LORD OF THE WILD AND FERTILE LAND
FIRE OF EARTH
The King of Pentacles represents the Fire in the element of Earth. Therefore, with Earth suppressing Fire, materialism is the dominant aspect in this card. The King of Pentacles is a complex person of amazing strength, representing Earth in its function as provider of life.
THE GOOD KING
The King of Pentacles is industrious and patient, steady and reliable. He is astute in everything physical and material. This King does not ask much or philosophize much – he works. Instead, he concentrates on his tasks without getting distracted by mind games or high-flying ideas. With more Earth than Fire and lacking the qualities of Air, the King of Pentacles is more dedicated to making than to thinking. His success lie in instinct and pragmatism rather than from intellect or knowledge.
THE BAD KING
At his darkest, the King of Pentacles can turn stubborn and even stupid. He can be clumsy and jealous of anyone whom he deems higher than himself. He can quarrel over silliest things and butt into every nook and cranny. At the same time, the King of Pentacles can appear cowardly and stubburn.
Further, the King of Pentacles lacks the emotional depth of Water. Therefore, he can have difficulties understanding or relating to others. As a result, he can appear self-centered and sullen, intolerant and unable to put any interest in anything outside his own deeds and doings.
LUIS XIV
In this card, we have the best representative of earthly splendor: King Louis XIV of France. Unlike the other kings, his horse is standing with both feet firmly on the ground. In the background is the palace of Versailles. The sun is shining. The king is happy. He is holding a large pentacle in his hand. He is not wearing a helmet – he is not in battle, but rather observing his lands. At his feet is a rose (representing Venus, ruling Taurus).
Keywords
- Lavishness, wealth
- Power, control over physical and financial matters
- As a person, he is laborious, patient and wise in material issues
- At his worst, he can be jealous and cowardly