Six of Pentacles

Giving and receiving in fair measure. Help offered, help accepted, resources shared where they are needed. Both hands in the exchange matter.

generosity · giving · receiving · fairness

Giving with strings, debt that shames, or scales tipped one way. Check whether the exchange is fair, and who is always kneeling.

strings attached · debt · one-sided giving · inequality

A well-dressed merchant in indigo robes, crests on the sleeves and waves at the hem, stands on a shore path. In his right hand he holds a small balance scale; with his left he lets a few coins drop into the open hand of a traveller kneeling before him. A second traveller in a wide straw hat kneels behind, palms pressed together. Bronze discs marked with stars hang in the sky above, and a leaning pine, a bay and a village lie beyond.

In Rider–Waite–Smith tarot the Six of Pentacles shows a merchant weighing out alms to two beggars with a pair of scales. It is the card of generosity and fair exchange. The scales ask that giving be measured: enough to help, freely given, without buying power over the one who receives. Most people stand in both places at different times.

Balance in give and take. Notice who carries more, and let the other person give too.

A loan, a raise, a mentor's help, or a chance to help someone else. Keep the terms fair and clear.

Give one useful thing this week, time, money or knowledge, to someone who needs it. And accept one offer of help without arguing.

Yes

Help and resources are moving fairly; the card leans yes.

Where are you only ever giving, or only ever receiving?