Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
— Maya Angelou
Self-sufficient, Independence, Earned comfort, Enjoying the fruits of your labor
Overview
Self-made; independence, success.
Ultimate attainment, independence and self-reliance are all themes that come with the nine of pentacles. Everything about you is entirely self-made, from your empire to your essence. Everything in your universe was subjected to change, and from it came your best self. The person who stands before the mirror today is someone who was sculpted from their experiences, adversity, and the dreams they bled for to make reality.
This card is symbolic of a single, self-made woman at its core. It’s the greatest honor to be described as the Nine of pentacles, but especially so if you’re a female who rose the ranks against the patriarchy.
Symbolism
A graceful woman in a flowing, richly embroidered robe stands alone in a luxurious vineyard or garden. A hooded falcon perches on her gloved hand, symbolizing trained mastery and self-sufficiency. Nine golden pentacles are arranged around her in the vines and foliage. The scene is serene, abundant, and refined, evoking earned independence, self-reliance, sophistication, and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.
Meaning
This card is so clean that it’s hard to see it any other way than what it is: You’re self forged. You’ve put yourself in the fire, hammered yourself and your craft free of imperfections. Then you did it again. At your core you’re a hardened steel blade, sharpened to perfection.
Self-sufficient / Independence
All on your own you’re a well oiled machine. You don’t need anyone but yourself. You have no dependencies, or desires from others. It’s radiant to see someone with so much grounded force behind their step, and you stand on your own two feet.
Earned comfort
Everything you have worked for is rightfully yours, and you should be proud of it. Right now, there is no question in your security and stability because you are the only moving part in all of it. There is no question of who you are, and how you got here.
The fruits of your labor
Be humbled by your journey here and smile for all that you’ve dealt with. It’s hard to have this kind of confidence, that radiates off of you. People could kill to feel this level of success, and a lot of people would.
Single
There’s nothing you need to be other than yourself, you are your own best company. There is no partner on this planet who can replace the peace you feel with yourself. This card, obscurely can mean that not only did you forge yourself completely, but you enjoy every minute of not being tied to another person. This is especially true if The Hermit appears in the same reading.
Nine of Pentacles Reversed
“Beware of being rich in possessions but poor in spirit.”
— Unknown
Dependence, insecurity masked as luxury, outer success without inner stability
Overview
Since the upright of this card symbolizes independence, the reverse indicates co-dependency, and losing your sovereignty. You are reliant on someone and giving them too much of your personal power. The reason you are even still floating is based on the efforts of someone else, and you’re not contributing or pulling your weight.
Even if you are, it can be that you are being viewed as dead weight in a situation. The contributions you make are so seamless and constant that your constant state of effort is overlooked, which will cause you to lose out in the end.
Meaning
Dependence
Making it on your own is a fallacy. You are egregiously co-dependent on other people to feel whole. If you’re alone, you falter, stumble, and may even fall into shambles.
This could be in term of finances, emotional wellness, or mental wellbeing. But regardless, you are someone who can’t be left to their own devices without unintentionally blowing up your own kingdom.
Insecurity masked as luxury
How’s your credit card balance doing? Even if you have infinite wealth, doesn’t mean you’re making it. It means you’re faking it. You may have the highest credit card limit, the fastest car, the dreamiest life on the outside, but on the inside — it’s completely unsustainable. You are so attached to the way the material world sees you that you are drowning in debt.
Will the vicious cycle ever stop or will you be humbled by bankruptcy?
Outer success without inner stability
While you may have the money, the giltz, the glamour, the power— inside you are as hollow as a porcelain vase. Despite being surrounded by amazing things, opportunities and people you feel nothing.
In the conquest to be the best, you may be lonely. In your adventure to seek the highest peaks, you’ve done so successfully. But now, the entire world seems lackluster as a result.
Not making ends meet
Living beyond your means has become a lifestyle for you. The paycheck doesn’t balance your check book, and you’re pinching pennies to stay alive. This isn’t a good position to be in. After chasing the jet-set lifestyle you may have come close to achieving it but you haven’t any equity left to your name in the process.
