Six of Pentacles
Giving and receiving in balance. Share fairly.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Pentacles (Earth)
- Upright keywords
- Generosity, Charity, Sharing, Fairness
- Reversed keywords
- Unfairness, Strings attached, Exploitation, Debts
- Yes or no
- Leans yes
Traditional correspondences Golden Dawn: Lord of Material Success / Thoth: Success / 2nd decan of Taurus · the Moon / Sephirah: Tiphareth (Beauty)
Upright meaning
Generosity and fair sharing.
A wealthy merchant weighs coins on a scale and gives to two kneeling beggars. The Six of Pentacles is generosity and balance: giving, receiving and sharing fairly. Upright, help flows where it’s needed.
Reversed meaning
Unfair arrangements or giving with strings attached.
Reversed, the balance is off. Charity with strings, debt or exploitation may be the issue. Check whether giving is fair.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Generosity in a relationship.
Imbalance in giving.
Work
Fair pay, bonuses or mentoring.
Unfair treatment.
Money
Giving, receiving or loans.
Debts or strings attached.
Relationships
Mutual support.
Using others.
Health
Receiving care.
Over-giving.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Generosity of spirit.
Giving to be seen.
As a person
A generous benefactor.
Someone who gives with conditions.
Timing
Help or fair exchange comes within weeks. In the calendar, early May is also a guide (roughly May 1–10).
Advice
Give and receive fairly.
Check the balance of give and take.
Questions to ask yourself
- What can I share?
- Am I receiving fairly?
- Is my giving free?
A common misreading
The Six of Pentacles isn’t only about charity. It is fair exchange.
The story of this card
Six brings balance to earth: wealth shared fairly.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a merchant holds a scale and drops coins into the hands of two kneeling beggars.
History and differences between traditions
The Golden Dawn named it Lord of Material Success.
Words for today
I give and receive in balance.
My generosity is free.