sharing bread with others

Six of Pentacles Tarot Meanings

The card of generosity, charity, and fairness.

Last Updated: March 16, 2024.

Imagine a scenario where someone’s doling out coins to a couple of folks in need. Acknowledging community harmony, the kindness, the redistributing of energy for stability and maybe even healing some wounds here. Quite the powerful imagery, right?

This tarot card, my friends, is all about a dance of generosity, showing us the beauty of balance between helping others and knowing when to ask for a hand ourselves.

But here’s the twist—the Six of Pentacles isn’t just about the act of giving. When this card pops up in a reading, it’s like a little nudge to ask ourselves, “Am I in a position to spread a little gentleness, or could I use a helping hand right now?” 

Life’s a rollercoaster, and we’ve all been at different points along the ride. It’s a call to recognize that true value comes not only from what we have but also from the connections we forge and the support we exchange. It’s not just about material wealth; it’s about the richness of spirit.

Keep on reading if you’d like to know more about what this card means for love, career and more, whether it appears upright or flipped on its head! My hope is that you’ll come away with a new perspective on this card, highlighting the loveliness that comes from both giving and receiving with an open heart

Table of Contents

Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck

6 of pentacles RWS

Each card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is filled with symbols and imagery that are rooted in traditional tarot iconography, but they also incorporate elements from a variety of esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, alchemy, and astrology.

This makes the deck particularly appealing to tarotists who look beyond the surface images to understand the deeper, more hidden meanings.

Meeting the Generous Soul

Right at the heart of the 6 of Pentacles, we’ve got this person who’s clearly well-off, kind of like the friend who always insists on picking up the tab. They’re all about sharing their good fortune, making sure they’re not just throwing their resources around, but really making a difference. It’s like they’re saying, “Let’s make sure this help goes where it’s truly needed.”

The Scales of Fairness

Then there’s this really striking image of the balance scale in their hand. It’s not just for show; it speaks volumes about finding that sweet spot between giving and receiving. Think of it as a reminder, kind of like a mental sticky note, to keep things fair and just, ensuring our help is thoughtful and balanced.

Coins of Kindness

These coins are so much more! They’re not just spare change and quick cash; they symbolize all kinds of resources we can share, from a helping hand to a listening ear. The way they’re handed out isn’t just about charity; it’s a heartfelt exchange, reminding us that every act of giving should come with a sprinkle of respect and empathy.

The Grateful Receivers

Looking at the folks receiving the coins, it’s a nudge to remember the real people behind every act of giving. It’s about seeing beyond our own bubble, recognizing the stories and struggles of others, and understanding the impact our actions can have on their lives.

A Community Affair

Lastly, the backdrop of this whole scene usually shows some communal space, hinting at how our acts of kindness ripple through the community. It’s like a gentle reminder that we’re all part of this bigger picture, each of us playing a role in weaving the fabric of our shared experiences.

The Six of Pentacles key correspondences

Upright keywords

Generosity, balance, and sharing resources

Reversed keywords

debt, self care, inequality

Yes or No

Yes

Numerology

6

Element

Earth

Ruling Planet

Venus

Astrological Sign

Taurus

What does the upright Six of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?

The six of Pentacles is the sixth card in the suit of Pentacles (also known as the suit of coins, suit of disks, or suit of rings) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Pentacles represents the physical, material, financial and earthly aspects of our lives.

The Six of Pentacles suggests that you are in a fortunate position, you have built up your own income and resources and are in a position to help others in need. This might be through financial charity, by giving your time, or by sharing your wisdom and expertise with those who could benefit from it.

The six of pentacles is all about balance in giving and receiving; sometimes you will be the giver and sometimes the receiver. If you are in need of help, be willing to receive and be grateful for people who are there when you need it. Remember the importance of balance and positive exchange, there are many ways you can share your resources, even when you are low on money. 

upright 6 of pentacles

When pulled in the upright position, the Six of Coins is linked with generosity, balance, and sharing resources.

What does the upright Six of Pentacles mean in a love reading?

In a love reading, pulling the Six of Pentacles suggests you have a balanced partnership. You know what each of you bring to the table and appreciate the support of one another. You appreciate both giving and receiving in your relationships, you enjoy caring for and being cared for.

Balanced doesn’t necessarily mean you offer the same things; one of you might be more financially stable than the other and support the relationship financially, but the other might do more around the house or provide important emotional support.

Be mindful that any of these imbalances do not turn to resentment; it’s important to understand your different positions and where you’re at, and know that this may shift and change over time.

What does the upright Six of Pentacles mean in a career reading?

In a career reading, the Six of Pentacles represents the importance of a mentor or someone in a senior position who is willing to help you progress. They may have some valuable connections, an opportunity to offer or words of support or wisdom. 

You might want to seek out this person through networking and making new connections, but make sure you are not doing so in a way that is solely for your own benefit; this support will benefit both parties. 

Be willing to accept this help and show gratitude to those who are supporting you. As the Six of Pentacles is all about balance and reciprocity, look at ways you can also support those who are behind you as you progress yourself. 

