Generosity. Charity. Reciprocity. That’s the Venusian, feminine focus for this week as we get into the second decan of Taurus, the Six of Pentacles.

The second decan of Taurus is ruled by the Moon, the place where Taurus is exalted. The feminine characteristics of both focus on uniting the whole (mind/body/Spirit) self as one through our values and belief systems. This is powerful because it exists right in the middle of Taurus season, fixed and positioned like Taurus’s natural modality.

Taurus season asks us to be clear on our values and what we’re rooted in. The Moon reinforces that further with nurturing those values and beliefs through our community and support. How do we take those values and contribute to the elevation of the collective? Well, this where the Six of Pentacles comes in.

What we see in the Six of Pentacles is a well-dressed man of high status (I’ll refer to him as the giver) giving alms (money/goods) to the poor (receivers). 

Color Symbolism

If you look at their clothing, the color placement is intentional. The giver is wearing the same colors as the receivers, which brings to our attention the connection they all share. The blue connects to the ether associated with the throat chakra (Taurus rules the neck/throat/larynx areas). Yellow is a color of joy and optimism as well as its connection to the solar plexus (our will and confidence). The red symbolizes the leadership qualities of Aries as well as the root chakra which deals with how materialism can support our wellbeing in this human experience. Venus unites the givers and receivers through community and interpersonal relationships.

The Scales

Another important piece the giver has are the balanced scales he holds. Strong Libra (also Venus-ruled) connection that shows the giver and receivers have a well-balanced connection. No one is taking or giving more than they should, just enough. 

Venus & Mars Symbolism

It’s important to note the contrasts between the Martian energy of Aries and it’s transition to Venus with Taurus season. Mars came to sever and separate from the dormant winter and propel us into a new year. Also, keep in mind the energy we transitioned from in the first decan, the Five of Pentacles. This card showed us the effects of withholding Venusian qualities from our human experience and the Six of Pentacles shows the evolution of that energy: embodiment, unity, and generosity for ourselves and others. Both have their place, and the scales remind us to maintain proper balance.

The Relationship Between the Giver and Receivers

Check the small piece of red cloth the man in blue has in his pocket. It’s possible he may not know the red cloth exists; however, it serves as a reminder of his own personal power he has tapped into to alleviate his situation. 

How? Well, both receivers positioned themselves to…well, receive. This is one of the most powerful messages I see in the Six of Pentacles: vulnerability. To humble ourselves enough to know it is ok to ask for help, as we don’t exist as one-man islands here on Earth. 

The giver gives carefully and cautiously. Even though he empathizes with the receivers, he is mindful enough to ensure what he gives doesn’t deplete from himself. And, for the receivers, to never expect someone else to pour into us more than we are capable of doing for ourselves. See how the neck (Taurus-ruled) is covered in red? He doesn’t expose or give too much of what is sacred to him, only just enough without exhausting his own resources.

The Trees and Castle

Lastly, we see the trees and castle/home in the background to remind us that we are not far removed from our foundations and what grounds us during this season. Like the Four of Wands (the last decan of Aries,Venus-ruled), we are being called to be clear on what we stand for and how it contributes the greater good and elevation of consciousness. No better expression of this energy than love, itself. 

Love, Money, and Scripture

Speaking of love, I was enlightened to some Biblical scripture that also brings Venus into focus with her connection to money.

1 Timothy 6:10 tells us,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

However, I find some inconsistencies here with how love is viewed in this scripture versus how love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13,

(4)Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (5)It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (6)Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (7)It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

So, if I view love as all the qualities mentioned above, it’s difficult to connect that to being an eager, evil energy. Love doesn’t just exist between God/Source and humans, it extends to everything God created. Therefore, when we love something, we honor it and respect it as a creation and extension of God’s love for us. 

Remember that Venus governs love, money and materialism. So, why is loving what supports and sustains us seen as evil? If love is the greatest commandment of all and we’re told MULTIPLE times throughout scripture how important love is…you get my point.

I feel the more appropriate word I would replace ‘love’ with in 1 Timothy 6 with ‘abuse’ or ‘misuse’. We can look at current times to see how the misuse of power and the absence of love and care for human beings manifests: war, abuse of power, crimes against women and children, control, and more. 

Now, think of how we feel when we are safe, and supported. It’s through both God and what God provides us with in the material realm that secures that for us. There’s no better display of love for God than to honor the love that exists in all God has provided to sustain us. 

This reinforces the wisdom of the Six of Pentacles: tapping into our discernment to balance what is kept sacred with what we share amongst others.

Final Thoughts

I feel after we’ve deconstructed the lessons of the Six of Pentacles, it feels like the remedy we all need to restore balance within ourselves and our contributions to the communities that support us. It also shows us how roles can be reversed at any time, so it’s important to express our empathy through charity and support. 

Want to honor this energy? Start with honoring and pouring into yourself in ways that make you feel loved and supported. Then, if able, consider donating to local food banks or the unhoused. Lend a helping hand to the elders and disabled. Donate to a cause that hits home for you. Share your gifts and knowledge with others. Whatever resonates most with you. Hope this helps.