Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
- Change
- Journey
- Letting Go
Reversed Keywords
- Stuck
- Resistance to Change
- Holding On
The Six of Swords symbolises change and a journey to a better place. It suggests letting go of unhelpful baggage and moving on from the past. This card indicates a need to release what is holding you back. Reversed, it can indicate being stuck or resisting change.
Six of Swords Imagery and Symbolism
The Six of Swords in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck represents transition, moving on, and leaving difficulties behind. Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork depicts a boat carrying a cloaked figure and a child across a body of water, steered by a guide. The six swords standing in the boat symbolise the baggage of past experiences, suggesting that while the journey forward is necessary, the weight of past struggles may still be present.
The water behind the boat is choppy, representing past difficulties, while the water ahead is calmer, signifying hope and relief. The figure’s head is covered, which can suggest grief or a sense of loss as they move away from their past. The child nestles close, seeking comfort and security, reinforcing the theme of finding refuge after hardship. The person steering the boat serves as a guide, showing that help and support are available in times of transition.
Across different tarot decks, the Six of Swords consistently symbolises a necessary journey—whether physical, emotional, or mental. It reminds us that even though moving forward may bring sadness, it also leads to healing and better opportunities. This card encourages embracing change with the knowledge that calmer waters lie ahead.
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Change
The Six of Swords represents change, highlighting a transition from a difficult situation to a more positive one. This card suggests that you are moving away from challenges and towards a better, more hopeful future. It encourages you to embrace this change and to trust that the journey ahead will lead to improvement and growth. The Six of Swords reminds you that change, though sometimes unsettling, is necessary for progress. Their energy supports you in navigating this transition with confidence and grace, knowing that better times are ahead.
Journey
A journey is at the heart of the Six of Swords’ message. This card signifies a physical, emotional, or spiritual journey towards healing and clarity. It suggests that you are leaving behind the turmoil of the past and embarking on a new path that promises peace and resolution. The Six of Swords encourages you to look forward with optimism and to be open to the experiences and lessons this journey will bring. Their energy helps you to stay focused on your destination, trusting that this journey is essential for your well-being and growth.
Letting Go
The Six of Swords also highlights the importance of letting go. This card suggests that you need to release unhelpful baggage and old patterns that are holding you back. It encourages you to let go of past hurts, regrets, and fears, making space for new opportunities and growth. The Six of Swords reminds you that holding on to the past can hinder your progress and that letting go is a powerful step towards healing. Their energy supports you in releasing what no longer serves you and in moving forward with a lighter heart.
Six of Swords Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In a love and relationships reading, the Six of Swords symbolises moving away from conflict or difficult times, suggesting that healing and peace are on the horizon. This card indicates a period of emotional recovery or a willingness to leave behind past issues. The Six of Swords in love readings encourages you and your partner to embrace a fresh start, focusing on understanding and harmony. Its energy reminds you to move forward with compassion, letting go of past hurts to strengthen your connection.
Six of Swords Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
In self-care readings, the Six of Swords represents the importance of emotional distance and creating space to heal. This card suggests that removing yourself from stress or past issues can bring clarity and peace. The Six of Swords in self-care encourages you to release what no longer serves you, moving toward a calmer, more balanced state. Its energy supports a gentle approach to healing, reminding you that self-care often requires a journey toward inner peace.
Six of Swords Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity readings, the Six of Swords symbolises progress, transition, and moving toward new goals or projects. This card suggests that you may be leaving behind a challenging period or changing direction in your career. The Six of Swords in career readings encourages you to stay focused on your goals, using past experiences as lessons to guide you forward. Its energy supports steady advancement, helping you to embrace new opportunities with a clear and determined mindset.
Six of Swords Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In shadow work, the Six of Swords represents releasing past trauma, negative experiences, or limiting beliefs that hinder your peace. This card suggests that moving beyond these patterns can bring emotional freedom. The Six of Swords in shadow work encourages gentle exploration, allowing you to process and release what no longer serves you. Its energy supports healing and self-compassion, helping you to create inner harmony by leaving behind old wounds.
Explore the transformative energy of Six of Swords in your own life. Book a tarot reading with me.
