Four of Pentacles as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Four of Pentacles, it means that there was a period of holding on too tightly to things, perhaps being overly cautious or resistant to change, focusing heavily on stability and security. This might have manifested as a reluctance to take risks, opting instead to stick with what was known and comfortable. While this approach likely provided a strong sense of security, it might also have limited opportunities for growth and exploration, potentially leading to a more static and unchanging environment.

The Four of Pentacles as the past can represent a time when you might have been overly conservative in your approach, possibly holding on too tight to your resources or being resistant to open up to new opportunities. This period was characterized by a heightened focus on preserving what was already achieved, perhaps at the expense of welcoming new experiences and adventures. While this mindset might have helped in maintaining a stable ground, it also might have hindered the flow of fresh energy and the excitement that comes with trying something new.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Pentacles in the past position means there was a period where one or both parties were holding onto things tightly, perhaps creating a sense of stagnation or lack of growth in the relationship. This card suggests that there was a resistance to evolving together and embracing changes that could have brought new life into the relationship. It could have been a phase where the fear of losing what was already established prevented the couple from taking steps forward, possibly limiting the potential depth and richness the relationship could attain.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles in the past position means that the relationship might have suffered from issues related to possessiveness or an unwillingness to evolve and adapt over time. It speaks to a situation where a rigid attitude and resistance to change could have stifled growth and mutual understanding. This card might be pointing to a phase characterized by holding on too tightly to particular dynamics, which may have blocked the natural evolution of the relationship, leading to a cycle of repetition without progress.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Pentacles in the past position means there might have been times when either you or the other person was too reserved, possibly leading to a relationship that was somewhat stagnant or restrained. During this phase, there could have been a lack of openness and a reluctance to share freely, which might have hampered the development of a deeper bond. It reflects a period where the dynamics were perhaps dominated by caution and reservation, preventing the relationship from blossoming fully due to a preoccupation with maintaining certain boundaries or control.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles in the past position means there was a period where a conservative approach was taken, focusing more on saving and maintaining the status quo rather than exploring new opportunities. This approach might have brought a sense of security and stability in your financial situation, where risks were minimized and assets were carefully guarded. However, it could also hint at missed opportunities for growth and expansion, where a more open approach might have yielded greater benefits and advancements in your career path.

Need more clarity on your relationship?

Ask unlimited questions in a safe space. Get the answers you need. Your situation is unique. Sibyl’s expert psychics are here to help!

Learn More

Reversed Four of Pentacles as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Four of Pentacles reversed, it means that there was a period of letting go, releasing tight grips on beliefs, habits, or resources, and perhaps stepping outside of your comfort zone. This phase allowed you to break free from restrictions that previously held you back, inviting new experiences and learnings into your life. While this may have introduced a certain degree of uncertainty, it also opened up avenues for personal growth and the discovery of new potentials that were earlier unseen, fostering a richer and more diverse life experience.

The Four of Pentacles reversed as the past can represent a period of financial instability or loosening one’s control over situations, which might have brought both challenges and opportunities for growth. It could indicate a time where you learned to flow with the changes rather than resisting them, encouraging a more flexible and adaptable approach to life. Despite facing hurdles, this period also brought lessons of resilience and understanding the value of adaptability, fostering a spirit of openness to the new opportunities life presented.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the past position means there was a time when boundaries were relaxed, possibly leading to a more open and sharing dynamic but also potentially exposing vulnerabilities. This could have fostered deeper connections and understandings as you and your partner were willing to share more freely with each other. However, it also meant navigating sensitive areas and working through challenges together, which might have brought moments of growth and increased understanding, nurturing a more honest and transparent relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the past position means that during your time together, there might have been phases of recklessness or not holding onto the essential aspects of the relationship carefully. It could have been a period where the foundations of the relationship were somewhat shaky, with possibly too much freedom and not enough stability. This card suggests that there were lessons learned about the importance of balance and mutual respect, possibly realizing the necessity of holding onto the valuable aspects while allowing space for individuality and growth.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the past position means that there was a period of relinquishing control or a breaking down of barriers, which likely affected your relationship dynamics, potentially for the better. It represents a time where both of you were open to understanding each other from a fresh perspective, breaking free from old patterns and expectations. It might have been a rejuvenating phase for the relationship, fostering deeper bonds through understanding and compassionate exchanges, allowing a richer and more fulfilling connection to bloom.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Pentacles reversed in the past position means there was a time when you took risks, possibly stepping out of your comfort zone to explore new opportunities, though it may have come with certain instability. This phase might represent a bold move in your career, where you dared to venture into unknown territories, perhaps embracing innovative ideas and approaches. While this approach came with its set of challenges, it likely also brought exciting opportunities and the possibility to grow and learn in unprecedented ways, making way for a vibrant and dynamic professional journey.

Real psychics. No scams.

Need intuitive advice but wary of getting scammed? Get honest answers, with no hidden fees. No “spell removal” upsells, we promise.

Learn More

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.