Two of Pentacles
Astrology: Jupiter in Capricorn | Element: Earth | Time: December 22 – January 30
The performer—Clown Haji. Every morning at dawn, Haji climbs the high tower and operates a pair of mechanical hands, controlling two puppets: Xiao Jin and Xiao Lan. Xiao Jin is calm and dignified, full of wisdom. The golden key in his hand can unlock countless worlds hidden within books. Xiao Lan is lively and cheerful, radiant with warmth, able to open innumerable shackles and release white doves into the sky. Each morning, Haji performs the opening of the sea of books and the release of doves, ascending the tower again and again at daybreak.
Symbolism:
Clown Haji: Haji corresponds to the juggler in the traditional Rider–Waite deck. Unlike the juggler’s direct hand coordination, Haji’s process is divided into thought and action—intent is formed in the mind, then executed through the puppets. He represents a role with fixed responsibilities yet constant mental and practical adjustments.
The Giant Hands: The oversized hands form the first symbolic pentacle, representing mental flexibility. Only through continuous adjustment and coordination can intention be clearly conveyed. This is Haji’s primary form of wealth—adaptive thinking.
The Puppets: The two puppets form the second symbolic pentacle. They are the executors of action and closely echo the two pentacles in the Rider–Waite deck. One high, one low, they represent fluctuation, rhythm, and the need to manage multiple variables at once.
Books: The books correspond to the waves and ground in the Rider–Waite imagery. They symbolize change and uncertainty, closely tied to Haji’s daily work of opening worlds through reading.
Hanging Drapes: The white and orange drapes represent Haji’s two performances. Their high–low arrangement visually expresses balance, coordination, and control.
The Key: The key forms the third symbolic pentacle, representing outcomes unlocked through coordination and choice.
The Keyhole: Corresponding to the key, the keyhole is the fourth symbolic pentacle. It signifies expanded possibilities, adjustable paths, and outcomes that shift depending on balance and decision-making.
Upright:
Fluctuation, flexibility, balance, entertainment, coordination, adaptable control, balanced power, manageability.
Personality: Skilled at handling changing situations, highly adaptable, capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously, flexible in thinking, strong in resource integration and allocation, able to maintain balance under pressure, excellent coordination skills.
Relationship: Able to balance emotional life with other responsibilities, capable of handling complex emotional dynamics, flexible in relationships, adaptable to emotional ups and downs, skilled at coordinating differing emotional needs.
Career/Studies: Managing multiple projects at once, flexible responses to market changes, effective resource circulation, adaptability to fluctuating work environments, balancing diverse tasks, finding opportunity within change.
Finances: Cash-flow management, balancing multiple accounts, flexible investment strategies, handling income fluctuations, effective allocation of financial resources.
Advice: Keep a calm mind and maintain control over both “puppets”—thought and action. Use your flexibility and sense of balance wisely, but avoid overextending yourself. Seek stability within change, and find rhythm within fluctuation.
Reversed:
Financial crisis, indecision, forced choices, instability, loss of flexibility, imbalance, loss of control, overwhelmed multitasking, mismanaged resources, disrupted life balance.
Personality: Difficulty handling complex situations, poor multitasking ability, chaotic resource management, low adaptability, loss of balance under pressure, hesitant decision-making, weak coordination skills.
Relationship: Emotional imbalance, inability to manage complex relationships, difficulty adapting to relational changes, unmet emotional needs, breakdown in coordination.
Career/Studies: Disordered multitasking, inability to adapt to workplace changes, poor resource allocation, uncontrolled work pressure, failure in task coordination, imbalance in academic or professional life.
Finances: Cash-flow difficulties, broken financial balance, chaotic investment strategies, uncontrolled income fluctuations, tight financial resources.
Advice: You are no longer able to control your puppets—loss of control on either side is critical. Reassess priorities, simplify life’s complexity, and rebuild a stable foundation. Avoid overexpansion, establish effective management systems, and restore balance.