The Six of Pentacles embodies all it means to be giving. Being charitable is seen by most as a part of good character. Consider Robin Hood. Because he gave to the poor, he was considered rich in spirit regardless of other character flaws.

It isn’t just the down-and-out who benefit from charity though. Aristotle summarized it this way: “The unfortunate need people who will be kind to them; the prosperous need people to be kind to.”

The Six of Pentacles uses the influence of the tarot to spread this knowledge to all and encourage a giving spirit and helpful nature.

But is there such a thing as being too kind? This card also cautions about the danger of not setting boundaries and giving if it is to one’s own detriment.

Six of Pentacles Key Words#

Before we dive deeper into the upright- and reversed meaning of the Six of Pentacles, we wrote down the most important words represented by this Minor Arcana card.

Upright

Generosity, shared wealth, prosperity, balance

Reversed

Debt, one-sided relationships, desperation, dependence

Yes or No

Yes

Numerology

6

Element

Earth

Planet

Venus

Astrological Sign

Taurus

Six of Pentacles Tarot Card Description#

To fully understand the Six of Pentacles tarot card meaning, we will first take a look at the illustration, its colors, and symbolism.

Six of Pentacles tarot card, Spark Bloom Edition
Six of Pentacles tarot card, Rider–Waite–Smith deck
Six of Pentacles tarot card, upright

The wealthy man from this Minor Arcana card is much different from the one depicted in the Four of Pentacles.

His purple garments and elaborate headwrap indicate that he is not only rich but quite possibly, royal.

In one hand he holds the coins that he is giving to the poor men kneeling at his feet. The evenly balanced scale that he holds with the other hand suggests he is interested in more than giving them a few coins.

As one of the beggars receives his pittance, the other looks up at the generous benefactor in awe.

Six of Pentacles Meaning#

There are two positions to take with this card: the position of the giver or the position of the receiver. Either way, the upright Six of Pentacles emphasizes exchange, support, and questions of balance rather than a guaranteed outcome.

Are you in a very stable position in life? Do you have talents and resources that you are not using that could help others? If so, you might consider using what you have to help improve the situation of someone else or your community.

If you relate more to those seeking help (we all do in some way) and have been in great need of something, consider what practical support is available and how you might ask for it.

In present or future positions, the Six of Pentacles can symbolize giving, receiving, and access to support; it does not promise that needed help will arrive.

Money and Career Meaning#

When pulled in a money and career meaning, the Six of Pentacles is often connected to the following terms:

  • employment and hiring
  • donations
  • sponsorships
  • windfalls and inheritances
  • rewards
  • investors
  • new business opportunities
  • winnings

If you have been looking to start or fund a new business, the card can symbolize support or access to resources. It does not predict funding or business success.

Assess what resources are actually available and what steps may improve access; the card cannot establish that there is enough or that awaited support will arrive.

Those wanting to make a career change or receive a promotion/raise may read the card as a prompt to examine reciprocal professional support. Networking can create opportunities, but it does not guarantee a promotion, raise, or quick advancement.

On the flip side, if you are the one searching for meaningful ways to give back to humanity, now is the time to put a plan in motion.

The Six of Pentacles is representative of karmic energy. Here, reciprocity is a symbolic theme rather than a universal guarantee that actions return in kind.

Love and Relationships Meaning#

As positive as this card is when it comes to money and career, the Six of Pentacles has an interesting message when it comes to relationships and love. In relationships, it can symbolize reciprocity or the appearance of balance.

It can also raise questions about power beneath the surface, without proving an imbalance exists. With one providing, giving, and controlling and the other partner sitting in a position of less control, things are less than equal.

For instance, it often presents itself when someone has married into money or in relationships where one partner is much more financially successful than the other. Although this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can lead to resentment on both sides.

If one partner, friend, or family member is giving and giving and giving with little in return, the Six of Pentacles as a love card suggests the need to find balance.

Health and Spirituality Meaning#

If you are struggling with your physical or mental health, the Six of Pentacles can prompt you to identify and request appropriate support. It cannot predict that a helper will appear or determine a health outcome.

The same can be said for those wanting to grow spiritually. A mentor is one possible source of support, not someone the card can promise will appear.

Perhaps it is you who wants to be of service? Sharing what you know or helping someone else grow is one of the best ways to give back to our world.

Six of Pentacles Reversed#

In this paragraph, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Six of Pentacles tarot card in the reversed position.

