We know from Tarot . . . It’s Easier Than You Think that 10 of Pentacles is about completion or establishment in the material world, in health, or in finances. We’ve talked about the spiritual development behind that attainment in an earlier post.
So what on earth are we to make of this bevy of unclothed beauties at ease in a rich, red environment? And why is Dali’s “signature” taking up so much space on the card?
Let’s talk about the artist’s signature first. When an artist signs a painting, it’s finished, complete. Very 10-ish. Making the signature a big part of the image emphasizes that sense of accomplishment.
Remember that the higher the number of the suit, the more of the general character of the suit is involved. So 10 of Pentacles has LOTS of material stuff, LOTS of health, LOTS of wealth. That red fabric looks very rich, doesn’t it? The whole scene looks very luxurious. From one perspective, this reminds me of the kind of wealth that could keep a harem. From another, the red connects to the traditional colour for the root chakra, the one that corresponds to our material selves.
But what’s with the nudity? Having a sense of comfort gets connected with wealth. And when we’re comfortable in our own skin, which is where the 10 of Pentacles’ spiritual development has brought us to, we don’t need outer artifice. We have the luxury of gathering with others of our community without hiding. Exposure is a good thing. The nudity in the card also puts the body — our personal material world and the scene in which our health is played out – into our awareness.
And then we have the butterfly wings, significators of transformation, covering a good deal of the group scene. I always see a magic carpet, ready to carry the women away. 10s have the connection to the next cycle, the jumping off place for continued growth and development. These women will be carried into the next cycle of experience in the material world by the transformative energies of the 10 of Pentacles.
Find the places this week where you’re at ease with yourself and with your community. Celebrate your shared wealth!
If you’re looking to learn more about Tarot, I’ll be teaching level 2, Tarot 2 . . . We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, on Friday, 12th December, through the Berkeley County Adult Ed program. Call 304-267-3585 for more information and to register.
And you know where to find me for phone, email, or in-person tarot counseling.