Six of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed & Love

A wealthy merchant stands with a balanced scale in one hand, distributing coins to two kneeling figures with the other. The scales suggest fairness, yet the power dynamic is clear — one person gives, two receive. The Six of Pentacles asks a deceptively simple question: which side of generosity are you on, and is the exchange truly fair?

Quick Reference

Upright Meaning

The Six of Pentacles upright is the card of balanced generosity. It appears when resources — money, time, knowledge, or support — are flowing between people. You may be in a position to help others, or you may be the one receiving help. Either way, the exchange is fair, timely, and given with genuine goodwill.

If you are the giver, this card affirms that your generosity is making a real difference. Sharing your wealth, mentoring someone, or supporting a cause creates positive ripples that extend far beyond the immediate act. The Six of Pentacles reminds you that true abundance is not about hoarding — it is about circulation. Money, like water, stagnates when it stops moving.

If you are the receiver, this card encourages you to accept help without shame. There is no weakness in being supported during a difficult time. The universe operates on cycles — sometimes you give, sometimes you receive. Accept graciously now, and you will be in a position to pay it forward later.

Reversed Meaning

When the Six of Pentacles reverses, the generosity comes with hidden costs. Someone may be giving with strings attached — using financial support as a tool of control, or offering help that creates dependency rather than empowerment. Charity that makes the giver feel powerful and the receiver feel small is not true generosity.

The reversal can also indicate a refusal to give or receive. Perhaps you are hoarding resources when others need them, or you are too proud to accept help that is genuinely offered. Examine the power dynamics in your financial relationships. Is the exchange balanced, or is someone using money to maintain control?

In Love & Relationships

If you are single: The Six of Pentacles can indicate meeting someone through acts of generosity — volunteering, community work, or mutual aid. The connection will be built on shared values around giving and fairness. Be wary, however, of someone who uses financial generosity to create a sense of obligation early in a relationship.

If you are in a relationship: This card asks you to examine the balance of give and take in your partnership. Is one person always giving while the other always receives? Healthy relationships require reciprocity — not a perfect 50/50 split every day, but a general balance over time. Talk openly about how resources, effort, and emotional labor are shared between you.

In Career & Finances

In career readings, the Six of Pentacles often signals a raise, bonus, or financial reward for your contributions. A generous employer, client, or business partner is recognizing your value in tangible ways. If you are a business owner, consider profit-sharing, fair wages, or charitable giving as ways to create loyalty and goodwill.

Financially, this is a favorable card for loans, investments, or charitable giving. Money given or received now will generate positive returns. If you are considering a donation, sponsorship, or investment in someone else's growth, the Six of Pentacles says the timing is right. Just ensure that any financial arrangement has clear terms. Generosity works best when expectations are transparent.

As Advice

Give what you can. Accept what you need. The Six of Pentacles teaches that wealth circulates — it is not a fixed pie but an expanding flow. If you are in a position of abundance, share generously without creating dependency. If you are in a position of need, accept help without guilt. In both cases, ensure the exchange is fair and the power dynamics are healthy.

Card Combinations

• Six of Pentacles + Justice: Fairness in financial matters. A legal settlement, fair contract, or equitable distribution of resources. What you deserve is coming to you.
• Six of Pentacles + Four of Pentacles: The tension between generosity and hoarding. You are being asked to release your grip and share with others.
• Six of Pentacles + Nine of Cups: Emotional and material fulfillment through generosity. Giving to others brings you deep personal satisfaction.

Explore more tarot card meanings in our Complete Tarot Card Meanings Guide, or if you are just starting out, check out our Tarot for Beginners Guide.