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Six of Swords Tarot Card
Belonging to the Suit of Swords of the Minor Arcana, the Six of Swords tarot card represents transitions, moving on, and guidance.
Traditionally, the Six of Swords depicts a boat or a ferryman guiding a woman and child across calm waters to a distant shore. This card is often a signal of a period of transition or change, where one is leaving behind difficulties and moving towards a more peaceful and stable situation. The calm waters suggest that this transition might be smoother than expected, though it might still be a challenging emotional journey. The woman and child represent vulnerability and the need for protection during this process. The six swords in the boat represent the mental baggage or thoughts being carried along, suggesting a need for mental clarity and reflection during this period of change.
The Six of Swords encourages us to embrace the idea of leaving the past behind and embracing a hopeful future, even though it might entail uncertainty.
Beyond its surface representation, this card can also be seen as a metaphor for the journey of the soul – the boat becomes a vessel of transformation, and the waters represent the subconscious mind and emotions. The ferryman takes on the role of a spiritual guide, assisting the soul in navigating the waters of the unknown. The woman and child now represent the conscious and subconscious aspects of the self. The six swords symbolize the thoughts and patterns that no longer serve our higher purpose, which we must relinquish to progress. The distant shore embodies a higher state of consciousness or spiritual enlightenment.
The Six of Swords encourages us to embrace the journey of self-discovery, letting go of outdated beliefs and embracing a more profound understanding of ourselves. Just as the boat glides through the waters, we are urged to navigate our emotional depths to reach a place of inner peace and transformation.
Some questions the Six of Swords invites you to ponder…
- How can I navigate through a challenging transition in my life with grace and resilience?
- What aspects of my past do I need to leave behind in order to move toward a more peaceful and balanced future?
- What lessons have I learned from previous experiences that will aid me in my journey toward healing and growth?
- In what ways can I actively seek guidance and support as I embark on a new chapter in my life?
- What positive changes can I make in my daily routine to facilitate a smoother transition toward a more harmonious state of being?
In this post, we’ll be going over the Six of Swords’ Upright and Reversed meanings, as well as the Six of Swords as a person (or significator), the Six of Swords as feelings, and the Six of Swords as a yes or no. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or just beginning to explore the world of divination, the Six of Swords offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating life’s challenges with wisdom, discernment, and inner peace.
Six of Swords Keywords
| Upright: | Transition, Moving Forward, Change, Journey, Healing, Guidance, Transformation, Mental Clarity, Resilience, Acceptance, Passage, Relief |
| Reversed: | Stagnation, Resistance, Unresolved Issues, Emotional Turmoil, Struggle, Reluctance to Move On, Delayed Transition, Internal Conflict, Stuck in the Past, Unwillingness to Face Change, Hindered Progress, Lack of Closure |
| Elemental: | Air |
| Zodiac: | Aquarius |
| Number: | 6 (harmony, balance, integration) |
| Yes or No | Yes |
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Six of Swords Tarot card!
Six of Swords (Upright)
The Six of Swords signifies a period of transition and moving away from challenging circumstances towards a more peaceful future. It may indicate actual travel or relocation, symbolizing a departure from difficulties to find solace in a new environment. Emotional healing can be highlighted as you distance yourself from past hurts, leading to a sense of relief and inner peace.
Additionally, the Six of Swords points to the importance of supportive relationships during this journey – friends, family, or mentors may offer guidance and assistance as you navigate through tough times. This card also speaks of personal growth achieved through learning from past experiences, encouraging you to engage in self-improvement practices for positive change. While immediate transformation may not occur, gradual improvement is anticipated, fostering patience and persistence.
In an upright position, the Six of Swords reflects a transition towards clarity, calmness, and a new perspective, marking the end of a challenging phase and offering closure as you embrace a fresh chapter ahead.
SIX OF SWORDS ADVICE
The Six of Swords advises embracing a period of transition as an opportunity to leave behind challenges and move towards a more peaceful state. Seek support from others as you let go of past regrets and attachments, trusting that this journey will lead you to a better place.
Focus on self-care and healing, keeping an open mind to new possibilities that arise. Approach this change with hope and optimism, knowing that by navigating it thoughtfully, you can create a more harmonious and positive future.
Six of Swords (Reversed)
The Six of Swords reversed can reveal that there are potential challenges and delays in moving away from a difficult situation or achieving emotional and physical progress. It suggests that you might be feeling stuck or unable to transition smoothly to a better place; there could be resistance to change, either from within or due to external factors, hindering your forward movement.
This reversal also warns of a lack of necessary support or guidance, urging you to seek help from those who can assist you on your journey. It’s possible that old wounds, negative memories, or unresolved emotional issues from the past may be resurfacing and affecting your ability to let go and heal. To move forward, you may need to confront and heal these emotional wounds. Additionally, the reversed Six of Swords can signal the need to find inner peace and clarity in the midst of internal turmoil and doubts that might be holding you back.
Ultimately, the Six of Swords reversed highlights the importance of reassessing your choices and ensuring that you’re moving in a direction aligned with your true needs and desires. While fear of the unknown could be a factor, confronting these fears and embracing new opportunities is crucial for making the necessary changes to transition to a better future.
SIX OF SWORDS REVERSED ADVICE
As advice, the Six of Swords reversed suggests that it’s essential to confront and address any lingering emotional or mental challenges before attempting to transition to a new phase. Reflect on what may be holding you back and take proactive steps to heal and release those burdens.
