I am I plus my surroundings, and if I do not preserve the latter, I do not preserve myself.
Jose Ortega Y Gasset, philosopher and essayist (1883-1955)

As we welcome the start of the lunation that will carry us into the Solstice, the Knight of Pentacles comes calling this week.

The court cards of the Tarot are the people cards and are quite often, literally, the people you know. They may or may not be the same sex as the figure in the card, and they may in fact be some aspect of yourself. Therefore, to decide who this might be, here are some characteristics for you to consider.

The Knights of the Tarot are the champions, the energetic and often forceful movers and shakers of the Court.

However, the Pentacles are ruled by the element of Earth. So here we have a Knight who is a sturdy, well-grounded person who is rarely in a big hurry.

Instead he (or she) is methodical, calm, and even a bit conservative. “Slow and steady wins the race,” would be his motto.

Unlike the other, more adventurous Knights, this one sits quietly on his big workhorse, looking out across the fields that await planting. In his hand, he holds the Pentacle that is his wealth and investment for the future. Like the younger, less experienced Page, who visited in early May, the Knight’s coin is either transparent, or the same sunny yellow as the sky.

His helmet and his horse are adorned with oak leaves, reinforcing their sacred connection to the Earth, perhaps even the Green Man. Oaks, as you may know, are sacred trees that are revered as doorways to the Mysterious realms.

Perseverance and Persistence

Because the Knight of Pentacles never starts something he isn’t determined to finish, he can be cautious and take a long while to make up his mind.

But once committed, he is rock-solid. Like his big black steed, he powers through obstacles, taking a dogged approach in the pursuit of his goals.

A hard-worker, he has tremendous stamina and dedication. Every job is always completed down to the last detail. He never multitasks or leaves anything dangling unfinished. He’s careful and prudent, never wasteful.

Work comes first for him and he can be inflexible about little details. He doesn’t much like change or risk and might sometimes tend towards pessimism (in the name of being “realistic”).

To a fiery Wands type, or clever Swords people, the Knight of Pentacles might seem a bit stodgy and dull. True, he’s not known for his emotional side (like Cups), or his speed, charm, charisma or intellect. And he is seldom the life of the party.

But he is practical, direct, and down-to-earth. He’s the level-headed one you want nearby in any kind of emergency. And when he gets around to giving his heart, it is for keeps.

This Knight would never allow himself to be pushed over any kind of fiscal cliff, nor would he ignite trade wars with his friends over petty ego disputes. And you can be sure he would never turn his back on discussions or decisions that could affect our planet’s health and well-being.

He is guileless and understands himself as a steward in service to the land.  He is plain-spoken, straight-dealing, and what you see is what you get.

In this forthrightness is his great power, for with no secrets, no double-talk, or back-room deals, his honesty and integrity will ultimately overcome a “host of foes.”

Dark of the Moon, Plant A Seed

At New Moons, magical people plant both literal and figurative seeds. During the subsequent waxing Moon cycle, these new ideas, projects, and actual baby plants sprout and grow, often coming to fruition by the Full Moon.

During this week’s Gemini New Moon, the Knight of Pentacles can inspire us as we set our intentions, especially if we want them to manifest in abundant, fertile ways. But caution may be in order.

Astrologer Judy Joyce notes that during this time:

Actions taken from June 7-14 could have karmic consequences. Think before acting. June 11-12: Positive energies are helpful for communication, but adjustments will be necessary and probably somewhat challenging.

Some interesting ideas could occur that could develop later this summer but aren’t ready to be implemented yet without further thought or research. Proceed with caution.

Plant your seed, but know where and why. Due diligence will pay off for you in time.

The Turning of the Wheel of the Year

This last week before the Solstice, the Knight of Pentacles invites you to celebrate the simple goodness of hearth and home. Here in North America, the season of planting and flowering is transitioning to fruitfulness, and first harvests are beginning to roll in.

Similarly to how he holds his coin thoughtfully before him, spend time dreaming of what you what you wish to plant for an abundant new cycle.

What nourishing dietary changes would do you a world of good? He urges us to cultivate regimens that build our strength and health. But no crazy weight loss fads, thank you. His is the way of wholesome, steady progress — change that unfolds naturally and therefore, is usually the most successful.

Is there a situation at work you are currently facing that demands a cautious, even conservative response? Pause if you need to, and don’t get pushed. Consider your options before you act, and insist on integrity and candor from others.

Being careful with your money, investments, and valuables would be wise at this time. Perhaps the Knight is a trusted adviser you could turn to on these matters.

There may be a project around the house or garden that you are ready to start. He certainly gives his blessing to this, particularly if it pays off in “sweat equity.”

Have you been working too hard? Or could it be possible that you are being a little too stubborn on some matter, especially something to do with resources, home, or health?

This Knight may tend to believe his way is always right, because he takes his time and does his homework before making a move. So, he reasons, how could he be wrong? And yet, change is what life is all about.

His challenge is to know when to be swift, flexible, and more lighthearted when needed. But his gift is to demonstrate how be more prudent, persistent, and to slow down and focus.

The Knight of Pentacles offers us some much-needed grounding, suggesting that regardless of those who parade their rebellious, self-gratifying impulses, we would do well to take care of what is real.

He urges us to tend our resources, protect our assets, and use what we have with gratitude and care.

May the Knight of Pentacles teach us to plant a truly rich future and tend our garden, from which we are not separate after all.