BARBIE TAROT

Pentacles/Purses

Traditionally, this is the suit of coins. Barbie very rarely carries money with her, yet she nearly always has a purse. The Suit of Pentacles represents Earth (sometimes the coins are portrayed as stones), symbolizing reliability, endurance and resourcefulness, though their flip side can be inflexibility, miserliness and an obsession with material things.

Ace of Purses      Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie
Jeannie doesn't actually possess a carryall, but is possessed by one; she spends much of her time in that genie bottle. She brings with her luck, confidence and prosperity, three of the qualities of this first coin card.

Two of Purses      Birthday Wishes from the Birthday Series
Barbie arrives at a party balancing the large bag that matches her dress so that she can pause and pose for her dramatic entrance. This card signifies fun and flexibility and often features a juggler.

Three of Purses      Kate Spade Barbie from the Designer Series
This spring-bright Barbie is carrying her shopping bag, her purse and her dog all over one arm. This is a card of teamwork, industry and reward, and Barbie looks quite pleased to be enjoying a spring day out.

Four of Purses      French Quarter from Club Exclusives
The Rider-Waite Four of Pentacles portrays a greedy, avaricious person who does not realize that he suffers as much as others from failing to share his wealth. This Barbie is wearing expensive and elegant clothing for her night out in New Orleans, but can any of us really think of that city without stopping to think about the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina from which many families will never recover? Barbie's fantasy of The Big Easy is difficult to maintain.

Five of Purses      Civil War Nurse from the American Stories Collection
The Five of Pentacles depicts beggars suffering outside a brightly lit church. Here, Barbie is smiling brightly but she is prepared to assist the grievously wounded soldiers who will soon fill her hospital.

Six of Purses      Fabulous Forties from Great Fashions of the 20th Century
A card of shared assets, redistribution of wealth and the importance of charity, this Six features Barbie during the era of the Second World War, when the map of the world and its alliances changed so dramatically.

Seven of Purses      American Indian #2 from the American Stories Collection
Growth, reevaluation and a change in direction are the hallmarks of this card, which is illustrated by Barbie carrying her baby sister on a trek to appreciate the gifts the local animals have given their tribe.

Eight of Purses      Bowling Champ from Barbie Loves Sports
The Eight is the card of the artisan, where hard work leads to rewards both financial and personal. This Barbie's bowling practice has paid off, and she is now the queen of her team with her matching accessories.

Nine of Purses      Nichelle Urban Hipster from Model of the Moment
Self-reliance, refinement and solitude are celebrated on this card, which here features an elegantly dressed model carrying a leather purse with golden clasps. She does not need to be on a runway or in a crowd to strike a confident pose.

Ten of Purses      Barbie for President from The White House Project
Carrying her briefcase and waving a banner promoting her candidacy, Barbie is ready to take on the world...and win!

Princess of Purses      Pinstripe Power from the Barbie Millicent Roberts Collection
The princess must work hard to reap her rewards, so Barbie is being practical as she heads to the workplace with her coffee and oversized bag.

Prince of Purses      1 Modern Circle Ken
The prince in this suit can be unwavering to the point of stubbornness, insisting on self-reliance, yet he is also trustworthy and hard-working. Ken may be wearing a leather jacket but you can be certain he's more concerned with the work to be done in that portfolio of his.

Queen of Purses      Lilly Pulitzer Barbie and Stacie from the Designer Series
Intelligence, creativity, resourcefulness and nurturing are the strongest aspects of this Queen, here played by a Barbie who has dressed her little sister in matching clothes as they stand in front of their house. Think Barbie will be persuaded to take Stacie out with her? Maybe if Stacie puts on her shoes.

King of Purses      James Bond 007 Set
It's James Bond, the man with the best gadgets in the world and always a beautiful woman on his arm! Think he has government secrets or a bomb in that case? Barbie may need her gun in a thigh holster but Bond doesn't even bother to show his piece. The card represents a reliable and enterprising person, someone who can be counted on to pull people out of scrapes.