The Six of Disks represents helpfulness, generosity, and tolerance. It signifies the exercise of these virtues, but also the enjoyment of the generosity, understanding, and helping of others. This card is not associated with a spontaneous donation mood, which may be delayed in the next moment, or indifference that looks tolerant, but rather a balanced, reliable property. In everyday life, it represents a reward and a rewarding business. Known as the "Root of The Powers of Earth" and "Success" in the Crowley Thoth Tarot, this card is attributed to Tiphareth, the center of the whole system. Tiphareth is the only Sephira below the Abyss which communicates directly with Kether. It is fed directly from Chokmah and Binah, and also from Chesed and Geburah. This unique position allows it to dominate the lower Sephiroth, being balanced both vertically and horizontally. In the planetary system, it represents the Sun; in the system of Tetragrammaton, it represents the Son. The entire geometrical complex of the Ruach may be regarded as an expansion from Tiphareth. It represents consciousness in its most harmonized and balanced form; definitely in form, not only in idea.
The Elemental and Astrological Foundation
The Six of Disks is fundamentally an Earth element card, deeply connected to the material world and the tangible results of labor. It is associated with the second decan of Taurus and ruled by the Moon. This astrological combination suggests a deep emotional connection to one’s material world. The Moon represents emotions and intuition, while Taurus signifies stability and material wealth. This card corresponds to the formation of a harmonious atmosphere between the soul and the body, specifically the Moon in Taurus.
In the Tree of Life, this card resides in Tiphareth. The card serves as a reminder to cherish and find delight in the pleasures and beauty present in the world around us. It encourages one to actively seek out and appreciate the simple yet profound experiences that bring joy, fostering a deeper connection to the divine and a greater sense of fulfillment.
Upright Interpretation: The Flow of Abundance
The Six of Disks, also known as the Six of Pentacles, is a card of giving, receiving, and the flow of abundance. It is about generosity with a side of discernment. Whether one is in a position to offer support or in need of a little help, this card reminds us that life moves in cycles. Sometimes you give, sometimes you receive, but ideally, the exchange is rooted in fairness, not guilt or power. Financial aid, emotional support, or even just someone showing up when it counts all reside within the domain of this card. The key is to give from the heart and receive without shame.
This card shows its face when giving and receiving are back in flow—when support, whether financial, emotional, or energetic, is shared in a way that uplifts everyone. The classic image often depicts a wealthy figure handing coins to two beggars, with scales held in the other hand. This is not charity; it is reciprocity. It is the understanding that we all have seasons of plenty and seasons of need, so why not help each other out?
When upright, the Six of Disks signals a moment when resources are moving in one's life. One might be in a position to offer help, or one might be the one receiving it. Either way, there is dignity in both roles. It indicates a time of success and prosperity, suggesting a period of financial stability and material gain. The state of the disks’ success reflects how the disks have been driven to this prosperity. It serves as a reminder to enjoy the fruits of your labor and share your success with others.
The card represents a stage of growth that satisfies us, in which some of our wishes will be met. It implies the beginning of a new and long-term relationship, as well as continuing to expand and reinforce a familiar and mature partnership.
The Thoth Tarot Perspective: Lord of Success
In the Crowley Thoth Tarot, the Six of Disks is titled "Lord of Success." This name comes from the card’s strong ties to material and financial success. It represents success through discipline and the enjoyment of the fruits of one’s labor. The card reminds us that success is not merely a stroke of luck, but a result of perseverance, determination, and the willingness to face challenges head-on.
The imagery of the Six of Disks in the Thoth deck is rich with symbolism. We see 6 disks in the form of a six-pointed star, grouping around a circle of light. The six-pointed star and hexagon are symbols of mutual infiltration and inseparable fusion. The 6 circles here are symbols of 6 planets: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, illuminated by the Sun in the center. This shows a balanced and harmonious consensus of these principles. The entire interior glowed by the Sun, represented by the rose in the cross, radiating aura and transforming the spirit. Usually, there is only meditation and contemplation, when our minds are completely introverted and towards the Upper self, leading to such experiences. In this aspect, this is the card of the inner sun that grows vigorously from the East of the interior and in the optimistic dawn of self-awareness because, in the center of the image, there is flashed pink light of dawn.