The Six of Pentacles as feelings/emotions

If you are asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling the Six of Pentacles means they view you as someone to turn to when they need support. They value your position and your expertise and are grateful for your help. Equally, they feel like this is a mutually supportive relationship, they know that once they are in a better position they too can offer support. 

Your relationship is supportive and mutually beneficial, and you both want to see the other one succeed and do well. 

The Six of Pentacles as a person

As a personality archetype, the Six of Pentacles represents someone who often takes the role of mentor, guide or expert. They are generous with their time and resources. They have had to work hard for what they have, and have seen the payoff of the work they’ve put in. 

They are very aware of where they came from and what it took to get out of it so they are willing to help others who are in the position they were once in. They know that everything is fragile and temporary so they appreciate and show gratitude for everything they have and don’t take it for granted.

The Six of Pentacles as advice

If you are asking the tarot for advice regarding a specific situation in your life, pulling the Six of Pentacles means that it’s okay to ask for and receive help. The positive effect of sharing resources and knowledge touches everyone involved, so whether you are in a fortunate position with resources to share, or whether you need a bit of extra support to get back on your feet, remember that there is no shame in asking for help and there are people out there ready and willing to share what they have. 

What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Six of Pentacles?

The Six of Pentacles is associated with the astrological sign of Taurus. Taurus is a fixed earth sign so it is the master of stability and financial security. Finances and material objects are important to Taurus, and also important themes in the Six of Pentacles. 

The associated planet of the Six of Pentacles is Venus. Venus rules over love and money, which we can see reflected in the Six of Pentacles themes of generosity, wealth and equality. 

Is the Six of Pentacles a yes or no card?

The Six of Pentacles is a yes card and generally a positive card to pull in your spread. It is a sign that things are going the way you want them to, that the hard work you’ve put in is going to pull off and that you will be in a fortunate enough position to support others.

Below are some of my interpretations based on different types of questions:

Question: Will I get the job?

Card Interpretation: Yes, there are new opportunities ready for you and people who want to offer help.

Question: Is this new person in my life good for me?

Card Interpretation: Yes, your relationship might seem imbalanced in ways but you both want to support each other and there is a mutually positive exchange.

Question: Will I achieve my current goals?

Card Interpretation: Yes, the work you put in now and the connections and advice you take will help you reach your goals. 

Question: Should I start my own business?

Card Interpretation: If you decide to go out on your own, make sure to get advice and support from those who have gone before you. There are many resources and opportunities so be sure to ask.

Six of Pentacles as Timings / Timeframes

Tarot timing involves assigning precise timeframes or durations to the events and transitions indicated by the tarot cards in a reading. Personally, I use the tarot decan wheel, an astrologically-based method that aligns each Minor Arcana card with a distinct segment of the zodiac calendar.

Based on that, I determined the timing of the 6 of Pentacles to be from May 1 to May 10. 

What does the reversed Six of Pentacles mean in the Tarot?

Pulling the six of pentacles reversed can symbolise imbalance in your life. You might be giving too much of yourself away to others and not getting anything in return. It might be time to take a look at your boundaries and expectations and put a stop to other people taking advantage of you. 

It’s important to you that you are able to share your resources and your energy, but be mindful of letting yourself slip to the bottom of the list of priorities. Make time and opportunities to give to yourself as well as others, self-care is vital to your wellbeing. 

reversed six of pentacles

When pulled in the reversed position, the Six of Coins is linked with f debt, self-care, and inequality.

What does the reversed Six of Pentacles mean in a love reading?

There might be a power imbalance within your relationship, so be careful that you’re not relying solely on other people to bring joy and support into your life and don’t give away your power to others. 

Bring some of your attention to yourself and know that the most successful and fulfilling relationships happen when you are content with yourself and provide for yourself first. 

What does the inverted Six of Pentacles mean in a career reading?

Be mindful that you are not being taken advantage of. Are you expected to give more than your fair share, or do you feel you should be compensated more for your work? Your work-life balance might be out of alignment and it’s important to check in if you’re feeling like you’re giving more than receiving. 

Look at how you can make this relationship more mutually beneficial and feel like a positive energy exchange – which may mean setting some boundaries or asking for a pay rise or more benefits. 

Conclusion

Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Tarot archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.

The 6 of Pentacles tarot card is a powerful symbol of generosity, balance, and sharing resources. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you are being called to give back to others in some way. Whether it’s your time, your money, or your talents, the 6 of Pentacles asks you to share what you have been given with those who are less fortunate.

What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?

Share your thoughts and experiences with me 🙂 Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.

Charlotte H.

Written By Charlotte Hamilton

Charlotte Hamilton is an artist, tarot reader and founder of Sugar Storm Studio, a creative studio that empowers weirdos, rebels and outsiders through alternative fashion, creative workshops and tarot. Find out more at www.sugarstormstudio.com and follow on Instagram @sugarstormstudio.