Two of Pentacles 

IMAGERY

In the original Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, the Two of Pentacles has a figure that appears to be balancing two pentacles between a piece of yellow ribbon. While I appreciate the Rider-Waite-Smith style of art and imagery, I wanted to explore my own take on representing the concept of duality through perspective and a more “dramatic” depiction of symbology. So, I decided to take the figure out entirely and shift the perspective to the viewer so that they become the ones possessing the symbols. I did this because it makes more sense for the person interpreting the card to also be the one in control of the elements within it. Additionally, I chose to change the two pentacles into yin and yang symbols. According to the web, Yin and Yang are the “two complementary forces that make up all aspects and phenomena of life” (Brittanica). Yin represents the “earth, femininity, passivity, and absorption,” while Yang represents “heaven, masculinity, light, activity, and penetration” (Brittanica). Clearly, incorporating Yin and Yang into this card was a clever way of representing the concept of duality that is so prevalent in the Two of Pentacles. 

Additionally, I chose to fill up the negative space with bright colors, sparkles, and smoke clouds to contrast with the meaning behind the vibrant blood from the thorny vines. The specific colors were used and placed to represent a change as a result of hard-earned balance. Darkness fills the space next to the viewer, but as the viewer looks up toward the Yin and Yang symbols, the background becomes warmer in tone and more active with movement through the sparkles and clouds.