Card 77 • pentacles

King of Pentacles

Brief Description

The King of Pentacles (Ankou) embodies a psychopomp figure whose presence — the horse-drawn death cart and black cloak — is a stark reminder of mortality and the impermanence of life. Entwined in the roots of the unconscious, Ankou points toward the mysteries of the collective past that illuminate our brief time on the mortal plane. The card symbolizes guidance through endings and transitions, emphasizing perspective and the necessity of expiration rather than fear. In a reading, it can indicate that someone may enter your life to offer comfort and stability as you move through a possible transition.

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Story

The squeaky wheels of Ankou’s horse-drawn death cart sparked fear in the hearts of the living. Wearing a black cloak, the appearance of the tall skeletal figure meant certain death. Like other psychopomps, Ankou took souls from the world of the living and carted them to the Land of the Dead. Entwined in the roots of the unconscious, Ankou is always there to remind us that all things are temporary and must eventually expire. Within the roots are the mysteries of the collective past, which hold the key to understanding our brief time on the mortal plane.

Divinatory meaning

Someone may enter your life who can offer you comfort and stability as you experience a possible transition.

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Ghosts and Spirits tarot

✍️ Deck author(s): Lisa Hunt

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