Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Swords in Tarot is a transition card, signifying movement from one phase of life to another. This card suggests that you are leaving a less desirable situation behind and moving on to a better place.
- Element: Air
- Astrological sign: Aquarius
- Planet: Mercury
- Key dates: January 30 to February 8
Visual Elements and Symbolism
The Six of Swords depicts a ferryman carrying a veiled lady and a child across a long body of water. The woman’s head is veiled, and no faces can be seen. This gives the impression that she is traveling away from her past life, leaving it on the dry ground behind her. Her infant nestles close to her, seeking protection and signifying new beginnings. The woman’s rounded shoulders are a sign of a difficult life.
There are chaotic waters on the right side, while the left side of the boat is quiet and calm. This indicates that the boatman is navigating between disaster and peace. This image is a reminder of the fabled boatswain in Greek mythology, whose job was to transport the dead into the afterlife.
In the boat, there are six swords. These are both a burden and a barrier to the woman and child. Fortunately, the swords are pointed downward to show they are not a threat anymore. In some ways, this also symbolizes that the hardship has been overcome.
Related Posts:
The Six of Swords as a Person
The Six of Swords symbolizes clarity and sound reasoning. If you draw this card, it means you are a strategically minded and inquisitive individual. You are always trying to find new perspectives to solving problems, and as a result, you almost always come up with a way to overcome your battles.
However, this type of personality can also be a weakness. For instance, you may find yourself too fixated on problem-solving that you miss the entire perspective in most instances. This leads to a pattern of winning the smaller battles in life instead of focusing on the long war.
To avoid this, you must ensure that you keep an open mind and overview of all things at stake, so you can enjoy better outcomes in the future.
The Six of Swords: Positive Meanings
The Six of Swords means you are going through changes. However, this period may not be a cheerful one. The most important thing to note is that while a transition is usually uncomfortable, it’s the only way to grow and create new connections.
This card doesn’t specify the nature of the change. Therefore, you won’t know whether it’s for the good or not. However, in most instances, it tends to be a good thing, especially when adequately prepared for the future.
Love and Relationships
If you are single, this card suggests a need to wait, so you can gain a better understanding of the situation before committing. Invest some time into knowing yourself better before trying new things and tackling new goals. This journey of self-discovery is important before any next step.
The card can also suggest a journey of emotional healing and self-discovery to avoid unhealthy relationships. These adventures are preparing you to be a better partner by making you a better version of yourself. Chances are you will find love as you move ahead with life.
If you are in a relationship, this card is a sign that you are about to experience positive changes. For instance, you may be getting into a period of reconciling after a tumultuous time in your relationship. You will be caught off guard by an unexpected sequence of events that will ultimately strengthen your bond and bring you closer together.
Career
The Six of Swords is a symbol of change. Unfortunately, it doesn’t specify the nature of the change. This means there is an equal chance that the change may be negative or positive. You may be in line for a promotion, or you can even lose your job. The best move would be to accept this change gladly. It’s crucial to understand that despite what happens, there are better days ahead.
Finances
The Six of Swords represents financial stability. If you have been having money problems, the situation is about to change for the better. While you may not become a millionaire overnight, you are going to enjoy a better financial balance.
Unfortunately, this card means something else for those with large amounts of wealth. Something may threaten your comfortable living soon. As such, you should cut off any unnecessary expenses and try to get only the things you need to survive. It may even be time to downsize and do away with some of the luxurious items you own.
Health
This card either means that you are enjoying good health or, if you are not feeling well, you are going to be well soon. Any difficulties you are facing should go away soon, as you have already done what’s needed to improve your life.
That said, it’s possible that you haven’t been paying too much attention to your mental and spiritual well-being. It’s a good sign that you need to create some “your time” so you can regain focus. The best way to achieve balance would be to reflect and take some time to contemplate quietly. Ideally, you should also seek professional guidance.
The Six of Swords Reverse: Negative Meanings
While fresh, flowing streams can be lively and attractive, stagnant waters are the opposite. They reek of rot. The Six of Swords reversed symbolizes an unwillingness to change. It’s a sign that you don’t want to budge. You keep ignoring signs that it’s possible to lead a better life, and this attitude is seriously hindering your progress.
