Sixes symbolize the union of opposites, finding equilibrium, harmony in the face of constant change. Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth. Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  This card is about giving and receiving, being willing to share yourself with others and allowing yourself to receive help from others in return. 

"Your income or security is steady and predictable.  Your money, home or business cycles are more regular and reliable.  You have weathered the physical storm and are now experiencing a period of balanced or stabilized health.  You are repeating a familiar pattern in the material world.  You can mass produce a product because you know you've correct the errors.  You maybe replenishing your reserves after a period of using them up." - Gail Fairfield

Whenever I see this card it reminds me of the reciprocal nature of life.  Sometimes we are giving and sometimes we are receiving.  The Metamorphosis shows a genie-like figure emerging from a board.  Perhaps he has been called for to grant wishes, but at what price?  The truth is we never get something for nothing in life.  Even if we win a large sum of money in a lottery, it brings with it a lot of unforeseen challenges and responsibilities.  And the truth is that having a lot of money does not often solve all our problems.  It may solve some of our financial difficulties but does that bring true happiness?  I've seen a lot of wealthy people who do not seem very happy with their lives.

Another aspect of the 6 of Pentacles is the joy we often feeling at being able to give to others.  We don't necessarily have to have a lot of money to give to others - we just have to give of ourselves.  We can take the time to volunteer at a senior citizens' program or a child care center.  We can go through our things and pass along the ones we no longer use that are still in good condition.  Last year I boxed up several business outfits and separates that I no longer wear and donated them to Dress for Success.  They are always seeking plus size clothing and I like to believe that my donation helped make it easier for a woman to feel confident and professional while going for a job interview. 

In fact I've been slowly weeding through my books, clothes and other assorted possessions to see what it is time to release.  I have a number of books that have been sitting in my home for years and if I haven't read them by now, it's unlikely that I will.  I also realized as I went through my wardrobe that I have a number of items that are almost exact duplicates to each other.  I have two olive tweed blazers - they're different styles but do I really need two olive tweed blazers?  Perhaps by letting one go I can help someone else.

There is a wonderful feeling that comes with feeling you are helping someone else.  I think the reality is that no matter how "poor" we may feel we are most of the time, being able to help someone else enriches our lives and makes us feel blessed. This is a time of year when we all want to feel blessed and giving is one way to do it.  I'm not talking about the sometimes annoying and forced gift giving we often find ourselves involved at this time of year.  I'm talking about spontaneously giving something to someone else.  I'm talking about giving because it makes us feel good and because we want to, not because we feel obligated to do so.  I think the 6 of Pentacles is reinforcing my current urge to purge and pass along my treasures to others.  I guess it's time to start paring things down; simplifying my life.