The Four of Pentacles and Capricorn III
January 9 to January 19, 2025
In the early 20th century, the Golden Dawn created the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, pairing it with a system of esoteric correspondences that linked the minor arcana cards (2 through 10) to the zodiac’s decans. These 10-degree segments of the zodiac, each spanning approximately ten days, weave astrology and tarot into a rich tapestry of interconnected meaning. This system reveals deeper insights into the cards and astrological transits, offering a multidimensional perspective.
Comments about your experiences are welcomed!
-Heather
From January 9 to January 19, 2025, the Sun journeys through Capricorn III, a decan ruled by the Sun and associated with the Four of Pentacles. Known as the “Lord of Power” by the Golden Dawn and humorously dubbed “Money in the Bank” by T. Susan Chang in 36 Secrets, this card reflects stability, control, and the careful management of resources. The Four of Pentacles teaches us to consider how we hold onto, protect, and direct our energy and assets. It asks whether our attachment to security enhances or limits our growth. The lesson here is clear: nothing is gained without risk, and only you can determine what risk you are comfortable taking.
The Four of Pentacles often depicts a figure clinging tightly to their coins, symbolizing a desire to preserve what has been earned. This imagery extends beyond finances, speaking to emotional and energetic reserves. Are you conserving wisely, or are you clinging out of fear? This card challenges us to examine where we may be overly possessive, reminding us that balance is key—knowing when to hold on and when to let go is where true power lies.
Astrological Context for Capricorn III
During these ten days, the Sun in Capricorn forms three key aspects that influence this decan’s energy:
January 13: Sun trine Uranus (rx) in Taurus — A supportive aspect that brings opportunities for innovation and unexpected solutions. It encourages us to rethink outdated structures and consider unconventional approaches to stability and security.
January 15: Sun opposite Mars (rx) in Cancer — A tense aspect highlighting internal and external struggles. Conflicts may arise between personal ambitions and emotional needs, requiring a balance between assertiveness and nurturing.
January 17: Sun sextile Neptune in Pisces — A harmonious aspect that softens the intensity of the Mars opposition. Neptune infuses the energy with compassion, intuition, and creativity, encouraging us to trust our dreams and align our actions with a higher purpose.
Viewed through the lens of the Four of Pentacles, these transits ask us to reflect on our relationship with security and power. The trine to Uranus urges us to embrace change and innovation, while the opposition to Mars warns of overreaction and insecurity. Neptune’s sextile offers a moment to let go of rigidity and trust the flow of life.
Navigating the Energy of Capricorn III
The Sun in Capricorn III invites introspection about managing our physical, emotional, and spiritual reserves. Consider these questions:
Are we building walls to protect ourselves, or are those walls keeping us from connecting and growing? How can we balance discipline with flexibility, allowing for structure and creativity? What steps can we take to align our ambitions with a sense of purpose and collaboration?
The Four of Pentacles reminds us that true stability comes from balance. While safeguarding resources is wise, holding on too tightly can create stagnation. Sometimes, the energy we protect most fiercely is the energy we need to release to move forward.
Tarot Activity: Reflect and Draw
Use the Four of Pentacles card as the focal point of your reading. Spend time observing its imagery, colors, and symbols in your specific deck—what resonates with you? Shuffle your deck as you prefer and draw a card to explore these questions:
Reflect on how your drawn card interacts with the Four of Pentacles. Does it reinforce themes of control and stability, or does it suggest areas where you need to loosen your grip? What insights emerge about security, ambition, and surrender? Let the cards illuminate your path as the Sun shines on Capricorn III.
Correspondences and Keywords
Astrology: Sun in Capricorn (third decan)
Element: Earth
Upright: Possessiveness, stability, frugality, boundaries, financial security, cautiousness
Reversed: Generosity, openness, reckless spending, financial insecurity
Let this period guide you to explore the balance between stability and growth, remembering that life thrives in movement, not stagnation. The wisdom of the Four of Pentacles lies in finding your unique equilibrium between holding and releasing, protecting and trusting.
Heather Marie Morse is an esoteric writer and yoga teacher who blends the wisdom of lunar astrology with the practice of yoga through her Substack newsletter, The Light Today. Her work mainly focuses on the subtle influences of light and the moon's phases on our daily lives, aiming to harmonize our inner rhythms with the universe's natural cycles.