Another negative interpretation of the Six of Swords is that you are failing to embrace change. You may find yourself running back to the past, probably because you have reservations about certain decisions to move forward, or you have some unresolved issues. It’s important to concentrate only on the benefits of your actions rather than the drawbacks during this time. Like a hero in the Hades, you should focus ahead and not look behind.
Love and Relationships
If you are not in a relationship, it might seem like you will never find love. You may have experienced pain in the past that convinced you to shut out everyone and ignore the possibility of meeting the love of your life.
Fortunately, love may be nearer to you than you imagine. Someone is interested in you. You may, however, feel like pushing them away. You shouldn’t do this. This may be the person you’ve been longing for. While it’s important to move with caution and listen to your heart, you must also allow yourself to believe in love again.
If you have a partner, this card symbolizes that you have made a choice to stay with your partner, regardless of whether they make you happy or not. This may be because of a number of reasons. For instance, it might be because of finances or because you have kids together. Unfortunately, there will be no end to your unhappiness unless you leave. The only thing you’ll achieve by staying is entertaining a damaging situation that hurts both of you.
Career
Drawing this card in a career tarot reading is a sign that you are stuck, or you feel like you are stuck doing work that you don’t enjoy. This is causing lots of stress. While it may not be easy, it’s crucial to find a way out.
There are many other things you could be doing, and you probably don’t see this because of what you are currently facing. Nothing is going to improve at your workplace, and real change will only come when you leave.
Finances
You haven’t been paying enough attention to your finances. However, if you keep up with this behavior, you’ll have some consequences to face soon. The best way to avoid getting into trouble is to find professional help on how to structure your budget.
Health
This card is a sign that you need mental, physical, and spiritual healing and rest. You may be having injuries that are taking a considerable amount of time to heal. It’s important to exercise patience, so you can recover fully.
Try getting as much support as you can during this period. A good idea would be to reach out to friends and loved ones. Having a good support network can be the missing ingredient and key to your healing.
Your Past, Present, and Future
When drawn in the past position, this card is a sign that you have stayed true to your truest self. You have stuck to your journey, regardless of other people’s opinions and whims.
This has led to your current wins, while the people who feel like they needed to advise you have been left in less desirable situations.
In the present position, the Six of Swords tarot card is a sign that you are about to overcome the hindrances that are currently in your way. While they may seem inescapable, you will soon witness unexpected changes or receive help from someone new in your life. Either way, your life will soon be filled with peace and a sense of finality.
When drawn in the future position, this card is a light in times of troubled times. It’s a sign that you will win your current battles. However, it also symbolizes that your joy lies far ahead. You still have to deal with lots of battles and trials, but once you pull through, you’ll have the experience and wisdom needed to succeed.
Important Card Combinations
The Six of Swords is a transformational card that focuses on what you need to do away with. When in combination with another tarot card, it’s a symbol that there will be a change for the best. It can also be a sign that there is trouble waiting for you.
Six of Swords and Lovers
These two cards have a special connection to the Six of Swords. They are a sign that you need to take some time to reflect. Additionally, they also indicate that you should be honest with yourself.
Think about where your relationship is headed. You may also want to sit with your partner and pour your heart and mind out, so they know your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future. It’s possible you will be on the same page. However, on the off chance that they are not, you should part ways.
The Six of Swords and Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups is an indication of an overwhelmingly joyful time, which may be brought about by constantly being in the company of the people who matter most in your life.
These two cards indicate that you will soon make some changes that connect you to kind friends and colleagues. It’s crucial to consider letting down your guard and avoid pushing away people who may be useful in the future.
The Six of Swords and Tower
Much like the Six of Swords, the Tower also signifies change. However, with this card, things tend to be a bit more chaotic and instant. When in combination, these two cards are a sign of change so swiftly that you won’t be able to do anything to stop it.
This probably sounds dreadful. However, you can still emerge victorious and unscathed at the end of it all.
Is the Six of Swords a Yes or No Card?
The card is definitely a yes, especially concerning matters of creativity.