THREE OF PENTACLES
The Three of Pentacles as interpreted by Kirstin Wu & Anaïs C.
The 3 of Pentacles is about putting effort towards building something tangible and long-lasting – something bigger than the sum of its parts, whether it’s a project or a space. It speaks to collaboration, asking us to understand our unique skills and abilities. Beyond a capitalist understanding of productivity, this card draws our attention to what we can contribute and put into the world, brick by brick. And just as importantly, it asks what we need to do to nourish our capacity, patience and resolve alongside others. This card might show up to tell you to take some of the pressure off yourself, ask you where you want to put your energy and effort, or remind you of your responsibilities towards others you’re moving with.
It’s a card that highlights process, that tells us our goals and actions must both be aligned for the best outcome. Whatever we create arises out of how we choose to relate to others, what we value, and the process itself. Your wellbeing isn’t separate from your desired result, for example. In the end, the time that allows us to build erodes everything too. This is both promise and reassurance – just as we inherit things from those who’ve come before us, so much is lost too. We can only do what we can and keep checking in with our intentions. That means we have to learn to hold the practical, mundane present alongside the big picture or abstract vision of what could be, because both are equally important. Some of your goals might seem small, and some might be so vast and collective that you won’t see their outcome in your lifetime. Both are worthy of your time if they have your care.
I think BTS is a great example of the 3 of Pentacles, as seven very different boys who’ve grown together to become what they are now. We know it hasn’t been easy – they’ve had their fair share of personal and group struggles – but I think a big part of their success is their determination to prove people wrong, how they do things and the care they’ve clearly built for each other. Anaïs’ card depicts these ideas in a way more perfect than I could have imagined – the success that BTS has reached is inextricable from the foundations they built and the work they put in over the years. The way they collaborate and complete one another as a team means that they’re always in the process of growing, while staying rooted in who they are, alongside ARMY.
Artist’s Interpretation of the Three of Pentacles by @clubofechoes
When Kirstin described this card, they emphasized this idea of hard work, long-term effort, and the progress of building something piece by piece with others. I immediately knew I had to use BTS concert pictures to show their progress. From small audiences to huge sold-out stadiums, how can we not be proud of how far they came from when we all know their path wasn’t linear and full of obstacles?
I like to think this card is a witness of their growth, and also I wanted to show their sincerity, love and respect towards each member, and their commitment to their art. I wanted the card to be legible right side up and upside down. Upright, the card shows our boys during last Speak Yourself world tour and when reversed it shows Bangtan pre-debut fan meeting. In the center, linking these two time periods, a string describing their journey through mesmerizing eras bringing each time more attention.
Hope you will like this card and its message as much as I do!
