This is the card that embodies the spirit of cooperation, effort and insipration at work. We see three figures on the card that are measuring something or maybe discussing some joint venture. We may conclude that maybe on the card are artisans that are ready to put their experience, knowledge and energy in some project of great complexity. That project could be something that just the few can perform. Obviously this is the card that speaks of ability. Because it is in the Pentacles suit it speaks less about the natural born talent and more about knowledge through hard effort and great discipline. We see the structure just beneath the roof composing of the three pentacles bearing weight of the structure as a symbol of the importance of cooperativity as symbolized in the number three.

Positive: teamwork, effort, succes through ability, recogniziton.

Negative: delays, lack of skill, criticism, bitterness, materialism, problems with money.

   A sculptor at his work in a monastery. Compare the design which illustrates the Eight of Pentacles. The apprentice or amateur therein has received his reward and is now at work in earnest. Divinatory Meanings: Métier, trade, skilled labour; usually, however, regarded as a card of nobility, aristocracy, renown, glory. Reversed: Mediocrity, in work and otherwise, puerility, pettiness, weakness.

— The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite