posted June 06, 2011 12:24 PM
I use the Arcus Arcanum tarot deck. The Pentacles are Disks, which represent money/business for the most part. On my deck, the 8 of Disks represents: Being cautious with your money, taking calculated risks; learning from past mistakes. Each suit progresses numerically from 1 to 10, so 8 means you are 80% into the progress of a major business and/or money undertaking, but there is still work to do before you can rest on your laurels and reap the benefits of your labor. In other words: The pursuit of something perfect is paying off, but there is still much work to be done. This is a card that indicates dreams are deferred while you work to make them as great as they can be.
I found online another analysis of the 8 of Pentacles that sounded interesting:
<<The card refers not only to accomplishments, but also to finances, work, study, the physical body & health. Its suit associates it with the Earth signs of the Zodiac: Capricorn, Taurus & Virgo.
The outdoor setting refers to the Earth element of the card. The landscape of hills, valleys & level ground is intended to evoke the highs, lows & the occasionally even textures that characterize earthly existence. Nature is abundant with beauty & potential, represented by the verdant & earthy colors hues, the vegetation & trees. The sun is a symbol of the Light that supports all life on earth. Into each life some rain falls, hence the single cloud overhead; however, it is part of the continuing cycle of life (& death). Rain fertilizes new life in the earth's soil. The road on the left side of the card leads infinitely onward, through the twin hills & is symbolic of the life path. Beyond the hills is unknown territory, or the unconscious. Since the element is Earth, the unconscious is not close at hand, but it exists. In the distance is a silver castle, an embodiment of worldly desires & accomplishments.
The pentacle also refers to Man's life on Earth, the planet, with the 5-pointed star a symbol for Man, and through his 5 senses he assimilates knowledge. The tree is gold, signifying knowledge is golden, a treasure in the earth. The spiral shape of the trunk refers to the evolutionary spiral, the way to divinity. Seven of the 8 pentacles are completed. A place for the 8th awaits, which is a work in progress or nearing completion.
Card Meaning
This card represents practical knowledge; understanding that comes with advanced learning & experience. It is dedication, commitment, skill, education, karma, success, prosperity, and well being. Furthering one's education through formal or informal study, through academics or vocational schooling. In matters of health it can indicate stable health or recovery from a malady. The number of 8 combined with the element of Earth refers to strength of the inner variety, one that is supported by spiritual sustenance. Balance of the inner & outer worlds. Knowing when to push & when to pull. Also, it relates to the concept of as above, so below; the macrocosm vs. the microcosm. God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world. Perfection in the earth. Karmic influences. Whatever ye sow, ye shall reap. What goes around, comes around. Reincarnation. >>