The Three of Pentacles signifies stability and cooperation in reality to achieve a common goal. Sometimes, it can represent successful completion.
The Three of Pentacles has different meanings when interpreted upright as it does reversed (upside down, not the same as face down).
The table below shows a brief summary of interpretations, followed by more in-depth analysis of the card in both positions below.
| Upright | Reversed |
| Collaboration, pooling energy. Apprenticeship. | Lack of teamwork, apathy. Lack of motivation. Competitiveness. |
| (Yes/No?): Yes | (Yes/No?): No |
The Three of Pentacles drawn in the upright symbolizes cooperation, working together and positive framework in the 3-D.
When drawn in the reverse, it could indicate that teamwork is lacking.
Number 3 Meaning
Numbers have various associations in numerology.
The meaning of the number 3 represents expansion and development.
Like other odd numbers, the number 3 is considered to be a masculine number.
Threes can indicate stability and they are the product of one and 2 coming together.
The number three can also represent an emerging manifestation and growth.
Threes can also signify projects and planning.
Three of Pentacles Description
In the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Three of Pentacles is represented by a young person standing in front of two apparent superiors.
He is seeming to take instruction from them as in building or repairing the inside column of a cathedral, as the two older men dictate to him what to do.
The two older men appear to be watching him very closely as they oversee the younger one's work.
The expressions are not of superiority, but rather of understanding the value of the instruction they are handing to the younger apprentice.
There are many different versions of this card in many different decks today, so always pay close attention to the imagery when interpreting the card.