I use my P.E.N.S.I. method when I teach Tarot. That stands for Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition. Each layer helps us understand a card more deeply. Because we are working through single cards here, Position is only touched on lightly as context.

Six of Pentacles, 1st Layer: Position

The Six of Pentacles often lands in readings where balance of power or resources is at play. It can suggest the role of the giver or the receiver, depending on the situation.

2nd Layer: Element

Pentacles belong to the element of Earth. This connects the Six of Pentacles to material resources, the physical body, money, work, and tangible security.

3rd Layer of Context for Six of Pentacles: Numerology

Six is the number of harmony, balance, and exchange. It shows up when relationships need equal footing or when energy must be shared. In Pentacles, the six emphasizes fairness, generosity, and learning how to handle resources responsibly. In this case, applied to giving or receiving assistance.

4th Layer: Symbolism

The traditional imagery in Rider-Waite decks often shows a wealthy figure giving coins to those in need while holding scales. This points toward generosity, but also judgment and inequality. Who holds the scales controls the balance. The card’s symbolism invites us to reflect on charity, fairness, and how power is distributed.

I often find this to be giving with strings attached or expectations. Okay, it is reasonable sometimes to give with strings attached or expectations, but I advise people to be clear about it. No matter which end of it your find yourself, the giver or the recipient, honesty, being forthcoming will prevent a lot of negativity down the road.

5th Layer: Intuition

Intuitively, this card may feel like a reminder that cycles turn. One day you give, another day you receive. It encourages gratitude for both roles. The Six of Pentacles asks you to check where you stand now and whether you hold the scales fairly.

Six of Pentacles: Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Six of Pentacles may signal imbalance. It can mean strings attached to generosity, exploitation, or debt. It may also warn that we are not being honest about which role we are in; giver, taker, or both.

I find this reverse to be the mirror type. Not the opposite, the same but different. Instead of strings attached and expectations, it’s taking advantage of another or being taken advantage of.

Sympathetic Decks

The Tarot de Marseille emphasizes the scales as a symbol of fairness, making it strong for upright readings. The Rider–Waite–Smith deck highlights the act of giving to the poor, sharpening themes of charity and imbalance. In the Thoth deck, Crowley named this card “Success,” which draws attention to harmony in material flow. These variations deepen understanding depending on which deck you use.

Correspondences

Astrology: Moon in Taurus
Element: Earth
Planet: Moon
Number: 6

Tarot Spell: Six of Pentacles

Upright Spell: Place the Six of Pentacles card on your altar with six coins circling it. Light a green candle beside it and say aloud your intention to give and receive fairly. This spell encourages generosity without depletion and opens channels for balanced prosperity.

Tarot Spell: Six of Pentacles Reversed

Reversed Spell: Place the Six of Pentacles reversed under a black candle. Surround it with scraps of paper where you have written debts, obligations, or exploitative ties. As the candle burns, visualize those imbalances dissolving. Dispose of the ashes to symbolically cut unfair cords.

Final Note

The Six of Pentacles reminds us that generosity and need trade places more often than we admit. Balance is the heart of this card. Sometimes you hold the scales, sometimes you kneel beneath them, and both roles teach. Whether upright or reversed, it asks the same question: how fair are you in sharing what you have, and how gracious are you in receiving what you need?

Sign up now, free and secure, don’t miss out on free tarot lessons, witchcraft, spells, rituals, and money-saving codes and coupons for our website and physical store. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

We get new products in weekly, and sometimes they go fast. By signing up you can be one of the first to know.

Today’s Featured Deck:

Step into the Dreamkeepers Tarot, where hidden beauty and deep truth come alive in surreal, symbolic art by Liz Huston. Also, built on the familiar Rider-Waite framework, this deck speaks in dreamlike images that stir the subconscious, guiding you toward growth and sharper self-awareness.

Therefore, it is Ideal for shadow work, daily reflection, and personal healing with guidance rooted in Rider-Waite tradition.

The cards echo Huston’s own path of spiritual healing, because of the layers of emotion, insight, and quiet mystery. Tradition is honored here, but every piece of artwork was created fresh for this edition. Each card brims with alchemical symbolism, feeling, and the promise of transformation.

The post Six of Pentacles appeared first on Coexist - The Alternative Path.