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New to Tarot? Just pulled the Six of Swords? If the transitional Six of Swords was pulled out of your deck and you want to know what this means, keep reading!
The Six of Swords is letting you know that you are soon to take a journey or that you may be moving on from a situation that you’re currently in. The Six of Swords knows that there’s an end to every chapter, and now maybe that end.
The Six of Swords is about embracing change and looking to the future with optimism. Life is all about evolution and blooming into a new version of yourself. Once you allow yourself that space to evolve, leave the past behind in peace.
Want to know what else this card is wanting to share with you? Read on!
Key Facts
| Attribute | Description |
| Upright | Moving forward, traveling, transitioning, leaving something behind, moving on, taking initiative, journeying into the unknown |
| Reversed | Stagnation, resisting change, inability to move on, stasis, lack of direction, hesitation |
| Yes or No | Maybe, or move on |
| Numerology | 6 |
| Element | Water |
| Planet | Mercury in Aquarius, Saturn, Uranus |
| Astrological Sign | Aquarius |
Upright Meaning of The Six of Swords
The Six of Swords is all about moving on. This card encourages finding a balance between honoring the past and having faith in the future. There is likely a situation that is wrapping up, whether you want it to or not, and you don’t want to stay stagnant in the remains.
When the Six of Swords shows up, you might be dealing with themes of transition, change, and evolution. Be aware of who’s trying to hold you back or force you to remain the same because they’re not allowing you to grow.
Someone might be attempting to manipulate or deceive you into believing that progress would be negative for you, even if they secretly know it would be positive. Whether their intentions are deceptive or not, it’s important to do what’s right for yourself now.
This card also acknowledges that change is challenging, but it’s a constant nonetheless. After you’ve found your footing, this change is likely to be worth it and will teach you something new about yourself, so don’t fear the future!
The upright Six of Swords wants you to express your gratitude for everything and everyone who led you up to this place in your life, but also to know and accept that the sun has set on this time, place, and situation. It’s okay to move on.
| Upright Love Meaning | Upright Career Meaning | Upright Health Meaning |
| Moving on from past difficulties in relationships; seeking peace and healing | Transitioning to a new job or career path; leaving behind old challenges | Prioritize mental and emotional well-being; seek support during transitions |
Love and Relationships – Upright, The Six of Swords
In romantic readings, the upright Six of Swords indicates that a positive change in love is on the horizon for you. If you’re in a committed relationship, you may be moving toward a time of improvement and optimism, or you’ll move on to someone more suitable for you.
If you’re single, the upright Six of Swords wants to let you know that you should be open to new relationships when meeting potential lovers. The next person that you date might be the one for you, but they might also be like no one that you’ve ever dated before.
You might also need to self-reflect on whether you’ve been stagnant or moving on too quickly in love. Find a balance and let go of past hurts and grudges in order to improve your love life.
Career and Work – Upright, The Six of Swords
When you see the upright Six of Swords, you’re likely moving on from a place of emotional struggle or negativity toward a more positive and supportive place in your career. This could indicate a change in career or position, and this can improve your mental peace.
The Six of Swords could also suggest that you’ve been trying to make it work somewhere for a long time but that this career might not be the one for you. No matter how much you try to make it work, your skills and labor might be better put to use elsewhere.
This card is also asking you to let bygones be bygones when it comes to grudges or resentment in the workplace with coworkers, bosses, and customers. It’s hard to be the bigger person, but it’s worth it for you now.
Health and Wellness – Upright, The Six of Swords
When you see this card, there’s a promising message of healing being given. While this isn’t a guarantee that you are fully on the path to healing, it’s a very good sign that you’re out of the worst of it.
The Upright Six of Swords also might be asking you to leave negative habits behind so that you can move towards a path of recovery. At this time, you might be attached to this habit, but letting it go is what will actually help you to feel better.
Finally, this card could be asking you to find guidance or support from a professional, someone who can guide you away from where you are to the place that you want to be health-wise. Let t
Spiritual Context – Upright, The Six of Swords
In spirituality readings, the upright Six of Swords wants to let you know that you’re growing and progressing, finding a way to take new steps in your positivity and move toward a more peaceful spirit.
Engaging in self-reflection and a deeper understanding of your spiritual journey can help you to find the harmony that you’re seeking. Enlightenment often doesn’t take place in stagnancy, so be a little adventurous and have faith.
The Upright Six of Swords also reminds you to let go of negativity and denial in spiritual pursuits. Bringing grudges into the future is not what you want for yourself, and instead, it would be better to start with a blank slate.
The Six of Swords is transitional, faithful, and open to change instead of stubborn, stagnant, or negative.
Reversed Meaning of The Six of Swords
When you see the Six of Swords appear in reverse, you might be struggling with denial, stagnancy, or negative habits that are keeping you mired down in the past. It could even indicate that there are obstacles beyond your control that are preventing you from moving on.
Seeing this card reversed lets you know that you may need to be more self-aware and realize what situations need to end in your life. Identifying areas where you might be deceiving yourself or others is necessary now for forward progress.
