Six of Pentacles
A complete guide to the Six of Pentacles in the Rider–Waite (Waite–Smith) deck: meanings, love/career/health insights, timing, card combinations, and how to give and receive wisely.
Introduction to the Six of Pentacles
The Six of Pentacles is resource flow in motion—giving, receiving, and recalibrating. It points to help offered or obtained, fair compensation, and the humility to both contribute and accept support.
Place in the Pentacles Journey
After the Five’s hardship, the Six restores circulation. Resources move to where they’re needed, rebuilding security through reciprocity and fairness.
Symbolism of the Six of Pentacles (Waite–Smith)
The image teaches balanced generosity and dignity:
- Benefactor distributing coins: Aid, tips, grants, or fair pay in action.
- Scales in hand: Equity and accountability—give/receive proportionally and transparently.
- Two petitioners: Different needs and contexts; tailor help, avoid favoritism.
- City backdrop: Social systems of support—institutions, community funds, payroll.
- Rich robes and kneeling figures: Power dynamics; practice respect and clear boundaries.
Right giving uplifts without patronizing; right receiving rebuilds without shame.
How to Read the Six of Pentacles
Themes: charity, grants, scholarships, tips, mutual aid, debt forgiveness, pay equity, sliding scales, asking for/accepting help.
Position in the spread
- Past: Support received/extended created today’s stability and goodwill.
- Present: An offer or payout lands—wages, refund, loan, or grant; practice fair exchange.
- Future: Assistance or repayment ahead; set terms and boundaries kindly.
Focus areas
- Love: Share loads fairly (time/money/chores); name needs; appreciate contributions.
- Career: Fair compensation, bonuses, tipping, client refunds, mentoring; ask for what’s due.
- Health: Access care via assistance programs; offer rides/accountability to a friend.
- Wealth/Home: Budget a giving line; negotiate bills; structure debt repayment or relief.
- Spirituality: Generosity practices with discernment—give where impact is clear.
- Timing: Within 6 days/weeks; during earth-sign seasons; around payroll, invoices, or grant cycles.
Card combinations
- With Justice → fair settlement, back pay, ethical giving policy.
- With Five of Pentacles → relief after hardship; aid arrives.
- With Ten of Pentacles → family support, endowments, legacy philanthropy.
- With The Emperor → structured budgets, transparent guidelines.
- With Temperance → balanced, sustainable generosity over time.
GIVE → FLOW (5 Steps)
- Assess: Identify true need vs. nice-to-have—for you and others.
- Allocate: Set % buckets (essentials/savings/giving) and stick to them.
- Agree: If lending, write simple terms (amount, date, what-if plan).
- Boundaries: Give without resentment; receive without shame; say “not now” when needed.
- Account: Track inflow/outflow and impact; review monthly.
Ready to practice wise generosity?
Giving Line Item
Add a small, recurring “giving” amount to your monthly budget.
Help Request Template
Draft a clear, respectful ask for assistance (amount, purpose, timeline).
Fair Pay Check
Compare current rate to market; outline one-step raise request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this card only about charity?
It’s about healthy exchange: fair pay, mutual aid, and receiving support without stigma—charity is just one expression.
How do I avoid enabling?
Give with boundaries, transparency, and time limits; emphasize skills, plans, and accountability.
Career meaning?
Raises, tips, grants, refunds, or ethical compensation. Be direct when asking; be prompt when paying.
Health message?
Seek sliding-scale care, community resources, or a buddy system. Offer tangible support when you’re strong.
How do I work with this energy?
Move resources where they matter most, document agreements, and keep the flow steady rather than sporadic.
Let generosity circulate—and be received.
Use the Six of Pentacles to balance help with fairness:
- Set a monthly giving % and automate it.
- Send one clear help request or repayment today.
- Write simple terms for any loan or support.