#tarottraditionalqabalahelitarot2strikingly.com
Above all things, know thyself.
Radiant Edition: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot-Nine of Pentacles
The Rider-Waite-Smith card rarely strays from the mundane divination meaning of any card and the Nine of Pentacles is no exception. Here Waite depicts the divination meaning of inheritance or material gain. The medieval theme of a Lady of inherited wealth and her falcon, implying royalty. She is out in the lush pentacle blooming Vinyard landscape symbolizing continual growth and success. This continual growth is also symbolized by the roses on her gown. Everything is golden and warm, and gain is all around because of patient attention to details. The female figure subtly implies that the Goddess Venus is enjoying the fruitfulness of earth.
The Animal Totem Tarot- 9 of Pentacles
The Animal Totem Tarot-9 of Pentacles illustrates a Tortoise whose wealth goes wherever the tortoise goes. Everything this being needs is on its back and in the natural world it meanders through. These hundred-year-old giants move to their own time, much slower than the human rat-race. Content to just stroll along knowing that all is provided in its own good time.
Therefore, the 9 of Pentacles is a card about creating long term sustainable resources. Tortoise and the garden it's in, is all about stamina and the long haul. The message here is to do what needs to be done so that future needs are already taken care of.
The Tortoise is a deeply symbolic animal across many spiritual traditions and cultures. As a power animal, spirit guide, and totem, the tortoise embodies profound lessons of patience, endurance, inner wisdom, and stability. Within a Hermetic and metaphysical framework, the tortoise becomes a living archetype of Earth element mastery, attunement to time cycles, and the alchemical process of gradual transformation.
🐢 Tortoise as a Power Animal
When the tortoise appears as a power animal, it brings the energies of grounded perseverance and slow, deliberate progress. The tortoise’s strength lies in its unyielding nature—it does not rush, yet it reaches its destination through persistent motion. It’s a symbol of:
Endurance & longevity – The tortoise lives a long life and teaches the value of patience in achieving goals.
Self-protection – With its shell, the tortoise carries its sanctuary wherever it goes, teaching how to carry spiritual protection and boundaries.
Resilience – It survives by retreating and conserving energy, showing us how to preserve our force when necessary.
Survival of the wise – It symbolizes the victory of the slow but steady, rather than the reckless or overly ambitious.
In magickal workings, the tortoise may be invoked to slow down time, anchor spiritual energy into matter, or maintain a protective, sustaining aura in long-term spells.
🌍 Tortoise as a Totem Animal
As a totem animal, the tortoise belongs to those who are wise, introspective, and attuned to the deep rhythm of life. If the tortoise is your totem, you likely:
Possess a deep connection to the Earth, and may feel called to protect sacred lands or ancient knowledge.
Have an old soul with insights that emerge slowly but are deeply impactful.
Work through life’s challenges with unshakable calm and non-reactive observation.
Are a builder of foundations—spiritual, emotional, or even physical—taking care to create lasting structures.
In Western Hermetic Qabalah, the tortoise is resonant with Malkuth, the Kingdom, as the foundation of the Tree of Life, especially when understood as the vehicle of manifestation. Its shell is like the sacred cube or the Tesseract, grounding the cosmic into the material.
🌌 Tortoise as a Spirit Guide
When the tortoise comes to you as a spirit guide, it brings messages like:
“Go inward to find your truth.”
“Time is not your enemy; it is your ally.”
“Protect what is sacred and slow down to hear the voice of the soul.”
The tortoise may appear during times of emotional or physical instability, encouraging you to stabilize your foundation. It also teaches how to navigate long spiritual journeys and endure the cycles of rebirth with quiet strength.
As a guide, it often aligns with the alchemical phase of Coagula—the process of integration and solidification of spirit into form.
🕯️ Hermetic View & Correspondences
| Aspect | Hermetic Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Element | Earth |
| Qabalistic Association | Malkuth (10th Sephira), Saturn (due to slowness, endurance) |
| Planetary | Saturn or even the Moon (ancient rhythm of time) |
| Archetype | The World Turtle (cosmic foundation, Atlantean memory) |
| Alchemical Phase | Coagula – materialization of spirit, grounding |
🌿 Closing Thought
The tortoise is a guardian of the timeless, a living talisman of Gaia’s memory, and a sacred protector of the slow miracle of manifestation. Whether appearing in dreams, meditations, or synchronistic moments, its presence invites you to embrace stillness, move with the tides of the soul, and honor the sacred pace of creation.
The 9 of Pentacles is assigned Venus in Virgo. Individuals with Venus in the house of Virgo may exhibit certain characteristics influenced by the combination of Venus, the planet of love and beauty, and Virgo, an earth sign known for practicality and attention to detail. Here are some key traits associated with this placement:
Analytical Approach to Love: Venus in Virgo individuals approach love and relationships with a meticulous and analytical mindset. They may analyze their feelings and evaluate the practical aspects of a relationship before fully committing.
Practical Expressions of Affection: Practical gestures and expressions of love resonate with individuals with this placement. They may show love through acts of service, such as helping with daily chores or providing practical support.
Attention to Detail in Aesthetics: Venus in Virgo individuals appreciate beauty in a detailed and refined manner. They may have a keen eye for aesthetics, noticing subtle details that others might overlook. This could manifest in their fashion sense, home décor, or artistic preferences.
Reserved and Modest Love Style: These individuals may not be overly demonstrative in their affections and can be somewhat reserved in expressing love. Modesty and a sense of humility may characterize their approach to romantic relationships.
Desire for Order and Organization: Venus in Virgo individuals may seek order and organization in their relationships. They might feel more comfortable when there is a clear structure and routine, and they may appreciate partners who share these values.
Health and Well-being Considerations: Virgo is associated with health, and individuals with Venus in this sign may be mindful of the health aspects of their relationships. They might prioritize maintaining a healthy lifestyle and encourage their partners to do the same.
It's essential to consider the entire birth chart for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's astrological profile, as other planetary placements and aspects can further influence their personality and approach to relationships.
Qabalistically 9 of Pentacles card is Yesod the Ninth Sephira in Assiah and/or the influence of Yesod in the Material World. Yesod, meaning foundation- is governed by the Moon. In the material world this influence is very favorable for amassing things, but with Venus in Virgo, there is a lack of overt feelings accompanying this great efficiency. The Goddess of Love in the house of the Virgin, can cause some consternation due to overly paying attention to details. Therefore, you may just have to force yourself to celebrate.
When the Thoth 9 Pentacles is thrown during a reading it implies:
- Inheritance and/or material gain, sometimes within 9 weeks or 9 months or the querent is experiencing it now for those time periods.
- A certain amount of Integrity, skill and talent has produced material gain and a sense of accomplishment.
- Material gain, where talent and skill have come together in either a beginning stage of material gain or a good flowing gain into wealth.
- Diligence and discipline have gained one a fruitful lifestyle.
If the 9 of Pentacles are ill defined by surrounding negative cards, it implies:
- A lack of discipline in material matters and the failure that comes with it.
- Avarice.
- Deception.
- Empty plans.
Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper!
3 Western Hermetic Magick Websites helping people become more magic and less tragic since 2010.
Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog and Tarot store.
Home page, Tarot Store, Master Tarot Classes, and nontraditional Tarot Card Comparisons.
Western Hermetic Magick ritual and invocation website and magick blogs.