Seek support and guidance from trusted sources to help you navigate this process. Remember that by facing these issues head-on, you can create a more authentic and positive path toward personal growth and healing.
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Six of Swords as a Person
The Six of Swords typically signifies someone who is undergoing a significant period of change or transition in their life, seeking to leave behind challenges and find a sense of peace and healing. This person embodies qualities of resilience, determination, and a willingness to move beyond their comfort zone in order to find a better place emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.
Astrologically, the Six of Swords is associated with the sign of Aquarius, this person may have Aquarius placements in their natal chart, or exhibit strong Aquarian traits. This person is intellectually curious, open-minded, and possesses a unique perspective on life. They are likely to approach challenges with a rational and logical mindset, seeking solutions that align with their forward-thinking nature. Their ability to detach emotionally and focus on the bigger picture can help them navigate transitions and move towards a more serene state of mind. They might be drawn to exploring new ideas and innovations, reflecting the card’s theme of progressing to a better future.
People represented by the Six of Swords are often known for their communication skills and desire for freedom. They might find solace in discussing their experiences and thoughts with others, helping not only themselves but also those around them to find clarity and resolution in times of change.
Six of Swords (Reversed) as a Person
As a person, the reversed Six of Swords shows someone who struggles with transitioning and letting go of the past. They might resist change and find it hard to adapt to new situations. Carrying an emotional burden from unresolved issues, they could feel stuck and unsettled, making it difficult for them to find inner peace. This person might benefit from external support and guidance to navigate their challenges, as they grapple with lingering problems from their past that hinder their progress.
Six of Swords as Feelings
The Six of Swords often represents feelings of transition, moving away from difficulties, and seeking a sense of relief or peace. It could suggest that someone is experiencing a desire to leave behind challenging emotions or situations. They might be looking for a calmer and more stable emotional state. This could indicate a sense of hope for a better future and a willingness to move on from past struggles.
In a love reading, the Six of Swords could indicate that one or both individuals in the relationship are feeling the need to move beyond past conflicts. They might want to transition into a more harmonious and peaceful phase in the relationship. This can show that they are willing to put in the effort to overcome challenges together and work towards a more stable and positive connection.
If the Six of Swords represents how someone feels about you, they see you as a source of comfort and tranquility. They might perceive you as someone who offers them solace from the difficulties they’ve faced. They feel that being around you allows them to leave behind their troubles and find a temporary respite. It’s likely they appreciate your role in their life as someone who brings a sense of emotional healing and stability.
Six of Swords (Reversed) as Feelings
The Six of Swords reversed reveals a resistance to change and difficulty in letting go of past hurts or experiences. Someone might be feeling stuck in their current emotional state and finding it hard to move on. They could be grappling with unresolved issues which is preventing them from finding a sense of peace or relief. This reversal often appears when one is struggling with inner turmoil and might need support to navigate their emotions.
When it comes to love, the reversed Six of Swords could speak of challenges in the relationship that feel hard to move past. Feelings of resistance to change or difficulty in letting go of past conflicts could be prevalent. There’s a need for open communication and addressing unresolved issues before the relationship can progress. This reversal could imply that one or both partners might be holding onto emotional weight that’s impacting their ability to fully embrace the connection.
If someone feels the reversed Six of Swords about you, they might see you as someone who brings change or disruption into their life, which they might be struggling to accept. They could feel that being around you stirs up their unresolved issues or challenges their sense of stability. They might perceive you as a source of discomfort rather than relief. Alternatively, they might feel a sense of frustration about their inability to move on from certain emotional patterns when they interact with you.
Six of Swords: Yes or No
In a yes or no tarot reading, interpreting the Six of Swords in the upright position can suggest a “Yes,” but with the understanding that the process or situation might involve some challenges or transitions.
The Six of Swords represents moving away from difficulties and seeking a more peaceful state – so, while the answer might be “yes,” it could come with the caveat that there might be adjustments or changes needed to achieve the desired outcome. Seeing this card in your yes or no reading could signify that you’re on a path of gradual improvement or that you’re moving toward a better situation, even if it takes some time and effort.
Six of Swords (Reversed): Yes or No
In a yes or no tarot reading, the Six of Swords reversed would generally lean toward a “no” answer. When this card appears reversed, it often deals with resistance to change, unresolved issues, and difficulties in moving forward. Circumstances might not be conducive to a positive outcome or a clear path forward. There could be obstacles, emotional/mental blocks, or challenges that need to be addressed before a situation can progress in a favorable direction.
When you see the Six of Swords reversed in your yes or no reading, it likely indicates a “no”, or at least a significant amount of uncertainty or resistance surrounding the question at hand.
Key Takeaway
The Six of Swords tarot card embodies the essence of transition and moving forward. It’s about the importance of leaving behind challenging situations and seeking a more peaceful, stable state. This card encourages embracing change as a vital aspect of personal growth, even if it means departing from the familiar. Seeking guidance and support during this journey is essential, and while it may be uncomfortable to let go of the past, the card offers a message of hope for a brighter future. It signifies resolution of conflicts, emotional healing, and the opportunity to shape your own path.
In essence, the Six of Swords highlights the power of positive transformation and the potential for finding tranquility by moving on from difficulties.
And that concludes our exploration of the Six of Swords tarot card! To learn more about the Tarot, check out our Tarot Guide for Beginners, or explore the meanings of the rest of the cards!
DISCLAIMER:
Sage & Moon is a participant in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Any product we choose is based on personal recommendations that we love and trust you will too. By using these links you are directly supporting us to keep writing + creating. Thank you!
