Five of Pentacles and Six of Pentacles together
The Five and Six of Pentacles together describe hardship meeting help. Need and generosity are both in the spread; the question is whether they are allowed to meet.
Five of Pentacles
hardship, exclusion, scarcity, feeling left out in the cold
The Five of Pentacles is being out in the cold while the warmth is a few feet away. The two figures have material trouble, poor health, and each other, and they do not see the door beneath the window.
Reversed: One of the figures looks up.
Yes or no: No upright, Maybe reversed
Six of Pentacles
generosity, giving and receiving, fairness, charity
The Six of Pentacles is the flow of resources from those who have to those who need, measured by the scales. It shows generosity, charity, fair pay, a loan or gift given freely, mentorship, and the recognition that giving and receiving are two ends of one movement.
Reversed: The scales tip and the coins come with conditions.
Yes or no: Yes upright, Not yet reversed
When one follows the other
The order matters. Read as what is passing and what comes next, as in a past, present and future spread, the pair tells two different stories.
Five of Pentacles behind you, Six of Pentacles ahead
A hard stretch of want or isolation is receding. The snow is behind you even if you are still cold. What you walked through is becoming history rather than weather.
Generosity is coming your way, or you will be in a position to give it. A gift, a loan, a fair deal, a mentor. Receive it well, or give it without keeping accounts.
Six of Pentacles behind you, Five of Pentacles ahead
A period of giving or receiving generously is receding. The exchange is complete and the scales have settled. What was given has done its work.
A hard stretch is ahead, a time of material strain or feeling shut out. It will not last. Decide now whom you will ask for help, so that you do not walk past the door when it comes.
Draw your own cards
If both of these turn up in your reading, the summary points the pair out.