources. This fear stems from the anxiety that the safety net you are trying to create might be threatened by external circumstances or that your cautious approach could limit your potential for wealth and happiness. It highlights a struggle between the need for security and the possibility that overly conservative choices might prevent you from experiencing life fully.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Pentacles in the hopes and fears position means you desire stability and security within the relationship but fear that holding on too tightly could stifle its growth or lead to issues of control. This position suggests a balancing act between wanting to ensure the relationship is safe and secure, while also recognizing that true intimacy requires vulnerability and the risk of opening up. It implies that for the relationship to flourish, there needs to be a willingness to let go of the need for control and embrace the uncertainties that come with deep connection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles in the hopes and fears position means you may be holding onto feelings or memories for security but fear that this attachment is preventing you from moving forward. This indicates a reluctance to let go of the past, seeing it as a source of comfort, yet understanding that clinging to what was might be hindering your ability to embrace new opportunities for love and happiness. It suggests the need for emotional release and the courage to step into the future unburdened by past relationships.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Pentacles in the hopes and fears position means you are looking for reliable and stable relationships but fear that a reluctance to open up or share could limit the depth of your connections. This card highlights a desire for relationships that are dependable and secure, yet acknowledges the risk that being overly guarded or possessive could push others away. It suggests finding a balance between safeguarding your emotional well-being and allowing yourself to be open and generous in your relationships.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles in the hopes and fears position means you are aiming for financial security and control over your career path but worry that too much caution could hinder opportunities for growth. This reflects a focus on establishing a secure professional foundation, yet recognizes the potential downside of being so risk-averse that you miss out on chances to advance or expand your horizons. It encourages exploring ways to maintain stability while still being open to calculated risks that could lead to greater rewards.

Reversed Four of Pentacles as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Pentacles reversed, it means that you are recognizing the need to let go of overly controlling tendencies, to share more openly, or to release the tight grip on your resources for greater overall well-being. This shift signifies an understanding that true security comes not just from accumulating wealth or material possessions but from fostering genuine connections and embracing change. It suggests a period of personal growth, where you are learning the value of flexibility over rigidity, and the importance of opening up to new possibilities for abundance and fulfillment.

The Four of Pentacles reversed as fears can represent the fear of vulnerability that comes with opening up or the anxiety about financial instability after loosening control over your finances. This fear reflects concerns that by relinquishing control, you might expose yourself to risks or uncertainties that you feel unprepared to handle. It highlights a deep-seated worry that in seeking a more open and generous approach to life, you might jeopardize the security you’ve worked hard to establish, underlining the need for balance between safeguarding your interests and embracing a more trusting and open-hearted stance.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the hopes and fears position means there is a desire to open up more and share resources or emotions more freely, fearing it might lead to vulnerability or dependency. This indicates a willingness to deepen the connection by being more transparent and generous with your partner, acknowledging that such openness is essential for a healthy, thriving relationship. However, there’s apprehension that this increased emotional exposure might make you more susceptible to being hurt or dependent, underscoring the challenge of finding a comfortable level of openness that strengthens rather than weakens the bond.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are ready to release your emotional or material attachments to them, though you may fear the change this will bring to your sense of security. This signifies a crucial step towards moving on, where you’re prepared to let go of the past to embrace future possibilities. Yet, there’s concern that detaching from these lingering connections might leave you feeling untethered or uncertain about your identity and stability, highlighting the emotional complexities involved in healing and moving forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are willing to break down barriers and share more openly, but fear it might change the dynamics of the relationship. This readiness to engage more authentically and supportively indicates a desire for deeper connections, yet there’s worry that this new level of openness could alter the familiar patterns of interaction, possibly leading to unexpected challenges or adjustments in how you relate to one another.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are considering loosening your grip on financial security to invest in new opportunities, fearing the potential risk involved. This reflects a growing awareness that to achieve greater success or fulfillment, you might need to take calculated risks or explore uncharted territories. However, the apprehension about the unknown outcomes of such decisions underscores the tension between the desire for growth and the instinct to protect what you’ve already achieved, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and strategic planning in navigating these changes.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Four of Pentacles represents insecurity and jealousy. While it’s natural to want to be your partner’s special person, it can be counterproductive to take possessiveness too far. This can be a detriment and burden to the relationship. If you find yourself having these feelings, ask yourself where it is coming from and if it is based in reality. 

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.