1. Home
  2. Tarot Card Meanings
  3. Six of Pentacles

Pentacles · 6

Six of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning

Six of Pentacles tarot card art from the Luna Alley original deck
Luna Alley original deck

In short

Upright · Giving and receiving flow smoothly. What you give comes back, and you can get help when you need it.

  • Sharing
  • Generosity
  • Fair exchange
  • Support
  • Circulation

Reversed · The give-and-take has tilted to one side. Be careful of favors with strings attached.

  • One-sided relationships
  • Kindness with strings attached
  • Debt
  • Unfairness
  • Imbalance in give-and-take

Upright meaning

This is a time when the flow of giving and receiving runs smoothly. The kindness you've given comes back in good form, and there's energy for receiving help when you need it. The Six of Pentacles says that even giving needs balance. Adjust the scales so you don't give so much that you run empty, or only receive so much that it becomes a burden. If you're helping someone now, that kindness will surely give you strength too. If you're the one receiving help, accept it gratefully and pass it on to someone else later.

If you're single

You may connect with someone warm and deeply considerate. Exchanging small kindnesses and favors, your hearts naturally draw closer. Look for a relationship where you both know how to give as much as you receive, and receive as much as you give.

If you're in a relationship

The balance of give-and-take between your hearts is well matched right now. It's not just one of you trying; you're both offering something for each other. Express your gratitude in words, and that flow will last longer. Now and then, offer your love in the way your partner most wants to receive it.

Reunion · contact

If you offer warmth first, they may respond in kind. But for things to flow smoothly, it has to be a sincere hello that expects nothing in return.

Work · workplace

Things go smoothly as you give and receive help. You may meet a good boss or sponsor and gain opportunities, or conversely you may guide someone else. Sharing the rewards of cooperation fairly deepens trust. Don't forget to be grateful for the help you've received.

Job change · job hunting

The current may bring a good position through a recommendation or introduction. If you're starting a business, look for support programs or a mentor who can advise you.

Exams · study

Your skills grow through teaching and learning from each other. Don't be embarrassed to ask about what you don't know.

Money

Money is flowing smoothly right now. If you have room to share, giving within your means is good, and if you need help, it's fine to ask for it fairly. Keep a record of money given and received so there are no misunderstandings.

Body and mind

There's a current of caring for someone or being cared for. Keep your balance so you don't forget yourself while looking after others, and get help from a doctor if needed.

Relationships

Your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues grow warmer as you give and receive help. Kindness you've shown may come back from unexpected places. An attitude of sharing fairly builds lasting relationships.

The card's advice

Give and receive so the scales don't tip. Receiving gratefully and giving gladly invites blessings.

Reversed meaning

The Six of Pentacles upside down shows the scales tipped to one side. It may be a relationship where one person keeps giving, or where kindness comes with invisible strings attached. You may feel uncomfortable as a sense of debt builds up from receiving help, or, conversely, you may be worn out because no matter how much you give, nothing comes back. This card tells you to recheck the fairness of your relationships. Give only as much as you can afford, and when receiving, look carefully at the conditions. Once you restore balance, both your relationships and your heart will feel lighter again.

If you're single

You may be worn out by a relationship where only one side pours out their heart. Also check whether excessive gifts or favors come with hidden conditions. Take your time to confirm whether this person respects you.

If you're in a relationship

You may be exhausted from being the only one who gives, or a subtle power imbalance may have formed in the relationship. Even the one who only receives may not feel at ease. Talk honestly about the imbalance each of you feels, and ask for things to be evened out. A fair relationship makes for a lasting love.

Reunion · contact

Even if they reach out again, a one-sided relationship may repeat. Recall who put in more effort before, and judge carefully.

Work · workplace

This is a time to beware of help with strings attached or unfair treatment. If you feel your rewards are small compared to your efforts, organize your case and make a fair request. Rather than relying on someone's goodwill, it's better to make things clear through contracts or records. It's okay to politely decline unreasonable requests.

Job change · job hunting

For offers with unusually good terms, check carefully for hidden costs. Make the contract terms clear before deciding.

Exams · study

Relying only on help may weaken your ability to do things yourself. Be sure to take time to organize things in your own way.

Money

Be careful about lending or borrowing. Keeping records of money-related promises is how you protect each other. Review your spending so you don't take on debt you can't manage.

Body and mind

You may be so busy caring for others that you're not caring for yourself. Rest before you're worn out, and if you sense something wrong with your body or mind, see a doctor.

Relationships

A dynamic may have formed among family or friends where only one person sacrifices. Draw clear lines when giving or receiving money or help. Fairness makes relationships last.

The card's advice

Fairness makes relationships last. Politely decline kindness that comes with hidden costs, and give only as much as you can.

The art and its story

Symbols in the art

A wealthy-looking merchant holds a pair of scales in one hand and with the other gives coins to one of two kneeling figures. The scales signify fairness and balanced giving, while the hand offering coins represents the generosity of someone with enough to share. The two kneeling figures show the position of receiving help — and life's cycle, in which those positions may one day be reversed. The number 6 symbolizes harmony and restoration; within the earth element, it represents fair exchange, in which what we have flows on and sustains one another.

Earth · the 6 of the Pentacles suit — harmony in the flow of giving and receiving; fair sharing

In the middle of the square, a merchant stands holding a pair of scales. He weighs things out and gives exactly what's needed, while those receiving bow their heads and hold out their hands. The Six of Pentacles appearing means a current of giving and receiving is circulating in your life. Right now you may be in the position of giving, or of receiving help. Either way, there's nothing to be ashamed of. What flows away always returns one day in another form.

Yes/no and timing

Upright
Yes or no Yes — the flow of give-and-take is smooth, so you can get the help or result you want.
Reversed
Yes or no No — the balance of give-and-take is broken right now, so caution is needed.
Timing
The scales are finding their balance, so results may appear around the time a response returns after you've offered your heart first.

By spread position (upright)

Past
Help given and received in the past is leading to good connections and opportunities now.
Present
Right now sharing and cooperation are flowing smoothly.
Future
A chance will come to receive the help you need, or to be a source of strength for someone else.
Obstacle
Feeling awkward about either giving or receiving may block the flow.
Outcome
Through fair exchange, you reach a harmonious result in which you sustain one another.

Do a 3-card tarot reading

Do a 3-card tarot readingPast, present, future, with cards you pick yourself, free200 free themed tarot readingsReadings shaped to questions like love, reunion, jobs, money and examsCeltic Cross deep readingA ten-card in-depth reading; the first three positions are freeToday's card riddleGuess today's card from clues and add it to your collection

Frequently asked questions

What does the Six of Pentacles card mean upright?

Sharing, Generosity, Fair exchange, Support, Circulation. Giving and receiving flow smoothly. What you give comes back, and you can get help when you need it.

What does the Six of Pentacles card mean reversed?

One-sided relationships, Kindness with strings attached, Debt, Unfairness, Imbalance in give-and-take. The give-and-take has tilted to one side. Be careful of favors with strings attached.

What does the Six of Pentacles mean in love?

The balance of give-and-take between your hearts is well matched right now. It's not just one of you trying; you're both offering something for each other. Express your gratitude in words, and that flow will last longer. Now and then, offer your love in the way your partner most wants to receive it. You may connect with someone warm and deeply considerate.

Is the Six of Pentacles a yes or a no?

Upright: Yes — the flow of give-and-take is smooth, so you can get the help or result you want. Reversed: No — the balance of give-and-take is broken right now, so caution is needed.