Six of Pentacles: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘The Nine of Pentacles’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Six of Pentacles Meanings
Keywords
Generosity, Charity, Giving and Receiving, Sharing, Wealth, Power Dynamics
Generally
The Six of Pentacles is a card about the flow of resources, often highlighting themes of generosity, charity, and the dynamic between giving and receiving. A wealthy merchant is depicted giving coins to two beggars, signifying a position of power and abundance that allows for philanthropy. This card can represent being in a position to give help or, conversely, being in a position where you need to receive it. It speaks to a balanced exchange, fairness, and the importance of sharing wealth.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card points to a relationship with a balanced give-and-take. Both partners are generous with their time, affection, and support. It can also, however, highlight an imbalance of power, where one partner is significantly more financially or emotionally stable and is "giving" more to the other. It's important to assess whether this dynamic is one of healthy support or one of dependency and control.
In a Money/Career Context
This is a very direct card for financial matters. It can signify receiving a loan, a grant, or a bonus, or it can mean you are the one in a position to give them. It can represent a charitable donation, a fair wage, or a successful business that allows you to be generous with your employees. It's about a healthy flow of money where resources are shared and distributed fairly.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Six of Pentacles represents the universal law of give and take. What you give out, you receive back. It encourages you to be generous with your spiritual gifts, sharing your wisdom and compassion with others. It can also mean being open to receiving spiritual guidance and support from a mentor, a teacher, or the universe itself.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be generous with what you have. Share your resources. If you are in need, do not be afraid to ask for help. Pay your debts.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A balanced exchange will be achieved. You will either give or receive the help that is needed.
As Obstacles
An imbalanced power dynamic is causing issues. One person is giving too much, and the other is taking too much. A refusal to accept help.
As Hidden Energy
An unspoken debt or obligation is influencing the situation. A secret act of generosity.
As Resources/Alliances
A wealthy benefactor or patron. Your own generosity. A loan or financial aid.
‘The Six of Pentacles’ Reversed
Keywords
Debt, Selfishness, Greed, Stinginess, Power Abuse, One-Sidedness
Generally
Reversed, the Six of Pentacles points to a severe imbalance in giving and receiving. It often signifies selfishness, greed, and stinginess. The flow of resources is blocked or one-sided. This can manifest as someone abusing their power by withholding help, or it can be about being on the receiving end of a loan with unfair terms. It can also represent unpaid debts and the negative consequences of a lack of generosity.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed highlights a toxic, one-sided relationship. One partner may be selfishly taking all the emotional or financial resources without giving anything back. This creates a dynamic of abuse, control, and dependency. It is a strong warning sign of an unhealthy and imbalanced partnership.
In a Money/Career Context
This card reversed is a red flag for financial trouble. It can point to crippling debt, being taken advantage of financially, or falling victim to a scam. It may represent a cruel employer who underpays their staff or a business deal where one party is being greedy and unfair. It warns against both hoarding wealth and accumulating unmanageable debt.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests a selfish approach to your path. You may be hoarding spiritual knowledge or using your gifts for personal gain without considering others. It can also mean feeling spiritually indebted or being part of a spiritual group where the leader is abusing their power for selfish means.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Stop enabling a one-sided situation. Re-evaluate your debts. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
You will be taken advantage of. A situation of debt and imbalance will occur. Greed will lead to a negative outcome.
As Obstacles
Selfishness and greed are the primary hindrances. An abusive power dynamic is preventing a fair resolution.
As Hidden Energy
A secret, crippling debt. Unspoken resentment over a one-sided relationship. A hidden agenda driven by greed.
As Resources/Alliances
The motivation to escape a bad debt or an abusive situation. The clarity that comes from being taken advantage of.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Six of Pentacles’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Six of Pentacles
"Presents, gifts, gratification; another account says attention, vigilance; now is the accepted time, present prosperity, etc. Reversed: Desire, cupidity, envy, jealousy, illusion." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Six of Pentacles Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Six of Pentacles shows a wealthy merchant in fine robes, holding a set of scales in one hand, symbolizing justice and balance. With the other hand, he drops coins into the outstretched hands of two kneeling beggars. The scene is a clear allegory for the distribution of wealth and the dynamic between charity and need. The scales suggest that the merchant is making a measured, fair decision, not just giving indiscriminately. It explores themes of power, social responsibility, and the cyclical nature of giving and receiving.
Meditations On The Six of Pentacles
In my life, am I more often the giver or the receiver? Is this balance healthy?
What is my relationship with generosity and charity?
Am I using my resources (time, money, energy) in a way that is fair to both myself and others?
Continue Reading About The Minor Arcana
Next Card: The Seven of Pentacles
Previous Card: The Five of Pentacles
