Arieli's Three of Coins

Month: Tevet (Days of Rain)

Numerology: The number three signifies a blossoming, the creation of something from the suit's energy. It represents the synthesis of a thesis and an antithesis, embodying harmony, flow, and abundance. In Pythagorean philosophy, the number three (triad) symbolizes restored energy and unity. On the Tree of Life, the third sefirah is Binah, Understanding.

Arieli’s card: A man in a turban and white robe stands confidently behind a kiosk nestled within a desert oasis. With one coin in his hand, he carefully weighs two others on his scales. The kiosk boasts an assortment of objects, including books, a large scroll, a dreidel, jewelry, and small bottles.

Arieli assigns these meanings to the Three of Coins. Upright: Engage in estimation, evaluation, weighing, and measuring. Exercise judgment with accuracy, honesty, and fairness in business. Approach matters calculatedly and attentively. Reversed: Beware of suspicion and lack of faith in people.

Arieli’s description of the card: "A perfect and just weight shalt thou have; a perfect and just measure shalt thou have." [Dvarim, Deuteronomy 25:13-15]

In this card, a merchant diligently examines and weighs his coins. The Torah strictly forbids deception in commerce and mandates the use of accurate weights. Consequently, coins, whose value depends on the gold content, should undergo careful evaluation. The Three of Coins pertains to our critical perception and can symbolize individuals specializing in work that demands professionalism and precision.

The RWS Three of Pentacles: Within a cathedral, an artisan stands atop a bench, reaching towards an arch with one hand while holding a tool in the other. A tonsured monk gazes up at him, while another man, wearing a peculiar cowl made of polka-dot material, extends a manuscript.

Traditional interpretations of this card include: Mastery of one's craft, recognition, receiving patronage, creativity, collaboration, artistry, skillfulness, and excellence. Reversed, it may indicate carelessness or unskilled work.

Comparison between the cards: While the merchant stands alone at his stall, the artisan receives instructions from two individuals of higher status.

Relationship with Major Arcana: The third sefirah on the Tree of Life is Binah, representing understanding as well as receptivity and resistance. It corresponds to the left temple of the head, which, when balanced with Chokhmah, the right temple, can foster insight. "Understand with wisdom. Be wise with understanding." (Sefer Yetzirah 1:4)

Arieli connects the third sefirah to his third Major Arcana card, HaShekhinah, the High Priestess. Within the Lurianic partzufim (faces) of the third sefirah are Imma (Mother) and Tevunah (Comprehension).

Tarot has a couple of bizarre twists on mathematics. In one system, the digits of a card are added to reduce it to a single number. In the other system, a card's number is reduced by ten. Consequently, each of the following cards holds a value of three:

3=3 Arieli’s Shekhinah (RWS Empress)
12=1+2=3 Arieli’s Justice (RWS Hanged Man)
13=13-10=3 Arieli’s Hanged Man (RWS Death)
21=2+1=3 Arieli’s Judgment Day (RWS World)

In Arieli’s Three of Coins, both the merchant and the figure in HaShekhinah are within structures, emphasizing the importance of foundations and stability. The presence of scales in both the Three of Coins and the Justice card signifies the significance of fairness and balanced judgment. On the Day of Judgment, an honest merchant can expect favorable assessment.

The RWS Hanged Man represents a state of suspension, reflecting the anticipation and readiness for guidance portrayed by the artisan in the Three of Pentacles. The thematic connection between the Three of Pentacles and the Death card is transformation and change. The divine qualities of The Empress and The World cards mirror the sacred work and creativity showcased by the artisan within the cathedral.

Magical uses according to Tyson: the Three of Coins can be used to aid in job searching, facilitate successful business dealings, or ensure favorable outcomes in transactions.