Two of Pentacles in the Rider Waite Tarot

In the Rider Waite version of the two of pentacles, a young man balances two coins precariously. His steps are uneven, and yet a green infinity sign wraps around his coins - symbolizing his ability to adapt despite changing circumstances. The card itself is full of movement, the young man, who is trembling, the coins that are being juggled, the ocean behind them undulating and swaying.  

Two of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning & Symbolism

Behind the imagery of the two of pentacles lies the idea of adaptability - of being able to take whatever life throws at you, and continue, like the young man in the card, to dance, to flow, and to move. It is to continue to balance the opposing worldviews that the universe throws at you and to create a certain peace from it. The only thing that is certain in our lives is change, and the two of pentacles takes this concept, embodies it, and thrives.

Simplifying the Two of Pentacles Tarot Card

Balance is the message of the two of pentacles. The coins of the pentacles are placed in an almost impossible position. They rest vertically on each other, each one dependent on the other for remaining in equilibrium. On them are emblazoned the moon and the sun, representing the opposites within nature. Around them, coils a snake that eats its own tail, the ouroboros.  

The Ouroboros Symbol Meaning in the Two of Pentacles Tarot Card

I placed this symbol here because in essence, it is a symbol of eternity and unity. Both of which I personally think are critical to the meaning of this card. Unity has already been touched upon here - it is the idea of balancing opposing forces. When the dualities come together, we create something that is whole. The Ouroboros signifies a single unit that cannot be split apart - something primordial and ancient, beyond the ability for humankind to categorize.

The Ouroboros also signifies eternity, infinity and all that great hubbub around those terms - as things that are cyclical never end. Change is eternal. Balance is eternal. Nature always seeks to find equilibrium again. All of this, I think is the secondary message of the two of pentacles; as creatures that live within this world, we just have to accept it and learn to be in harmony with it.

The Two of Pentacles in the Luminous Spirit Tarot Deck

The Luminous Spirit Tarot Deck is the second deck of my creation, after the Golden Thread Tarot. I've been posting bits and pieces of the artwork on Instagram, but I'm going to start logging my progress here with every piece of work that I do. Please follow along with me here on Labyrinthos Academy.