Six of Pentacles
Pentacles
How This Card Is Derived
Papus gives no separate description of this card. It is derived from his system: Pentacles is He final (ה), the realizing principle, the term that makes fact, acting in Assiah, the material world; the number 6 is Vau of the second series, the equilibrium restored on new ground. The meaning below is that combination read out — the realizing principle, the term that makes fact taken at its 6th term — not a quotation from him.
Upright
Equilibrium restored after five, and in the material world balance is restored by measurement: the scales in one hand, the coins in the other. Papus's sixth term repairs the fifth, and here it repairs by distribution — giving and receiving in a stated proportion. That the giver holds the scales is part of the card. This is generosity as a transaction, which is not a criticism; it is what makes it repeatable.
Reversed
The proportion set to flatter the giver — a distribution that carefully maintains the difference it appears to relieve. Or the scales refused: help offered and not taken, because the terms are visible.
Correspondences
- Suit
- Pentacles — He final (ה), Assiah, the material world
- Suit principle
- the realizing principle, the term that makes fact
- Number
- 6 — Vau of the second series
- Numeric role
- the equilibrium restored on new ground
In a Spread
At the commencement, the matter begins with help given on stated terms. In opposition, an obligation dressed as a gift. At equilibrium the situation is being balanced by someone's deliberate measure. As the result: means change hands, in a proportion somebody else set.