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Stuck
When the Six of Swords appears reversed, it can indicate a sense of being stuck. This card suggests that you may be struggling to move forward, feeling trapped in your current situation. It’s a call to examine what is keeping you stuck and to seek ways to break free. The reversed Six of Swords encourages you to identify the barriers to your progress and to take steps to overcome them. Their energy helps you to find the determination and courage to move past stagnation and to embrace the journey ahead.
Resistance to Change
Reversed, the Six of Swords can signify resistance to change. This card suggests that you may be hesitant to leave behind familiar but unhelpful situations, fearing the uncertainty of change. It’s a reminder that resisting change can prevent growth and keep you from reaching your full potential. The reversed Six of Swords urges you to confront your fears and to embrace the changes necessary for your well-being. Their energy supports you in overcoming resistance and in welcoming new beginnings with an open mind and heart.
Holding On
The reversed Six of Swords highlights the theme of holding on, indicating that you may be clinging to the past or to situations that are no longer beneficial. This card suggests that letting go is necessary for your progress, and that holding on is causing more harm than good. It’s a call to release your grip on the past and to trust in the process of change. The reversed Six of Swords encourages you to let go of old patterns, relationships, or beliefs that are holding you back. Their energy helps you to find the strength to release what no longer serves you and to move forward towards a brighter future.
Struggling with the themes of Six of Swords? A tarot reading with me can offer perspective.
Six of Swords Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In a reversed love reading, the Six of Swords may indicate difficulty in leaving past issues behind or feeling trapped by unresolved conflicts. This card suggests that lingering hurts or resentments may be holding back growth in the relationship. The reversed Six of Swords in love readings encourages open communication and patience, helping both partners find closure. Its energy supports moving through difficulties together, allowing for healing and renewed closeness.
If Six of Swords feels relevant to your love life, a tarot reading with me could bring clarity.
Six of Swords Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
Reversed, the Six of Swords in self-care readings may indicate a struggle to let go of past hurts or patterns that weigh you down. This card suggests that you may be holding onto thoughts or behaviours that hinder healing. The reversed Six of Swords encourages you to confront these barriers, allowing yourself to embrace change and renewal. Its energy supports moving past emotional blocks, helping you to create a healthier mindset and environment.
Feeling stuck in the energy of Six of Swords? A tarot reading with me might help you move forward.
Six of Swords Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
In shadow work, the Six of Swords represents releasing past trauma, negative experiences, or limiting beliefs that hinder your peace. This card suggests that moving beyond these patterns can bring emotional freedom. The Six of Swords in shadow work encourages gentle exploration, allowing you to process and release what no longer serves you. Its energy supports healing and self-compassion, helping you to create inner harmony by leaving behind old wounds.
Six of Swords Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed in shadow work, the Six of Swords may indicate difficulty in letting go of past pains or beliefs that keep you feeling stagnant. This card suggests that unresolved issues may be blocking your path to growth. The reversed Six of Swords encourages you to face these barriers with patience and care, guiding you toward a path of release and renewal. Its energy supports overcoming resistance, helping you find peace as you move forward on your journey.
Facing challenges linked to Six of Swords? A tarot reading with me can help you work through them.
Six of Swords: Harmony and Recovery
Sixes in tarot symbolise harmony, recovery, and moving forward. They often indicate a period of reconciliation and balance after a time of conflict. Sixes encourage you to restore equilibrium in your life and relationships, focusing on healing and moving towards a more harmonious state.
Six of Swords: Intellect and Communication
The Suit of Swords represents the realm of intellect, communication, and conflict resolution. It emphasises the power of thoughts and words, urging you to engage in critical thinking and effective communication. Swords deal with internal and external conflicts, pushing you to make tough choices with honesty and integrity.
Six of Swords in the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana encompasses the everyday moments, emotions, and actions that shape our lives. This 56-card section is divided into four suits: Pentacles, Cups, Wands, and Swords. Each represents a different energy or aspect of life. Unlike the Major Arcana, which focuses on grand spiritual journeys, the Minor Arcana offers a more grounded perspective, dealing with the practicalities of daily existence.
Through these suits, you explore personal growth, relationships, and material success. The Minor Arcana provides a framework for navigating life’s complexities, offering insights into the ups and downs we all face. As you journey through this section, remember to connect with the themes in a way that resonates with your unique path.
