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Artist: Bella Lee
The 4 of Pentacles reflects many of the struggles college students face, from major decisions to financial worries. Choosing or changing a major can feel like heavy pressure, especially when the fear of instability pushes students toward “safe” choices that may not align with their true passions. Holding on too tightly to one path out of fear of change can leave students feeling stuck or constrained. This card also mirrors the financial concerns many of us share. A scarcity mindset—where the focus is on avoiding loss rather than pursuing growth—can lead to missed opportunities. Like the figure carefully managing the pentacles, I’ve felt the weight of balancing multiple roles—academic, personal, and professional—especially when I first started college. The challenge lies in creating stability without building walls that limit growth and connection. The 4 of Pentacles invites us to reflect on how we hold onto security and whether it prevents us from moving forward. It’s a reminder to find balance and embrace growth, even when it feels risky.
Why did you choose certain imagery?
The imagery for the Four of Pentacles reflects themes of control, security, and balance, tying directly to the lived experiences of students at St. Catherine University. The figure’s body facing forward while their head looks back symbolizes the resistance to change or letting go of what feels secure—whether it’s a “safe” major or the comfort of past decisions. The placement of the coins, held tightly and underfoot, represents the struggle to balance stability with growth, echoing the pressures many students face regarding financial worries and academic choices.
I also drew inspiration from the university’s mission to foster personal and academic growth, emphasizing the importance of finding balance without building walls that limit potential. The overall dark palette, contrasted by the glowing coins, highlights the focus on materialism and scarcity while leaving room for interpretation about how to break free from those constraints.
Reflection of St. Kate’s social justice values and lived experiences
I used Rachel Pollack’s 78 Degrees of Wisdom for insight into the Four of Pentacles’ core themes of materialism, security, and control. I also considered the lived experiences of students, financial pressures, and the university’s dedication to balancing personal and academic growth. Tarot symbolism across various decks informed the coin placement and body language, while research into St. Kate’s mission and values provided a framework for connecting the card to student life.
Bibliography
Pollack, Rachel. 78 Degrees of Wisdom. HarperCollins, 1980.
St. Catherine University. “Mission and Vision.”
Smith, Pamela Colman, and Waite, A.E. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. 1909.
Symbolism and takeaways
Body and Head Facing Different Directions: Reflects the inner conflict students experience when navigating change, whether it’s academic choices or leaving behind familiar comforts.
Coins: Positioned in the hands and underfoot, they symbolize the need for balance between holding on for stability and letting go to embrace growth.
Worried Expression: Represents the anxiety tied to financial concerns or fear of the unknown, common among students.
Green Eyes and Backlighting: Symbolize greed, money, and the tension between scarcity and growth, while also hinting at healing and abundance.
Curtains: Their ambiguous state (opening or closing) reflects the uncertainty of opportunities and transitions.
Reflection of St. Kate's
The Four of Pentacles resonates with the St. Catherine University community by addressing the pressures of financial insecurity, balancing personal and academic lives, and overcoming fear of change. The card reminds students to create a foundation for success without being constrained by fear or scarcity. This aligns with St. Kate’s mission to empower students to take risks, grow, and lead. The imagery encourages reflection on the systems that create these anxieties, connecting to broader themes of equity and opportunity.
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