A jar decorated with handles shaped like the uraeus serpent fills the lower blue third of the cartouche. The serpent represented royalty, while the jar may allude to canopic jars, traditionally used in Ancient Egypt to hold and preserve internal organs after death. This imagery invites contemplation on mortality and the true essence of life: spiritual growth over material wealth.
In the upper orange third of the cartouche are four symbols: the Hebrew letter tet (ט), resembling a pot with a handle; an elongated oval shape with an opening; a magical letter resembling a lid; and either a waning crescent moon or an eclipse of the moon. If the moon is depicted in eclipse, Kaplan sees it as a reference to the myth of Seth tearing out Horus's eye.
The title field includes an alchemical symbol, sometimes used to symbolize Katzafiel (קצפיאל), the angel of Saturn and of wrath, along with the Spanish letter Ñ, which always appears with the numeral 8 in this deck (as do the letters G and X). The symbol of wrath could signify the potential ruin resulting from acts inspired by greed.
Kaplan lists the card's meanings, from the inability to share and greed in its upright position to setbacks and obstacles when reversed. These interpretations serve as reminders to remain mindful of our actions and their repercussions on ourselves and others.
Nelise Carbonare's association of this card with the Three of Pentacles offers a striking contrast. While the RWS image emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and finding joy in fulfilling one's responsibilities, the EK image underscores the dangers of prioritizing wealth over virtue. While material wealth has its place, the pursuit of it should not overshadow the pursuit of spiritual growth, creativity, and emotional fulfillment. The card's message is to reassess our priorities and align them with our deepest values. Rather than fixating solely on accumulating wealth for oneself, the card encourages us to cultivate spiritual richness and inner peace that can be shared with others.
While it is simply an image of reviewing one's assets, the card serves as a reminder of the perils of excessive greed and the importance of seeking balance, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. It urges us to remember our mortality and reassess our priorities so we can strive for a deeper sense of meaning beyond material pursuits. A materialistic outlook leaves you vulnerable to the vicissitudes of fortune.
