VI Pentacles Interpretation

Ruby Jewel

The Sixes are in the place of balance, the element is at its best there. If I may be a bit of a socialist, I think that the best balance of the material is when it is spread out, and I think this is what the card is trying to say. Something along the lines of "give, and ye shall receive." The man is giving out money but will always have enough, "enough is as good as a feast," etc. The card is attributed to Moon in Taurus, with the moon being exalted in that sign. Together they make for a good influence, the dreaminess of the Moon is offset by the earthy practicality of Taurus in management of material matters.

Interesting. I see what you are saying: perhaps this is saying something about Taurus in general. They naturally balance the bank book so as not to be frivolous with their money. The scales are a statement about the "practical" side of their nature. The balance is about giving as much as is needed....and no more....also, a very controlling sign. Well, you have given me something to think about here. Thanks.
 

Ruby Jewel

I want to thank everyone for their input here. It was a great help as I finally "got" the meaning of this card and it is beautiful. He gives just enough to maintain the balance of the "status quo." This is particularly interesting in terms of relationships in general, which is what the reading was about.
 

Abrac

I believe it's possible the merchant in the card is based on the Antonio character in Shakespear's play The Merchant of Venice. Pamela Colman Smith's good friend Sir Henry Irving produced several performances that ran at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Pamela herself may have had a bit part, as she was known to do in Irving's productions. Irving played the Shylock character and William Haviland played Antonio, according to this website. Antonio was the "good guy," a wealthy merchant always ready and willing to help those in need. ;)
 

Ruby Jewel

I believe it's possible the merchant in the card is based on the Antonio character in Shakespear's play The Merchant of Venice. Pamela Colman Smith's good friend Sir Henry Irving produced several performances that ran at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Pamela herself may have had a bit part, as she was known to do in Irving's productions. Irving played the Shylock character and William Haviland played Antonio, according to this website. Antonio was the "good guy," a wealthy merchant always ready and willing to help those in need. ;)

My Shakespeare is shaky to say the least, but wasn't the Merchant of Venice the guy who wanted a pound of flesh for payment when the fellow couldn't pay up?
 

Abrac

Antonio was about to be unjustly filleted, but it was the scales which ended up saving him in the end. :)
 

element

I believe it's possible the merchant in the card is based on the Antonio character in Shakespear's play The Merchant of Venice. Pamela Colman Smith's good friend Sir Henry Irving produced several performances that ran at the Lyceum Theatre in London. Pamela herself may have had a bit part, as she was known to do in Irving's productions. Irving played the Shylock character and William Haviland played Antonio, according to this website. Antonio was the "good guy," a wealthy merchant always ready and willing to help those in need. ;)

I am new to the forum and I am just learning the cards. I like this analogy, and I was thinking along the same lines as Zephyros. There certainly hasn't been enough "giving" in the US and look at the mess now!
 

Ruby Jewel

Antonio was about to be unjustly filleted, but it was the scales which ended up saving him in the end. :)

Well, the scales in the VI Pentacles is what incriminated that fellow. How did the scales save Antonio? If this card is derived from The Merchant of Venice it might be relevant in some way.
 

Abrac

Well, the scales in the VI Pentacles is what incriminated that fellow.

Not sure I follow.

According to the contract, Shylock is allowed to take a pound of flesh from Antonio if the loan isn't paid by the specified date. But Portia finds a loophole. Shylock is allowed to take exactly one pound of flesh—no more no less, including blood.

From the Wikipedia Summary:

"She [Portia] says that the contract allows Shylock only to remove the flesh, not the 'blood', of Antonio. Thus, if Shylock were to shed any drop of Antonio's blood, his 'lands and goods' would be forfeited under Venetian laws. She tells him that he must cut precisely one pound of flesh, no more, no less; she advises him that 'if the scale do turn, But in the estimation of a hair, Thou diest and all thy goods are confiscate.' "​
 

CrystalSeas

Not sure I follow.

According to the contract, Shylock is allowed to take a pound of flesh from Antonio if the loan isn't paid by the specified date. But Portia finds a loophole. Shylock is allowed to take exactly one pound of flesh—no more no less, including blood.

That's not her ruling.

She says Shylock is allowed to take a pound of flesh from Antonio, but it *cannot* include the blood. If even one drop of blood is removed, Shylock will die and his lands and goods will be confiscated.
 

Ruby Jewel

Abrac and Crystalseas.....thanks for you enlightenment. It is a great connection and I have a feeling there is something to it, just as you postulated Abrac....no doubt it will occupy my mind for awhile because it has really piqued my interest. I knew there was something that really bugged me about this card. Kudos to you Abrac!!