Nine of Pentacles - Upright: it’s giving independence, luxury, and self-made confidence. Reversed: when isolation or overwork dulls your shine | Tarot Explainer Series

It’s giving abundant soft girl era. The Nine of Pentacles is that moment when you’ve worked, built, and cultivated enough to finally enjoy the fruits of your labour. Picture sipping wine in your own pool surrounded by your garden (or whatever bliss looks like to you), fully owning your independence, style, and worth. But the lesson is this: self-sufficiency should feel abundant, like a personification of the divine feminine... not lonely or hoarding. P.s 9 of pentacles and 9 of coins are synonymous (just different terms for the same card).

This post forms part of my Tarot Explainer Series where I give you quick, practical lessons on how to actually live with the energies of the minor and major arcana (the cards in a tarot deck). Every card is a storyline - and this is how you embrace, embody, and be guided by the secrets within it. This post captures my in-depth advice if you have pulled this card in a reading...

Nine of Pentacles Speed Round

1. Pentacles belong to Earth, the suit of resources, security, and long-term building.

2. Nine is a number of attainment and nearing completion - the refinement that comes right before the “ten.”

3. Astrologically, this card links to Venus in Virgo: beauty meets practicality, refinement meets devotion.

4. In the classic imagery, we see a woman in a vineyard, robed luxuriously, a falcon perched calmly — wealth, grace, and cultivated discipline. Take a pause and intuitively sense the feeling in this imagery; it’s serene success... I like to think of her as Princess Diana in her prime - she's beauty, she's grace.

5. Related cards? The Empress (Venus vibes of abundance), the Hermit (Virgo’s self-reliance), and the Ten of Pentacles (family wealth and legacy, the next stage).

6. Keywords: Upright = independence, refinement, luxury, earned success. Reversed = loneliness, dependence, financial overextension/overwork and hoarding possessions.

Core meanings

Upright, the Nine of Pentacles is about enjoying what you’ve built and owning your autonomy. Think financial independence, confidence, and that glow of “I did this for myself.” Reversed, it warns against overwork that robs you of enjoyment, or becoming so self-reliant that you shut others out, hoarding success for yourself or becoming lonely in your successes.

Journal prompt: Where am I not letting myself enjoy the rewards of my own effort?

Lessons

Spiritually, this card teaches the importance of honouring the harvest. It’s not just about creating; it’s about receiving and savouring. In career and business, it’s the card of successful entrepreneurship, building your own thing, and not waiting for anyone to grant you permission. As a life moment, it shows up when you’re stepping into independence: moving into your own place, hitting financial stability, or creating a lifestyle that feels like you. Chief Vision Holder, which is this business and creative project is my personal 9 of pentacles moment.

Embracing: Welcome and explore your independence (especially financial). Reflect on the area in your life you have built something yourself and can now rest in that gift. Allow yourself to buy the little luxury too, if you can. Treat yourself without guilt. Recognise that enjoying what you’ve built is not frivolous. Revel in the sacred receiving energy that your experiences offer you.

Embodying: Embody this energy by practicing intentional self-care that feels elevated and authentic to you - buy flowers, cook a meal that feels abundant, or dress up for yourself. I personally splurge on skincare, buy some cute new pyjamas and have an Ace of Cups night (self love night). I also encourage a 'reflection walk' (in nature is best) where you can consider the amazing things you have built or are building and how much good they bring your life (i.e. my body made these babies, now I get to cuddle and love them whenever I like... how blessed am I!)

In practice:

For self-reflection, ask: do I equate independence with loneliness, or can I see it as fullness?

For decision-making, lean into choices that protect your autonomy and wellbeing. I love an empowered NO.

For a daily ritual, write a gratitude list specifically of things you’ve built or earned through your own effort. This really puts things back into perspective.

Conclusion

The Nine of Pentacles reminds us that independence and abundance are not just about money or success... they’re about cultivating a life that feels aligned, graceful, and self-owned.

Every card is a lesson, but you are the creator who chooses that path forward. Remember to read meanings in the context of other cards and your own intuition.

If you want deeper guidance on how to align your wins with your soul purpose, subscribe to my monthly vision energy readings here. These monthly readings are my exclusive channelings using tarot and astrology guidance. In these readings I help you embody the lessons of each monthly cycle and step closer to your authentic self and soul-purpose.

I delve into all the other tarot cards where you can find the advice and guidance you need as they speak to you. Check out my complete blog library here.

Find more Chief Vision Holder readings, content and guidance on YouTube.

Big Love, M.