All of the Four cards symbolize structure, stability, or manifestation. Here we see this man is holding on tightly to his financial resources. The Pentacles can also refer to other types of resources or things in the physical realm, such as possessions, property (including intellectual property), the home or hearth, the family, and the physical body or health. In the extreme, this card can reflect the fear of letting go, or a fear of poor health.

Conversely, it may also indicate the recalling of resources, such as closing an account. Or it can point to expanding in new directions closer to home or based on personal interests, or acquiring new possessions. 

In terms of contemplative meaning, we might ask ourselves, “Where are we holding on to the past, and where are we resisting going forward on our spiritual path?” We all struggle to let go. Here’s a little story to help:

A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side.

The two monks glanced at one another, because they had taken vows not to touch a woman. Then, without a word, the older monk picked up the woman, carried her across the river, placed her gently on the other side, and carried on with his journey. The younger monk couldn’t believe what had just happened.

After rejoining his companion, he was speechless, and an hour passed without a word between them. Two more hours passed, then three, and finally the younger monk couldn’t contain himself any longer, and he blurted out, “As monks, we are not permitted to touch a woman—how could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?”

The older monk looked at him and replied, “Brother, I put her down on the other side of the river a long time ago; why are you still carrying her?”

Lay it down, everyone. Try this: stretch your arms out to the front, and make fists with the back of your hands turned toward the floor. As you tighten your fists, allow it to represent all of the stuff you are clenching to yourself. Keep tightening. Now, gently turn your fists and open them, allowing all your were holding to fall to the floor. Do you feel lighter, emptied of unnecessary weight? Now turn your outstretched palms upward, toward the heavens. See? Now you can receive.