On The Eight of Pentacles we see a young man who is hammering away at a coin. He has finished six and has another coin to go. It is clear that he is in the middle of a project that absorbs all his attention. He has isolated himself from others in order to concentrate. In this scene we see the essential elements of The Eight of Pentacles : hard work and attention to detail. A person with The Eight of Pentacles makes a effort and works hard. Such a person applies himself totally and is usually absorbed in one thing or another. A person with The Eight of Pentacles dedicates himself to a task and plugs away. A person with this card usually produces steady results due to his efforts.

This card often implies a time of great difference and focus. It advises you to hammer away at the business of the moment, whether a work project, family difficulty, personal goal or unpleasant duty. Sometimes blessings fall into our laps to be enjoyed. Other times we must put out great effort to obtain them. The Eight of Pentacles represents moments when you must give 110%. Just buckle down and do it. Fortunately, this kind of work is invigorating and leads to superb results. The labor of The Eight of Pentacles is deeply satisfying and productive. A person with The Eight of Pentacles takes a course. He likes to learn a new craft or skill and receives training for it. Such a person pursues great understanding and research. He finds out the facts and increases his expertise.

The Eight of Pentacles can symbolize the impulse to learn - to broaden horizons. Sometimes we need to develop new skills. We do research, dig out facts or search for expertise. The Hermit is looking for inner knowledge. The man on The Eight of Pentacles seeks external knowleldge - the how and why of the material world. A person with The Eight of Pentacles is good at being painstaking. Such a person is always extra careful and approaches a task methodically. Such a person gets down to nitty-gritty. He is good at handling all the loose ends. He always checks and rechecks something. A person with The Eight of Pentacles is good at noticing the fine points.

This card can also show the need for meticulous attention. People who are painstaking are often dismissed as nitpickers, but their extra effort ensures everything is as it should be. It is a matter of caring - taking the time to check the little details. Now is not the time to be slipshod or casual. Look for errors and tie up loose ends. The key to success is an extraordinary effort. Whatever your task, The Eight of Pentacles tells you to give it your all in every way. The following can be associated with The Eight of Pentacles :

• Diligence
• Knowledge
• Detail