The card brings light into the center of the heart through a positive attitude toward life, as well as abundance and richness through the effort to ensure material stability after the disaster of the previous card showing the destruction of order.
Shadow Aspects and Reversed Meanings
While the Six of Disks generally represents success and generosity, there are shadow aspects to consider. The shadow aspect is described as minor or unappreciated success.
In a reversed position, the Six of Disks may indicate that one is beginning to move out of a period of prosperity and success. Success is temporary, and it is important to stay open and flexible, adjust to change, and look for new chances to keep growing.
Symbolism of the Exchange
The imagery often depicts an exchange of coins or resources, with scales symbolising fairness and balance. This reflects the dual nature of the card: being in a position to give or being open to receiving, depending on your current circumstances.
On Generosity and Reciprocity, the Six of Disks often appears when one is either giving or receiving support. If one is in a position of abundance, this card encourages sharing resources, knowledge, or time with those in need. Acts of generosity not only benefit others but also reinforce connection and gratitude. If one is the one in need, the Six of Disks reminds one to be open to receiving help.
The card represents a state of equilibrium where giving and receiving are harmoniously aligned, creating mutual benefit and stability. It often appears as a reminder of the cyclical nature of abundance—that what is shared with others returns in meaningful ways. Known as ‘Success’ in the Thoth deck, the Six of Disks emphasises the stability and harmony that arise when resources are managed wisely and shared generously. Success here is not just about personal gain but about using prosperity to uplift others, strengthening bonds, and creating a ripple effect of positive energy. It reminds you that true wealth lies in the balance between material security and the generosity of spirit.
Harmonizing Opposing Principles
The card continues to show the way we must realize that only a balanced relationship between opposing principles will help us improve. The text mentions specific oppositions: war and peace (Mars-Venus); abundance and deprivation (Jupiter-Saturn); doubts and beliefs (Mercury-Jupiter). If we ignore, despise, or try to prevent a principle, the whole structure will become unbalanced and the natural development process will be inhibited.
This concept of balance is central to the card's message. It suggests that success is not just about accumulating resources, but about maintaining harmony between various forces in life. The six disks forming a six-pointed star shape imply a favorable constellation and a harmonious interplay of opposing elements, ensuring a successful time ahead. It also offers solutions to old problems and opportunities for all new beginnings.
Material and Spiritual Integration
The Six of Disks serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. While it is heavily associated with Earth and material gain, the influence of the Moon in Taurus adds a layer of emotional depth. It suggests that our material success should be grounded in emotional stability and intuitive wisdom.
The card encourages one to find beauty and pleasure in the world. It is a reminder to cherish and find delight in the pleasures and beauty present in the world around us. This appreciation for the material world is not superficial; it is a recognition of the divine manifest in the physical realm. The success represented by the Six of Disks is a holistic success that satisfies the soul as well as the body.
The card also represents the concept of "Overcoming the crisis, gaining material." It brings harmony and abundance, full of prosperity. It represents charity, brotherly love, and patronage. However, it also carries a warning against dissipating resources, likened to the "golden goose in the fairy tale." It promises happiness and prosperity, describing heavenly conditions.
The Power of Affluence
The Six of Disks is titled "The power of affluence." This is not merely the possession of wealth, but the power that comes from managing it wisely. Affluence implies a flowing abundance, a current of resources that can be directed for the greater good. The card suggests that true power lies in the ability to give and receive in a way that maintains this flow.
The card corresponds to the formation of a harmonious atmosphere between the soul and the body. It is a card of the inner sun that grows vigorously from the East of the interior. This inner sun is the source of the light that illuminates the six disks, suggesting that material success is ultimately fueled by inner illumination and self-awareness.
Conclusion
The Six of Disks stands as a powerful symbol of success, generosity, and the harmonious exchange of resources. Whether viewed through the lens of traditional Tarot or the intricate symbolism of the Thoth deck, it speaks to the cyclical nature of abundance and the importance of balance. It reminds us that success is a result of discipline and perseverance, and that true prosperity involves uplifting others. By embracing the virtues of helpfulness, tolerance, and balanced generosity, one aligns with the energies of Tiphareth and the Sun, finding harmony between the material and spiritual worlds.