Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Swords is the card of transition. You are leaving a difficult situation behind and moving towards calmer waters — slowly, perhaps sadly, but in the right direction.
- Upright
- transition · moving on · recovery · travel · calmer times
- Reversed
- stuck · resistance to change · unfinished business · delayed journey · carrying baggage
| Arcana | Minor Arcana, suit of Swords |
|---|---|
| Number | 6 |
| Correspondences | Element: Air. Astrology: Mercury in Aquarius. Number: 6. |
| Yes or no | Yes (upright), no (reversed) |
Symbolism of the card
A ferryman poles a small boat across the water. In it sit a woman wrapped in a cloak, head bowed, and a child pressed close to her. Six swords stand upright in the boat. On the right side the water is choppy; ahead, towards the far shore, it becomes smooth.
The boat carries people away from trouble towards a quieter place. The swords travel with them: thoughts and memories of the past are not left behind at once. The ferryman is help — a person, time or circumstances that carry us when we lack strength. The rough water becoming calm shows that the worst is behind.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Swords says you are moving out of a difficult period. It may be a literal move or journey, or an inner transition: leaving a painful relationship, a stressful job, a heavy state of mind. Things are not perfect yet, but they are getting better.
Accept help and keep going. You do not need to have forgotten everything to move on; you only need to keep the boat heading towards the calm shore.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the Six of Swords shows difficulty moving on: you may feel stuck, resist necessary change or carry too much of the past with you. A journey may be delayed or cancelled.
Ask yourself what keeps you on the troubled shore. Sometimes you must deal with unfinished business before you can leave.
Love and relationships
Upright
In love the Six of Swords points to moving past a difficult period: healing after a breakup, a couple overcoming a crisis together or a relationship moving to a calmer stage. It can also mean a long-distance move.
Reversed
Reversed, the card warns of being unable to let go of a past relationship or of problems that keep returning because they were not resolved.
Six of Swords as feelings
As feelings, the Six of Swords shows that this person is recovering from something painful and is looking for peace. They may want a calmer relationship with you.
Work and money
Upright
At work the Six of Swords favours a change of job, relocation or leaving a stressful environment for a calmer one. Financially, gradual improvement.
Reversed
Reversed, the card points to being stuck in a difficult job or delays in a planned move.
Health and wellbeing
The Six of Swords speaks of gradual recovery and the benefit of a change of scene. Reversed, it may mean slow progress. Consult a doctor about any health concern.
Yes or no
Yes (upright) · No (reversed)
Upright, the Six of Swords answers yes, step by step: things are improving. Reversed, the answer is no for now — you are still stuck.
Six of Swords as advice
Leave the troubled waters behind and accept help on the way. You do not have to be fully healed to move on.
As the card of the day
A day for moving forward and leaving worries behind. A trip or a change of scene would help.
Combinations with other cards
-
Six of Swords + Eight of Cups
The Six of Swords with the Eight of Cups: leaving behind what no longer works.
-
Six of Swords + Three of Wands
The Six of Swords with the Three of Wands: travel abroad or a move.
-
Six of Swords + The Star
The Six of Swords with the Star: recovery and hope after hard times.
-
Six of Swords + Temperance
The Six of Swords with Temperance: gradual healing and calm.
Questions about the card
Does the Six of Swords mean travel?
Often, yes: a journey over water, a move or relocation.
What does the Six of Swords mean in love?
Moving on after difficulties, healing or a relationship becoming calmer.
What does the reversed Six of Swords mean?
Feeling stuck, resisting change or carrying unresolved issues.