You might be clinging to what’s familiar or your comfort zone, and while it can feel good at the moment, it’s almost impossible to achieve your farther-flung goals when you’re in your house all day. Do what actually serves your best interest.
The Six of Swords reversed might even indicate that you’re being reluctant to change or avoid progress by being negative or self-defeating. Don’t be the obstacle that keeps you from moving forward!
| Reversed Love Meaning | Reversed Career Meaning | Reversed Health Meaning |
| Emotional baggage or unwillingness to move forward in relationships | Feeling stuck or unable to progress in your career | Emotional stress affecting health; find ways to move forward and heal |
Love and Relationships – Reversed, The Six of Swords
In relationship readings, the reversed Six of Swords advises you to leave behind negative relationships and take steps toward getting out of negative mindsets. You may be living in stagnancy or hesitancy to change, and it is suffocating you emotionally.
The reversed Six of Swords urges you to find a stable and peaceful union, as a partner who adds to your peace rather than takes away from it is very important for you now. Be aware of the reality of your relationship, not what it is when your rose-colored glasses are on.
For those seeking new love, this card wants you to live in the present and not talk about your ex. Don’t be negative when meeting new people; be positive and open to what the new situations can bring. Additionally, be wary of repeating the same mistakes from the past.
Career and Work – Reversed, The Six of Swords
In career readings, the Six of Swords reversed might mean that you’re stuck in a difficult and unchanging career. You might not be making any plans to change it; you’re just allowing it to stress you out for not having enough money and then heading back the next day.
In the workplace, the reversed Six of Swords wants you to be brave enough to move on or to speak up so that changes will take place. It can be difficult to speak up and try to be the one who’s making changes, but it is worth it in the long run. Otherwise, you may need to move on.
Another indication here is that you’re mired in a grudge match with another person in your workplace, and this grudge needs to dissolve in order for you both to move forward. You don’t have to be the winner; just find a compromise and move on.
Health and Wellness – Reversed, The Six of Swords
When it comes to health, the reversed Six of Swords wants you to make changes for yourself and not wait for changes to happen magically. When you allow yourself to stay in negative habits and avoid change, then you’re setting yourself up for struggle.
The reversed Six of Swords warns you that you might be neglecting your health or ignoring instructions that would provide you with healing. Unhealthy habits or self-destructive behaviors have to go now; otherwise, you’re staying on a negative path.
This card is likely a wake-up call to move on from negative habits and relationships. When you’re stubborn or apathetic about moving on, you’re letting yourself down, so make the necessary lifestyle changes for yourself and the people you love.
Spiritual Context – Reversed, The Six of Swords
When the Six of Swords shows up in reverse in a spiritual reading, you are likely in a transitional period. You might be avoiding making a transition, keeping yourself in limbo, or you might be ignoring the negative spiritual path you’re on because it’s easier.
The reversed Six of Swords urges you to let go of past grudges, emotional wounds, or unhealed inner trauma. Whether you need to spend time in solitude or reach out to a professional, it’s going to be hard to move on without making these changes.
This card encourages you to pay attention to your spiritual life, emotional needs, or inner wounds that might be holding you back spiritually. Once you can forgive yourself and others, you’ll be able to move on and create a more peaceful spiritual existence.
When the Six of Swords is reversed, you’re being asked to move on, let go, and be free.
The Six of Swords: Yes or No
The Six of Swords is maybe letting you know that you need to move on from what you’re asking about. If you’re asking if you should move on, the answer is yes. If you’re asking if you should stay, it’s likely a no.
When negative situations have shown no sign of letting up or changing, it might be on you to make the changes that you’re seeking, and it’s letting you know that it won’t happen unless you make a change or that no change will take place, and you have to let go.
When you see this card appear in your yes or no reading, it’s important to self–reflect on what the situation actually is and what impact you can make on it by staying in the same situation. If there’s nothing you can do, it might be time to say goodbye.
When the Six of Swords is here, the answer is maybe, or that you need to move on.
The Six of Swords and Astrology
In astrology, the progressive, transitional Six of Swords is associated with Aquarius. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius also likes to take the road less traveled and embrace individuality like the Six of Swords.
The Six of Swords’s energy will likely feel more natural to you if you’re an Aquarius, and similarly, if you are an air sign, as Gemini will understand resourcefulness and initiative, while Libra will align with the desire to improve and balance.
The air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius will emotionally identify with the Six of Swords!
The Six of Swords and Numerology
In numerology, the Six of Swords is represented by the number 6. 6 represents harmony, generosity, and balance.
The number 6 is giving back to those who need it, so do what’s best for yourself and others. The number 6 is supportive and balanced and just wants the best for everyone involved. If the best thing is moving on, the Six of Swords can help make the hard decisions.
Responsibility, fairness, and warmth are key factors for the number 6, so dig deep and figure out what must be done to help you and the people around you.
