FOUR OF PENTACLES
Miser -- Holding on to what you have. Miserly tendencies. Security in the material world. Success in finance. The groundwork is laid. The building blocks are in place. All signs point to go. Don't become too attached. Things will change before the cycle is through.
SHADOW: How tightly do you cling to ideas, concepts, and material possessions? Are you rigid? Unwilling to let go? Trust prosperity. Release attachments. If you love something, set it free.
The mandrake contains four pentacles. A large pentacle sits at the crown chakra. It holds a single pentacle at the heart chakra, while two pentacles are entwined at the creature's feet. His expression is solemn as he holds his pentacles.
The mandrake is a member of the nightshade family and is the root of a plant (Mandragora officinarum). Mandrake is considered the witch's greatest ally. It is used for conception, as an aphrodisiac, to induce visions, and to calm restless spirits. It is said you must use great care to remove the mandrake root, for once the root is unearthed, its scream is so piercing it will kill the person who dared remove it. The roots appear humanlike in form and are used for sympathetic magic.
Mandrake root connects to the grounding and stable nature of the number four. Fours echo stability, the solid nature of a square, and link to the Emperor card. A four in the material world suggests a solid base, cornerstone, and essential building block for future growth.