Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Six of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright Meaning | Moving on, transition, change, leaving behind problems |
| Reversed Meaning | Resisting change, delayed progress, carrying emotional baggage |
| Astrology | Aquarius |
| Love | Moving away from difficult relationships, working through issues, new beginnings |
| Career | Changing jobs or career paths, relocation, new opportunities |
| Finances | Improvement, relief from financial struggles, getting back on track |
| Past | Overcoming challenges, learning from past experiences, moving on from past traumas |
| Present | Facing change, seeking stability and security, taking a break or a vacation |
| Future | Moving towards a better future, positive changes, leaving behind negativity |
The Six of Swords tarot card description
The Six of Swords tarot card is a complex image, with many different elements that come together to create its overall meaning. Here is a detailed description of the drawings and images on this card:
- Background: The Six of Swords is often depicted as a boat moving through rough waters, with the sky appearing cloudy and stormy.
- Swords: Six swords are shown on the card, typically arranged in a vertical line, with the hilts facing upwards. The swords represent conflict, difficulties, and challenges that must be overcome.
- Figures: On some versions of the card, there may be one or two figures shown in the boat. These figures represent the person for whom the card is being read, and the journey they are currently embarking on.
- Water: The rough waters depicted in the background symbolize the challenges and difficulties that the person is facing. The boat moving through the water represents their progress and movement toward a better future.
- Direction: The direction of the boat on the Six of Swords card can vary, but it is generally moving from left to right, symbolizing progress and movement forward.
In summary, the Six of Swords tarot card depicts a journey through difficult and challenging times but also suggests that progress is being made and a brighter future is ahead.
The Six of Swords card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Six of Swords tarot card are:
- Journey
- Progress
- Movement
- Transition
- Overcoming challenges
- Relief from difficulties
- Moving toward a better future
- Healing
- Letting go of the past
- Finding peace after strife
- Mental and emotional stability
Astrology of the Six of Swords card
In tarot, each card is often associated with one or more astrological signs or planets. The astrological significance of the Six of Swords is typically linked to the planet Mercury, which is associated with communication, travel, and movement.
In astrology, Mercury is known as the “winged messenger” and is associated with change, transition, and new beginnings. The Six of Swords, with its focus on journeys and movement, is therefore often linked to Mercury.
The Six of Swords can also be associated with the sign of Scorpio, which is associated with transformation and letting go of the past. This connection ties in with the theme of moving forward and finding peace after strife that is commonly associated with the Six of Swords.
It is important to note that the astrological associations with tarot cards can vary between different traditions and systems. While Mercury and Scorpio are commonly associated with the Six of Swords, other tarot practitioners may have different astrological associations for this card.
Upright Six of Swords tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Six of Swords card?
The upright Six of Swords tarot card represents a time of transition and movement away from difficulties towards a more stable and peaceful future. It signifies emotional healing, closure from past problems, and progress toward a better future.
The upright Six of Swords tarot card typically represents a time of transition and movement away from difficulties.
This card often signifies that the individual is leaving behind a difficult situation and heading toward a more stable and peaceful future. It represents a period of emotional healing and a chance to start fresh.
The boat and rough waters in the background of the card symbolize the challenges and difficulties that the individual has faced and overcome. The swords on the card represent the conflicts and hardships that the individual has faced, and the progress they have made in overcoming them.
The movement of the boat, from left to right, signifies progress and movement forward. The figures on the boat may represent the individual or aspects of their personality.
In a reading, the Six of Swords suggests that the individual is moving towards a better and more stable future. They are leaving behind a difficult period and finding peace after strife.
This card can also indicate that the individual is finding closure and letting go of past problems, allowing them to move forward and start anew.
Overall, the upright Six of Swords tarot card is a positive card, signaling a time of transition and progress. It offers hope and reassurance that brighter days are ahead and that the individual has the strength to overcome any challenges they may face.
Example upright Six of Swords reading
Kelsey hasn’t connected with playing the piano recently. She turns to the tarot for help and draws the upright Six of Swords. What does this mean?
If Kelsey draws the upright Six of Swords while seeking guidance regarding her connection with playing the piano, it can indicate that she is in a period of transition and moving away from her current difficulties with the instrument.
The card suggests that she is leaving behind any negative emotions or past experiences related to playing the piano and moving towards a more positive and harmonious connection with the instrument in the future.
It is a sign of emotional healing and a chance to start fresh with her relationship with playing the piano.
Reversed Six of Swords card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Six of Swords tarot card?
The reversed Six of Swords tarot card signifies difficulty and a lack of progress, indicating that the individual is feeling stuck and unable to move forward in a situation. It suggests that the individual may be holding onto the past, facing obstacles in their journey, and struggling to find closure and move towards a better future.
The reversed Six of Swords tarot card is a sign of difficulty and a lack of progress.
This card often signifies that the individual is feeling stuck and unable to move forward in a situation, whether it be emotional, mental, or physical. It may also indicate that the individual is holding onto the past and having difficulty letting go of past problems or negative experiences.