Six of Swords and the Element of Air
Six of Swords is aligned with the element of Air, representing thought, intellect, and the realm of ideas. Air flows with clarity and curiosity, encouraging exploration of the mind and the pursuit of truth. This element speaks to communication, imagination, and the ability to see with new perspectives. Air reminds us of the power of thoughts and words, inspiring us to seek knowledge, express ourselves, and understand the world through insight and logic.
Six of Swords Journalling Prompts
What thoughts or patterns am I holding onto, and how can releasing them bring me peace?
Where in my life do I need to create space for healing and growth?
How can I embrace change and move toward a calmer, more balanced state?
Frequently Asked Questions about Six of Swords
What does Six of Swords mean in a tarot reading?
Six of Swords symbolises transition, healing, and the journey toward a more peaceful and stable future. It often appears when you’re moving away from difficulty or making changes to improve your circumstances. This card reminds you to trust in the process of moving forward, even when it feels uncertain or challenging. In readings, the Six of Swords encourages you to embrace hope and focus on creating a better path ahead.
Is Six of Swords a yes or no card?
Six of Swords leans towards a yes, representing transition, healing, and moving forward. In tarot for life changes or navigating transitions, it highlights the importance of embracing transformation and seeking new opportunities. This card is significant in guidance tarot or decision-making tarot, encouraging you to find clarity for choices and focus on progress. In intuitive readings, the Six of Swords offers insight into trusting your inner voice and discovering your path.
What is the role of the Six of Swords in the tarot deck?
Six of Swords embodies transition, healing, and forward movement, offering insights for life transitions or navigating gender identity. It supports uncovering your purpose and fostering clarity with empowerment tarot or guidance tarot. The Six of Swords fosters personal empowerment, aligning with transformation with tarot and clarity for choices. This card inspires you to leave challenges behind and embrace positive change.
What does the Six of Swords symbolise?
The Six of Swords symbolises transition and hope. In the imagery on the Rider-Waite-Smith version of the card, the figures in the boat represent a journey away from turbulent waters toward calmer seas. The standing swords suggest lingering thoughts from the past being carried into the future.
What does Six of Swords suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
Six of Swords suggests that life’s challenges can be navigated through transition, moving away from difficult situations, and finding peace. Whether you're recovering from burnout or going through a major change, this card offers support in letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. It aligns with tarot for transitions and navigating change, guiding you through the process of moving forward and finding a sense of calm. The Six of Swords reminds you that moving on from what no longer serves you is essential in overcoming life’s struggles.
Is Six of Swords a positive or negative card?
Six of Swords is typically a positive card, symbolising transition, movement, and leaving behind difficulties. It represents the journey from a difficult situation to a calmer, more peaceful one, making it helpful in navigating burnout recovery or life changes. The Six of Swords encourages you to move forward and let go of what no longer serves you. In tarot for life changes, it suggests that you’re on the right path toward a brighter future.
How does Six of Swords align with themes of personal growth?
Six of Swords represents transition, moving on, and finding peace after turmoil. If you're navigating a difficult time in your life or career, this card offers hope for a smoother journey ahead. Tarot for life changes or life path readings can help guide you through transitions, providing clarity and support as you move forward into a new phase of your life.
What are some other names for Six of Swords?
Other names for Six of Swords include Six of Spades and The Lord of Earned Success in the Thoth Tarot, emphasising transition and intellectual growth. Elemental decks may use Six of Air to reflect mental clarity through movement. The Thoth highlights progress through effort.
What other tarot cards often appear with Six of Swords?
Six of Swords complements The Star, focusing on hope and transitions. Temperance adds balance during recovery, while The Hermit supports introspection. Strength reinforces resilience in moving forward, and The Moon highlights intuitive journeys.
How can Six of Swords guide me in transitioning to a better path?
Six of Swords guides you in transitioning to a better path by encouraging hope and resilience. It reminds you to leave behind what no longer serves you and move forward with intention. This card is ideal for navigating life changes, healing journeys, or personal growth. By working with the Six of Swords, you can embrace new opportunities and smoother waters. Its energy supports renewal and progress.
