6 of Pentacles

Keywords & phrases

• Generosity
• Gratitude
• Give & take
• Charity
• Social justice
• Human kindness
• Energy exchange
• Balance

First impressions

My impression of this card is that it should feel balanced, but actually it does’t quite. Something about the arrangement of the people and the arrangement of the coins seems slightly off.

What is happening in the card?

In the 6 of Pentacles, we see an apparently wealthy man, dressed in rich red robes, doling out coins to the needy with his right hand. In his left hand, he holds up a set of scales. It’s hard to read the expression on his face.

In the background, we see a castle, symbolic of accumulated wealth and the security that provides.

The two unfortunates on their knees before him appear to be in rags and one might have a bandage around his head. These beggars hold their hands out to receive charity from the rich man. 

Is this a straightforward act of generosity towards someone less fortunate than himself? How is he measuring out his charity, directing his compassion? What is the power dynamic in this card and how does it make you feel?

How can we relate to this card?

We live in a world where the sick and the poor rely on the state and charitable institutions for basic care. The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ widens and is only exacerbated by the current global health and climate crises.

How do we somehow redress the balance out there in the world and in our own small lives? What acts of kindness can we commit?

Even though the power dynamic in this card makes me feel slightly uneasy, I like to think that the motives of this man are pure – underneath his red robes of wealth and power he wears a white tunic suggestive of innocence and protection.

This card reminds us to show kindness and compassion to our fellow humans (the earth and all her creatures), but also to be aware of how we direct this energy.

The 6 of Pentacles is about giving mindfully and thoughtfully – love, energy, material assistance – with a pure and open heart and without expectations or conditions. Without ego.

Message & affirmations

Today, I open my heart and let my ego step aside so that I may simply be a channel for love and healing. Light is my guide.

My personal experiences of this card

This is one of those cards that it really depends on what deck I am using as to how I feel about it and interpret it. I am slightly bothered by the apparent imbalance in this card, and I suspect that is the point.

This card requires us to look closely at ourselves and examine how we share what we have. How we recognise and honour the sources of our own personal ‘wealth’ by the ways we use it. How we direct our compassion towards others and the ways in which we open ourselves to receive their love and compassion. 

For me the 6 of Pentacles really helps to bring the ideas of the Tree of Life, erm… to life. Perhaps this is why I prefer a some of the more abstract, less figurative versions of this card as they seem to better capture the pure essence and elemental energy of the 6 of Pentacles.

Tiferet is the 6th Sephira on the Tree of life – a place of balance, harmony, beauty, compassion and open-heartedness. Here we see the dynamic tension between the flow of lovingkindness that issues from Chesed (4th Sephira) and the judgement, restraint and control of Geburah (5th Sephira). Tiferet holds the balance.

The 6 of Pentacles illustrates Tiferet in the realm of Assiyah – the material/physical world. One simple translation might be: love and compassion in action, positively directed in the real world.

Events, situations & readings

In a work/business/finances spread:
This card asks you to examine how you manage your time, energy, resources. Could you be more open and generous towards colleagues for example. How can you support each other? Are people in your work place getting credit where and when it’s due?

In a relationship spread:
The 6 of Pentacles encourages you to open your heart and invite more love into your life. Freely giving and receiving love and affection. Keep the flow of lovingkindess… flowing ♡

Reversed:
This may indicate that you are a little measured with your compassion – for yourself as well as others.

People & interaction with other cards

With the Ace of Cups, the 6 of Pentacles shows us how to direct the flow of love and compassion from an open heart in the real world. This may be acts of kindness towards those we love or giving of time, resources or money to charity.

When the 6 of Pentacles shows up with heavy hitters from the Major Arcana, such as Justice and Judgement, it may be time to take a good look at your ‘compassionate action’ to ensure that it is aligned with your ethics and moral values. Is justice being served? Are you standing up for what you believe in and for those less fortunate? Where is the balance of power in the situation at hand?

Questions, prompts & insights

How do you express your gratitude for the ‘wealth’ and abundance in your life?

How do you share your energy, time and resources with others? Are you generous with what you have?

Does the exchange of energy in your work and relationships feel balanced and healthy? What can you do to improve that balance.

 Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.

The other featured image of the 6 of Pentacles is part of an ongoing creative Tarot project by Still Small Voice Tarot combining digital collage and AI generative art.