Six of Pentacles: Giving and Receiving
An inspiring card to pick on a Monday morning, when you are so focused on setting up for a better work week but need to be reminded there are bigger things in life. One of the things that’s been bothering me, more and more lately, is the purpose of the work I do. Selling cars is just not fulfilling, and certainly doesn’t feel good.
Trying to find better clients or better projects is not so easy right now, but I want to challenge myself to find other ways to give. Potentially, looking at my community at work or the people I am in contact with everyday and finding a way to make their lives better — whether that is connecting with them socially during this period of isolation, or even just giving people a break and recognizing the humanity in all of this work.
What you see: A wealthy man in extravagant clothes and wearing a turban, stands in front of two poor people kneeling at his feet. He is giving them coins while holding a balanced scale in his left hand. Above him are six pentacles.
What it means: The rich man gives alms to the poor in a way that is balanced and fair. The act symbolizes karma and that in the circle of life, what goes around eventually comes around.
The story: The Six of Pentacles represents generosity and charity; giving away your wealth and material possessions to benefit the community.
Reversed meaning: Reversed, the card represents inequality, extortion or giving with strings attached.
Reflection: This card is all about charity and the act of giving. Yet, the thing that rubs me the wrong way is the body language between the rich and the poor. The card reinforces the status of these people, and I wonder if the man is only giving because it makes him feel powerful. The scale goes against how many religions tell us to gave — more than you want to, as much as you have.
My research sources:
A Complete Guide to the Tarot, Eden Gray, 1970
Tarot Card Meanings, Biddy Tarot
Card Meanings, Labyrinthos
Root Lock Radio: A Tarot Podcast
