After the instability and stress of the Fives, the Sixes bring a welcome feeling of success and having overcome difficulties and obstacles.  After sorrows and travails, joys taste even sweeter, especially since we have worked hard to reach this point.  Now we enter a time of relative stability, but unlike the rigid stability of the Fours, this is a stability in which there is flow and interaction.  I think of the Sixes as being in harmony with the world around us, letting energy flow through, into, and out of us. Here we understand the rewards of giving and are open to the blessings as they return to us in equal measure.  We are no longer rigidly afraid of change nor so unstable that we are out of control, but somewhere in the middle, and the light shines on us in this happy state.

This centered existence is the pivot around which our soul turns, and having once experienced this, we can climb to even greater achievements.  The Fives and the Sevens both have their challenges, but to me the difference is that Fives are often thrust on us when we are not prepared and are not willing to let go of the Fours.  Sevens, on the other hand, are challenges we choose freely, that will lead us to greater maturity and mastery in the end. Without our successful and centered time in the Sixes, we would not be ready to take up the challenge of the Sevens.  Indeed, the Sixes are so wonderful there may be many times when we wish to just stop at this point in the cycle and not move on :).  We cannot really do this, but we can stop and rest for a while, and use this time to recharge, energize, and enjoy life.

Real-life examples of the Sixes:

Wands:  getting that job you always wanted and finding that it's a perfect match for your abilities, getting a promotion, receiving recognition for something you deserve and can feel good about, winning through skill or ability, achieving a goal, being a good role model

Swords:  overcoming fears and looking ahead, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, moving steadily toward a destination of your choice, having your plans in order and the means to carry them out, making good progress after a period of intense difficulty, enjoying the journey

Cups:  being in harmony with a friend, sibling, or lover, finding a safe and relaxing place, enjoying simple everyday pleasures like gardening or walking, feeling protected, spending quality time with your children, being on vacation, feeling at peace, simplifying your life

Pentacles:  feeling relaxed about your money, believing and experiencing that the universe will provide for you, feeling the pleasure of sharing your wealth with others, enjoying your possessions without being overly attached to them, being in good health