Number 6 helps us to be kind to others as well as ourselves, as well as to be wise and balanced.
The Six of Swords as a Daily Card
When the Six of Swords shows up as your daily card, it brings a message of change and self–transformation. This card urges you to be open to moving on from the past as well as seeking new growth and self-discovery.
It serves as a reminder to trust yourself and your ability to navigate choppy emotional waters or venture out into the unknown. Have faith, and you’re much more likely to come out on top!
Don’t run away from your problems and find closure for negative situations if you can, but Let the Six of Swords be your guiding light as you sail into the future, reminding you to be optimistic and ready to see what life still holds for you on the other side.
The Six of Swords wants you to be willing to move on from negative situations and be optimistic about where you’re going.
The Six of Swords in Relation to Other Cards
All tarot cards have other cards in the major and minor arcana that back them up by complementing their energy, or that challenge them by contrasting their energy. Are you doubling down or finding a balance? Let’s find out!
- Six of Swords’s peaceful transition + The Tower’s chaotic upheaval = Leaving a turbulent situation behind, a transition that is a mixed bag
- Six of Swords’s journey + The Empress’s nurturing = A supported journey, a journey to a more abundant place
- Six of Swords’s ability to let go + The Hanged Man’s detachment = Letting go of the past, leading to spiritual growth
- Six of Swords’s optimism + Four of Cups’s apathy = A need to find the motivation to move forward and let go of the past
- Six of Swords’s transition + Judgement’s self-evaluation = Rebirth and transformation, evolving
Complementary Cards
When interpreting The Six of Swords in a Tarot reading, certain cards can provide additional context and depth to the overall message, such as The Tower symbolizing abrupt change or The Empress offering nurturing support during the transition.
These may include the:
- The Fool: The Six of Swords shares the optimism, new beginnings, and openness to change with the Fool
- The Star: The Six of Swords has the same optimism, healing energy, and faith as the Star
- The Eight of Cups: The Six of Swords has a shared transitional energy and openness to change that connects the Eight of Cups to it
- Justice: The Six of Swords shares a sense of fairness, balance, and resolution with Justice
- The Seven of Cups: The Six of Swords has a similar idealism, uncertainty, and desire for change like the Seven of Cups
Contrasting Cards
In a Tarot reading, contrasting cards surrounding The Six of Swords present varying viewpoints, granting valuable insights into potential challenges and conflicting energies that might influence the transitional journey depicted by the card.
These may include the:
- The Tower: The Six of Swords isn’t as chaotic or sudden as the Tower, warning of shocks or surprises or a need to transition more slowly
- The Chariot: The Six of Swords isn’t as in control or aware of where they’re going as the Chariot, indicating a need to balance faith and awareness
- The Four of Cups: The Six of Swords isn’t as apathetic or stagnant as The Four of Cups, indicating a need to be more involved in causing your life to change
- The Nine of Swords: The Six of Swords isn’t as despairing or anxious as the Nine of Swords, indicating a need to free yourself from worry and move on
- The Devil: The Six of Swords isn’t as attached or tempted into unhealthy patterns as the Devil, indicating a need to self-reflect and free yourself from negative habits or relationships
When the Six of Swords is with a complementary card, it might be telling you to go for it, but in a specific way! If a card in the Six of Swords is with a contrasting card, figure out what needs balancing out.
Conclusion
The Six of Swords wants you to be open to moving on and transitioning away from current situations and to leave the past in the past. This can be difficult, leaving behind everything you’ve known before to move on into uncertainty, but you must have faith.
Balance change and stasis, and seek growth with authenticity so that you’re neither moving nonstop nor stuck in the same place. Everything in life requires balance, and this card is no different.
The Six of Swords is waiting to help you move on from negative situations, find yourself, and prioritize peace and growth over stagnancy and stubbornness. It’s all on the horizon for you!
FAQ
What does the Six of Swords Tarot card symbolize?
The Six of Swords represents a journey of transition and moving away from difficulties towards a calmer and more peaceful future.
What does the boat in the Six of Swords Tarot card represent?
The boat symbolizes the means of transportation during the journey, signifying a transition from a troubled past to a more stable and harmonious future.
What does the presence of the swords in the Six of Swords Tarot card indicate?
The swords represent the challenges and conflicts that have been left behind, suggesting a period of healing and emotional growth.
What does the calm water in the Six of Swords Tarot card represent?
The calm water symbolizes emotional stability and tranquility, indicating a sense of peace and serenity after a period of turmoil.
What does the figure in the Six of Swords Tarot card represent?
The figure represents the seeker or the person undergoing the journey, suggesting a willingness to leave the past behind and embrace a new chapter in life.
Josephine has harbored a deep fascination for astrology and the zodiac since her childhood, a passion that has only intensified over the years. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge has transformed her into an avid student of astrological intricacies. With a penchant for deciphering birth charts and a keen interest in exploring the nuanced impact of celestial bodies on daily existence, Josephine has become a trusted guide for those seeking insight into their astrological profiles.