The reversed boat and the calm waters in the background of the card symbolize the lack of progress and the absence of movement. The swords on the card represent the conflicts and difficulties that the individual is facing, and the absence of progress in overcoming them.
In a reading, the reversed Six of Swords suggests that the individual is struggling to move forward and is facing obstacles in their journey toward a better future. They may be feeling trapped and unable to escape their current situation.
The card can also indicate that the individual is holding onto past problems, making it difficult for them to find closure and move forward.
Overall, the reversed Six of Swords tarot card is a negative card, signaling a lack of progress and difficulty in moving forward. It indicates that the individual may be feeling stuck and that they need to find a way to overcome their obstacles in order to make progress and find peace.
Example reversed Six of Swords reading
Margo is a famous author but feels unfulfilled. She does a tarot reading and draws the reversed Six of Swords. What does this mean?
If Margo draws the reversed Six of Swords while seeking guidance regarding her feelings of unfulfillment, it can indicate that she is facing difficulties in making progress and moving forward in her life.
The card suggests that she may be feeling stuck and unable to find fulfillment in her current situation, whether it be related to her writing or her personal life.
The reversed boat and the calm waters in the background of the card symbolize the lack of progress and the absence of movement. The swords on the card represent the conflicts and difficulties that Margo is facing, and the absence of progress in overcoming them.
In a reading, the reversed Six of Swords suggests that Margo is struggling to find fulfillment and is facing obstacles in her journey toward a better future. She may be feeling trapped and unable to escape her current situation.
The card can also indicate that Margo is holding onto past problems or negative experiences, making it difficult for her to find fulfillment and satisfaction in her life.
Meanings of the Six of Swords in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Six of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Six of Swords tarot meaning
In a love context, the Six of Swords tarot card can indicate a time of transition and movement toward a more stable and harmonious relationship.
If the card appears upright, it suggests that the individual is leaving behind any conflicts or difficulties in their current relationship and moving towards a more peaceful and loving future.
This can indicate that the couple is overcoming any obstacles in their relationship and finding a way to communicate and connect with each other more effectively.
The reversed Six of Swords, however, can indicate a lack of progress in the relationship and difficulties in communication and connection.
This card can suggest that the individual is feeling stuck and unable to move forward in their relationship, and may be holding onto past conflicts or negative experiences.
It can indicate a need for the couple to work through their difficulties and find a way to overcome any obstacles in order to move towards a more loving and harmonious relationship.
Career Six of Swords tarot meaning
In a career context, the Six of Swords tarot card can indicate a time of transition and movement toward a more stable and successful future.
If the card appears upright, it suggests that the individual is leaving behind any difficulties or challenges in their current career and moving towards a more prosperous and successful future.
This card can indicate that the individual is finding solutions to problems, overcoming obstacles, and making progress in their career.
The reversed Six of Swords, however, can indicate a lack of progress in the individual’s career and a feeling of being stuck.
This card can suggest that the individual is facing obstacles and difficulties in their current career, and may be holding onto past negative experiences. It can indicate a need for the individual to find a way to overcome these challenges in order to make progress and find success in their career.
The card can also suggest a need for the individual to let go of past experiences and focus on finding solutions to their current career problems.
Finances Six of Swords tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Six of Swords tarot card can indicate a time of transition and movement toward a more stable and secure financial future.
If the card appears upright, it suggests that the individual is leaving behind any financial difficulties or challenges and moving towards a more prosperous and secure future.
This card can indicate that the individual is finding solutions to financial problems, overcoming obstacles, and making progress in their financial situation.
The reversed Six of Swords, however, can indicate a lack of progress in the individual’s financial situation and a feeling of being stuck.
This card can suggest that the individual is facing financial obstacles and difficulties, and may be holding onto past negative experiences. It can indicate a need for the individual to find a way to overcome these challenges in order to make progress and achieve financial stability.
The card can also suggest a need for the individual to let go of past experiences and focus on finding solutions to their current financial problems.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Five of Swords card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.
Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.
Here is a new interpretation of the Six of Swords tarot card:
In a technological context, the Six of Swords tarot card indicates an innovative future.
If the card appears upright, it suggests that the individual is leaving behind any outdated technology or systems and moving towards more modern and advanced solutions.
This card can indicate that the individual is finding ways to overcome technological obstacles, adapting to new technology, and making progress in their use of technology.
The reversed Six of Swords, however, can indicate a lack of progress in the individual’s use of technology and a feeling of being stuck with outdated systems.
This card can suggest that the individual is facing technological obstacles and difficulties, and may be resistant to change and unwilling to adapt to new technology.
It can indicate a need for the individual to find a way to overcome these challenges in order to make progress and stay up-to-date with the latest technology. The card can also suggest a need for the individual to embrace change and be open to new and innovative solutions in their use of technology.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Five of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Seven of Swords card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
