Four of Pentacles as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Four of Pentacles, it means that you may be holding on too tightly to certain aspects of your life, which may be hindering your growth and progress. This card suggests that you may be clinging to the familiar out of fear or uncertainty, which can limit your opportunities and potential. It encourages you to loosen your grip and be more open to change and new experiences.

The Four of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge can represent an overly cautious or miserly attitude, an unwillingness to take risks, or an excessive focus on material security. This card signifies that your current challenges may stem from an overemphasis on stability or a fear of loss. It advises you to reassess your attitude towards risk and change, and to recognize that growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Four of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that one or both parties may be holding back emotionally or being overly protective, which could hinder the development of the relationship. This card suggests that fear or insecurity may be preventing you or your potential partner from opening up and fully investing in the relationship. It encourages open communication and vulnerability as key elements for the relationship to progress.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Four of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that fear of change or insecurity may be causing one or both partners to hold on too tightly, stifling the growth of the relationship. This card highlights that clinging to old patterns or fears can limit the potential growth and development within a relationship. It suggests that both partners need to work on letting go of their fears and embracing change and growth within the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that an inability to let go of past hurts or patterns may be preventing you from moving forward. This card indicates that holding on to past emotions or unresolved issues with your ex may be hindering your ability to heal and move on. It advises that letting go and embracing the future can lead to personal growth and emotional freedom.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles as an obstacle or challenge means that overly conservative business practices or a fear of investing may be limiting your financial growth or career advancement. This card suggests that you may be stalling your career or financial growth due to an excessive focus on safety and risk avoidance. It encourages you to reconsider your approach, and understand that calculated risks are often necessary for progress and success.

Reversed Four of Pentacles as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Four of Pentacles reversed, it means that you may be letting go of unnecessary attachments, or that a fear of loss may be leading to reckless decisions. This card suggests a period of transition where you might be releasing old patterns or habits, but the process may be fraught with uncertainty, leading to impulsive actions. The challenge here is to balance the process of letting go with thoughtful decision-making to avoid potential pitfalls.

The Four of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent a fear of loss leading to reckless spending or risk-taking, or a need to let go of an unhealthy attachment to material possessions. This card suggests that your fears or insecurities may be driving you towards potentially harmful financial behaviors. It prompts you to address these fears and reassess your relationship with material wealth, understanding that it should not be a source of identity or security.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Four of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that one or both parties may be letting go of past baggage, or that fear of loss may be leading to reckless emotional decisions. This card suggests that while the process of releasing past hurts and patterns is beneficial, it should not result in hasty or ill-considered decisions in the relationship. Patience, open communication, and measured steps are important to ensure the healthy development of the relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Four of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that one or both partners may be letting go of unhealthy patterns, or that a fear of loss may be causing instability in the relationship. This card indicates that changes in the relationship dynamic might be unsettling, causing fear-driven responses that could destabilize the relationship further. Both partners need to navigate this transitional period with understanding, patience, and open communication.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that a fear of loss or change may be preventing you from letting go and moving forward. This card suggests that even though the relationship has ended, you may be clinging to it due to fear of the unknown. It encourages you to confront these fears and understand that letting go is a necessary step towards healing and personal growth.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that a fear of loss may be leading to reckless financial decisions or that you may be learning to let go of an overly conservative approach to your career or finances. This card suggests that while it’s important to embrace change and take calculated risks, you should not let fear drive your decisions. It prompts a reassessment of your financial strategies or career path, encouraging balanced and thoughtful decision-making.

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.