Six of Pentacles tarot card, Spark Bloom Edition, reversed
Six of Pentacles tarot card, Rider–Waite–Smith deck, reversed
Six of Pentacles tarot card, reversed

Most reversals have a meaning that is very opposite of what the upright card stands for. This is not really the case with the Six of Pentacles. Instead, the reversal urges you to look at the negatives connected to giving or receiving when there are no boundaries involved.

For example, it is good to give to our family and friends, always coming to rescue can breed dependence. Consider the terms and observed behavior without assuming the cards reveal anyone’s motives.

Not everyone is truly seeking to give without expecting a steep return. The same can be said if you are in the giving position.

If the reversed Six of Pentacles has presented itself in your reading, be sure to read any business or investment contracts carefully. You’ll also want to re-examine any one-sided relationships where you feel someone might be taking advantage of your generosity.

Also, be careful not to rack up debt in the name of doing something good. You are your very first priority and it is so important that you take care of your own needs before trying to give to others.

Six of Pentacles: Yes or No#

The Six of Pentacles is a financial card that represents both personal wealth and generosity. The card can symbolize resources and generosity, but it cannot predict a windfall.

If you’re considering an investment, doing something to bring in more cash, or furthering a relationship through giving, the answer to your yes or no tarot question traditionally leans toward yes, without deciding the investment, income, or relationship outcome.

Six of Pentacles and Astrology#

The Six of Pentacles is connected to the zodiac sign Taurus. This sign is concerned with stability, abundance, and finances. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of attraction, beauty, and also abundance.

Important Card Combinations#

Prosperity, balance, support, and generosity. Just a few keywords that are represented by the Six of Pentacles. Also when combined with other cards, these themes are being represented. Below you can find the most important card combinations of the Six of Pentacles.

Six of Pentacles and the Sun#

The Six of Pentacles is known as the card of ‘giving.’ When joined with the Sun, you should consider focusing on a special group: children.

This could mean a number of things including adoption, fostering, becoming a teacher, or supporting groups that help kids financially. Take a look at places in your local area that might be in need of volunteers or donations.

Six of Pentacles and the Empress#

The Six of Pentacles together with the Empress can symbolize abundance, material comfort, and generosity. It does not establish your financial position or what you possess.

Still, we should always embrace a spirit of giving and a grateful heart, especially when it comes to works of charity. What do you have that you would be willing to part with for the greater good?

Six of Pentacles and the Ten of Wands or Five of Pentacles#

Are you struggling with lack or feeling as if there isn’t enough to go around? If scarcity is part of your present reality, the cards cannot determine how long it will last. You can accept the reality of a situation without getting caught up in what you don’t have.

Create a vision board or write out a list of how you would like things to be and focus on that. Doing so may help clarify priorities, but it cannot create material abundance by itself.

Six of Pentacles and the Four of Swords#

Although the Six of Pentacles meaning usually centers on giving to others, when it falls with the Four of Swords, the recipient is you.

Have you been so focused on giving to others that you’ve neglected your own needs? Now is the time to turn the generosity inward and focus on self-care.

Six of Pentacles and the Tower#

Are you concerned about a particular cruelty and wanting to take control of the situation? This card combination with the Tower tarot card tells you that you should do so, once you have a plan.

For example, someone might be concerned about all of the homelessness going on in their city and decide to donate time to helping the less fortunate. Our world can’t change unless the fortunate are willing to stand up for those who have trouble doing so.

Six of Pentacles in a Reading#

That’s all for the Six of Pentacles card meaning! If you have pulled this card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?

Whether you’re in the position of the giver or the position of the receiver, the Six of Pentacles presents themes of exchange and balance rather than a guaranteed outcome.

Our community loves to hear about spot-on readings so please take a minute to let us know in the comments below.

Frequently asked questions about Six of Pentacles

What does Six of Pentacles mean in Tarot?

The Six of Pentacles represents giving, receiving and the power that accompanies access to resources. Consider whether the exchange is fair, transparent and freely chosen; the card does not promise a positive outcome.

What does Six of Pentacles mean reversed?

In this paragraph, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Six of Pentacles tarot card in the reversed position.

Most reversals have a meaning that is very opposite of what the upright card stands for. This is not really the case with the Six of Pentacles. Instead, the reversal urges you to look at the negatives connected to giving or receiving when there are no boundaries involved.

Is Six of Pentacles a yes or no card?

In ASOJ's yes-or-no convention, the Six of Pentacles leans yes when the exchange is fair and no one's consent is bought or pressured. It does not predict incoming money or determine whether an investment, income plan or relationship decision is sound.

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