Six of Pentacles (Reversed) | Tarot Card of the Day
"Giving without expectation."
Six of Pentacles (Reversed) | Tarot Card
If the Six of Pentacles appears reversed, it can represent a lack of confidence in your abilities, as a result of placing others on a pedestal.
Thinking that you can’t achieve your goals without the “blessing” of someone you are placing on a pedestal is a form of devaluing yourself. When you look to others to take control, and hand them the power over your dreams, you surrender control over your own destiny.
Sometimes this card appears when we think we need someone that we perceive to be better than we are, because they hold a higher social position, or are further along with something we wish we could excel at. Although you may not realize it, this is an unconscious form of de-valuing yourself, and can lead to an erosion of self-confidence. Upright or reversed, the Six of Pentacles represents assistance offered from others, however when it is reversed, it warns of excessively looking to others for help, before looking within yourself.
Are you giving to feel good about yourself or to truly help others?
Are you giving from a place of compassion or from a desire to control or manipulate a situation?
Remember, the energy you put out into the world will come back to you in some form or another. When you give from a place of love and compassion, you create a positive cycle of abundance and generosity in your life and in the lives of those around you.
The rich merchant on the card has worked hard to escape the crushing poverty of his youth. However, he always remembers what it was like. He had to deal with a lot of other poor people in “survival mode.” This made him learn early that hungry people, without their basic needs met, can do horrible things to others, with little remorse. The merchant knows that he could have ended up just like the people his society disdains. If he was born a little different, didn’t have mentors, got sick or had a disability, made a wrong decision somewhere in the past.... well then he might be begging for scraps too.
The merchant holds the scales. This shows he sees “both sides.” He also remembers many poor people showed him loyalty and kindness, far more valuable than what can be found among the upper echelons. He learned “hard work,” and how to keep fighting to overcome obstacles from these hearty folks. This is why he sees their value. Therefore, you see him willingly handing out some coins to people in need.
He also knows a secret from his youth. That angels disguise themselves as social outcasts all the time, waiting to bless those who stop, and notice the light in their eyes.
There are myths, fairy tales, and religious stories that stretch back far into human history with the same theme. A test is presented to someone who has “everything.” A god, fairy, or an angel, appears before the fortunate individual, disguised as a beggar. If the individual treats the beggar kindly, they are given some sort of magical assistance (like Cinderella going to the ball). If, however, the wealthy person treats the beggar as worthless, something terrible happens. They undergo a horrible transformation. Their “outsides” reflect the ugly they harbor within. Remember "Beauty and the Beast?"
Giving strangers a warm welcome, offering food, and showing respect was one of the sacred customs from Ancient Greece. It was respected by absolutely everybody. It was a custom decreed by their king of the Gods, Zeus. The Greeks believed that Gods and Goddesses appeared before men as lowly beggars all the time, testing their humanity. If they were treated well, they could change one's fortunes. Some Christian stories also describe angels doing the exact same thing.
Today, you could be interacting with an angel unaware. Don’t ignore the light within the eyes of the people around you. Also, don’t assume you know another’s “societal worth,” by their outward appearance. Angels love to disguise themselves as what society deems as "crazy people." I think angels can take over their bodies (I've seen it myself). I believe it's probably easier for angels to take over the minds of nuttier/eccentric people. People without an open mind probably have a "closed sign" up for the angels.
The Six of Pentacles reversed asks if you are truly valuing your skills, your creativity and your value.
If you feel you aren’t succeeding, it probably isn’t because you don’t know the right people or have the right connections. You may have forgotten to take a good long look in the mirror and see the light of worthiness within your own eyes.
The Six of Pentacles is always a card of assistance. When it appears reversed, it asks if you are honoring the light assisting you from within. This card reminds you that you are qualified, competent and deserving. All the elements for your eventual success are already found within you. You may just need to accept it. What we admire most in others, we already possess, and are developing in ourselves (see Page of Wands). Gladly accept help when it’s offered, but don’t become dependent on it.
The Six of Pentacles (Reversed) in a Love Reading:
New Relationship
When the Six of Pentacles appears reversed, it warns of extremes. Both partners aren’t sharing their responsibilities equally. One partner may be excessively giving, while the other takes; attempting to remain unchanging. Don’t settle for less than the best.
Long Term Partnership
The Six of Pentacles reversed can highlight a relationship dynamic where one partner enables the other’s bad habits, addictions, or self-destructive tendencies. Healing can happen, but first you must face the problem, create boundaries, and be willing to change. Professional support may be helpful. Insist on accountability.
Seeking Romance
This card may also appear when you are lacking confidence in your own abilities. You might find yourself excessively placing others on a pedestal, at the expense of yourself. Belittling yourself to gain another’s favor is also a form of devaluing who you are. Enter your relationships as an equal.
