Six of Pentacles
The Scales of Giving
The energy of the card
A merchant holds a pair of scales and hands out coins to two people asking for help. The card stands for generosity, goodwill and a measured giving and receiving. It leaves open which side you are on right now – the one who gives or the one who receives.
Your path with this card
Balance grows through exchange, gift by gift. Each time you give or receive, the flow becomes more alive. The card invites you to be generous – and to let yourself be helped.
- Who would you like to give something to right now?
- Where do you find it hard to accept help?
In the shadow
Giving can turn into power, receiving into dependence. The card invites you to share as equals.
The image and its meaning
A wealthily dressed man holding a pair of scales hands some coins to a kneeling person.
Another kneeling figure is also asking for a little money. You are only able to give if you are also willing to receive. Which is easier?
To give from an elevated position, or to receive from a humble one? Giving is often easier than receiving. The giver always gains something in return – recognition, honor and gratitude.
The receiver becomes a debtor and places himself below the giver. In the Six of Pentacles, the giver has to weigh carefully how he distributes his gifts. He is not always the giver; sometimes he is the one receiving the coins.
Whatever position we are in, we are givers and receivers at the same time. We regularly give and receive money, love, a friendly look or simply attention. There is always some uncertainty about how the gift will be received or whether we have wasted our generosity – perhaps on someone who is not worthy of it?
Every day we decide how we exchange our energy (money is a form of energy too) with the world around us. Instinctively we strive for justice and a fair balance. The giver on the card still keeps many coins in his hand – he weighs carefully how much he is willing to give.
The Six of Pentacles wants to remind us of the importance of balance between taking and giving. It is also a reminder that the receiver sometimes has to make the greater sacrifice, even if he is paid for it with money.
Related cards
Tarot Justice
Justice weighs what is fair; the Six of Pentacles then shares with an open hand. The same scales – once in judgment, once in giving.
Lenormand The Bouquet
In Lenormand, The Bouquet carries the same joy: a gift that comes from the heart.
Symbols on the card
- Münzen fallen aus der Hand · GrosszügigkeitDu gibst, was du hast – oder bekommst, was du brauchst.
- Reicher Mann mit Waage · Gerechtigkeit, GebenSymbol für Ausgleich und Fairness – Geben im Gleichgewicht.
- Zwei Bettler · Abhängigkeit, BedürftigkeitZeigt Ungleichgewicht – Geben kann Macht bedeuten.
