3 OF EARTH

Decan Title: Material Works

RWS Description: An apprentice sculptor is at his work in a monastery with two collaborators nearby, a clergyman and an investor who holds the blueprint. 

RWS Symbols:

Pentacles: In the stone arch above their heads the three pentacles are arranged like the three supernal sephiroth.

Circle with a Cross: At their center and in the space just below are two images of a circle with a cross, symbolizing earth, matter, and Malkuth. The lower one forms the center of a five-petaled rose, bringing to mind the four elements and Spirit.

Keywords:

UPRIGHT: Discipline, Collaboration, Building Foundations, Mastery, Craftsmanship

REVERSE: Lack of Cooperation, Stagnation, Inefficiency, Misalignment, Lack of Commitment

Interpretation: As the title “Material Works” suggests, this decan is about relentlessly advancing the Great Work by goading others onward in collaborative effort. With Mars in Capricorn, the Awakener and the Materialists are the majors associated with the 3 of Earth. Exalted in Capricorn, Mars ignites productivity by harnessing its assertive nature to develop resources and, through a structured approach, brings projects to completion. The 3 of Earth, which signifies the development of resources, represents the process of building something tangible through discipline.

Myths: This decan is associated with myths about the power of disciplined leadership and organized collaborative effort in the construction of monumental works.

Correspondences

Major Arcana: The Awakener and The Materialist

Planet (Mars): 2 of Fire, 9 of Air, 7 of Fire, 5 of Water, 10 of Water

Sequence (2-3-4 of Earth): 2 of Earth and 4 of Earth

Sephira (Binah) – Numerical Elements: 3 of Fire, 3 of Water, 3 of Air

Card Details

Decan Ruler (Mars): Mars, which is exalted in Capricorn and ruled by Saturn, governs this decan. In the second decan of Capricorn Mars is controlled, organizational, and disciplined. An ambitious vision by itself won’t suffice; what matters is to envision grand constructions that are realistically attainable. As the overseer of the construction, Mars, driven by a timeline, goads others onward and relentlessly advances the great work. Ambition is the foundation of any grand vision and the force that propels it into reality, yet it must be continually purified, shedding arrogance, so as to serve its highest purpose. Mars in this decan signifies strong power and drive. Individuals born with this placement typically possess a calm yet deep capacity to focus their energy on significant achievements. While not usually overtly aggressive, they are seldom overcome in conflicts. They have a natural talent for strategy and can postpone personal gratification until their goals are reached or their rivals are overcome.

Decan (Capricorn): In the second decan of Capricorn, the fully incarnated spirit shapes the world it now inhabits. This decan reveals visions of what could be built, and talent and raw materials are gathered to construct the great work. The mind envisions, the heart commands, and the body labors—each a vital force in the act of creation. This is not a matter of producing works, but of producing extraordinary works. Ambitions of this scale rarely succeed, and to most, they appear unreasonable, but the aim is to reshape the terrain they inhabit. This decan focuses on those who create enduring structures. What does it take to accomplish something truly monumental, whether constructing a cathedral or growing a billion-dollar company? The key ingredient is collaboration—working with others. This decan highlights the importance of understanding the inner workings of an organization, finding where you truly belong, committing fully to your role, and helping others remain engaged and aligned with the larger purpose driving the collective effort. 

3: Threes represent development in the world of the element.

Tree of Life (Binah in Assiah): The Three of Pentacles corresponds to Binah in Assiah. In the material world, Binah is the development of resources.

Sephira (Binah): All threes deal with organization through definition and delineation, and correspond to the third sephira, Binah, which is commonly referred to by Qabalists as “Understanding.” Binah is associated with the slowest, outermost traditional planet, Saturn. Saturn represents the slowing down of cosmic energy as it contracts unlimited potential into the structure of linear time and matter. The Saturn archetype structures the small “r” reality principle, limiting infinite potential so as to bring order and consistency to human life, thereby shaping the framework within which transformation can occur. 

World (Assiah): All Pentacles correspond to the last of the four worlds, Assiah (“The World of Action”), which is also called the material world. The element associated with the World of Assiah is earth.

The Story of Earth: The element of earth, traditionally symbolized by the suit of pentacles in the Tarot system, exhibits an intrinsic association with the physical resources and the material realm. Earth is the heaviest and most stable of the four classical elements that constitute the foundational components of the manifest world. In stark contrast to fire, earth is the least dynamic element, yet paradoxically, it is also the most enduring and long-lasting in its manifestation within the physical plane. Earth symbolizes stability, grounding, and an inherent sense of solidity and permanence. The narratives and stories aligned with the earth element revolve thematically around the cultivation, acquisition, and harvesting of tangible resources from the physical world.

Time of the Year: December 31/January 1 – January 9/10/11

Zodiacal Longitude: 10°00’–19°59’ Capricorn

Color (Hex Code): #000000