Kings are associated with control, mastery, discipline and resolve.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The King of Pentacles represents someone solid, reliable, mature and comfortable with his physical nature.  He may also be very materially comfortable.  This is a person who is comfortable with his authority and able to use it with common sense and practicality.  This card is someone who is at home with his material world and comfortable with the sensuous, physical side of human nature.  He is a master of all he surveys and understand how to work with his environment. 

Fairfield:  This shows an end to a physical, material, or financial patterns in your life.  There is no point in re-committing resources, physical energy, or money to this project.  It is important to recognize that your investment in this security pattern has run its course.  It is time to take some action to end the old pattern, and withdraw from your involvement in that direction.

Spiritual Tarot:  The King of Pentacles represents attainment in the physical realms and reward for diligent effort.  He is realistic and uses good judgment in handling money.  He knows how to enjoy his possessions.  Consider if you have taken on too much or too little responsibility at this time in your life?  Do your work attitudes and style reflect your deepest human intent?

Looking at the Speaker of Stones, the first thing that struck me is that he reminds me of the rock creature from Galaxy Quest.  He not only speaks for the stones, he IS the stones.  He can represent them and speak both for and to them because he is one of them.  He is willing to do what he can to lead his people because he can do nothing else.  One of the key traits of stones is that they are stable, immutable (well usually - earthquakes don’t count in this example).  He is solid and stable and will not be easily swayed by trends and fads. 

This is a trait he shares with the Druid Craft King of Pentacles.  Draped in robes of rich, earthy tones, the King of Pentacles sits casually on his throne.  One foot is lifted up and rests on a pedestal.  Behind him on the left we can see a fire burning brightly but the king seems unconcerned.  Perhaps the fire was set at his recommendation or perhaps it is enemies drawing near.  We have no way of knowing because the king’s reaction is so calm.  He shows no fear or concern.  And yet at the same time I do not get a sense that he is aloof or unapproachable.  He may be set in his ways but he is not close-minded. 

Looking at these cards gave me some insight into being in a position of authority and leading others.  I think people prefer their leaders to be clearly human and approachable and yet someone “more”.  They want their leaders to be better than they are - more special somehow.  When we see the clay feet beneath the “great leader” exterior we become disillusioned.  These kings represent the qualities we want in that kind of leader.

We want someone strong, reliable and wise.  We want someone who is willing to fight for us and yet won’t drag us into war.  We want someone who will comfort us and guide us but not into a mess.  In some respects it’s a no win situation.  Look at the current mess with President Obama.  He was elected on a platform that promised change but now that he’s trying to make those changes he’s getting hit with serious backlash.  Look at a number of recently (or even historically) disgraced politicians.  In reality, if a politician has an affair should it be between his wife and him?  Instead the papers feel it’s almost their sworn duty to hound and harass the politician; digging up all the dirt that can be found to discredit him or her.  It’s a no win situation.  We don’t want a king but if our ruler behaves in a less than regal manner; we often respond vengefully.

What I’m taking away from this card today is two fold - one is to appreciate the King of Pentacles in my own life - my hubby.  He is always there for me - reliable, supportive but willing to call me on my own bullshit.  He’s not afraid of making me angry if it’s the truth.  At the same time if anyone tries to hurt me in any way, his anger on my behalf is truly awesome.  The other is that I need to learn to incorporate more King of Pentacles energy into my own life.  I need to live it and not just talk it.  I know this about a lot of things but I think I’ve been avoiding dealing with it long enough.