loader

Six of Swords Tarot Card Meanings: Guidance for Love, Career & More

Six of Swords

Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Six of Swords Keywords

Transition, journey, escape, recovery, moving on, travel, calm after a storm, rite of passage, mental clarity.

Six of Swords Description

The Six of Swords shows a figure, often cloaked, steering a boat across a body of water towards a distant shore. Accompanying the figure are typically one or two passengers, sometimes seen as shadows or silhouettes, suggesting a sense of anonymity or universality in their experiences. The water on one side of the boat is often choppy, representing the turmoil they are leaving behind, while the water on the other side is calm and smooth, symbolizing the peace they are moving towards. The swords placed upright in the boat hint at the mental and communicative actions that have led to this moment of transition; they are baggage, yes, but they have served their purpose and they are no longer wielded, just carried.

It's a powerful image – a snapshot of a moment when one has made the decision to leave behind a difficult situation in search of something better, even if that 'better' is unknown. The card encapsulates the human experience of knowing when to move on – whether it's from a job, a relationship, or a phase of life. It's about accepting the need for change and the sometimes challenging journey towards healing and new beginnings.

As a professional writer on Tarot, I must say that this card always fascinates me with its layers of meaning and rich symbolism. It's a card that speaks less to specific events and more to the mental and emotional process of dealing with change – making it an incredibly relatable and deeply human card in the Tarot deck.

Six of Swords Upright

General Upright Meaning and Advice

When the Six of Swords appears upright in a Tarot reading, it often signals a period of transition, implying that it's time to leave behind what no longer serves you. The advice here is to embrace change, even if it means venturing into unfamiliar territory. There's a need for a clear-headed approach to the problems you face, and the card encourages rational thinking and the seeking of peace.

Upright Love and Relationship Meaning

In the context of love and relationships, the Six of Swords may suggest a necessary shift. For those in a partnership, it could mean moving past difficulties and finding a new way of understanding each other. If you're single, it might indicate letting go of past relationships and opening your heart to new possibilities. The journey towards a harmonious relationship can be a mental one, where clear communication paves the way to smoother waters.

Upright Career Meaning

Career-wise, the Six of Swords could signify transitioning to a new job or career path that aligns better with your long-term goals. It could also suggest that you're moving away from office conflicts or seeking solutions that will bring a more peaceful work environment. The card advises you to navigate through these changes strategically.

Upright Finances Meaning

Financially, the Six of Swords upright points to recovery from previous monetary struggles. It's a time to make sound financial decisions that will lead to more stable ground. The journey to financial stability may require leaving behind risky investments or spending habits.

Upright Health Meaning

Health-wise, this card suggests a period of recuperation and healing. If you've been facing health challenges, you might be transitioning into a phase of better health or finding treatments that provide relief. It's a reminder to maintain a positive mindset and to continue moving forward in your health journey.

Upright Past, Present, and Future

Considering the past, present, and future, the Six of Swords upright speaks of lessons learned and the wisdom gained. In the present, it advises calm navigation through current challenges. As for the future, it heralds smoother sailing if you maintain your course and keep your mental clarity.

Upright As a Person

As a person, someone represented by the Six of Swords might be in a phase of life where they are seeking peace and resolution. They are likely to be thoughtful, introspective, and possibly on the cusp of personal transformation. They value serenity and are often seen as a calming presence.

Upright Feelings and Intentions

The feelings and intentions denoted by the Six of Swords upright are ones of resolution and the desire for tranquility. There's an underlying intention to resolve conflicts and to move towards a more peaceful state of being.

Upright Action

In terms of action, the Six of Swords upright encourages deliberate and thoughtful moves towards improvement. It's about making the necessary adjustments to align with your true path and finding the smoothest route to your goals.

Upright Friendship

In friendship, the Six of Swords suggests moving on from friendships that have become tumultuous or no longer contribute positively to your life. It indicates a time for healing in friendships and possibly finding new social circles that support your growth.

Upright As a Message

As a message, the Six of Swords upright is clear: progress is on the horizon. The card communicates that it's time to leave troubles behind and seek a more peaceful and fulfilling direction.

Upright Zodiac Sign Influences

Astrologically, the Six of Swords may be influenced by air signs like Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, which are associated with thought, communication, and social relationships. These signs' ability to adapt and their intellectual approach can be seen in the card's themes of transition and movement towards harmony.

Six of Swords Reversed

General Reversed Meaning and Advice

When the Six of Swords is drawn reversed, it reflects resistance to change, stagnation, or an inability to move away from negative circumstances. The advice here is to address what is holding you back and to be honest about whether your reluctance to transition is rooted in fear or practicality. It's a nudge to reconsider the paths you're avoiding and why.

Reversed Love and Relationship Meaning

In love and relationships, the Six of Swords reversed might indicate that you are stuck in an unhealthy dynamic or unable to leave a relationship that has run its course. It can also suggest unresolved issues resurfacing. The card advises reflection on your relationship's direction and whether it's time to seek counsel or closure.

Reversed Career Meaning

Career-wise, this reversal may signify feeling trapped in your current job or profession, perhaps due to insecurity or a lack of opportunities to advance. It could be a signal to reassess your career goals and the steps you're taking (or not taking) to achieve them.

Reversed Finances Meaning

Financially, the Six of Swords reversed warns of potential setbacks or repeating old patterns that led to financial trouble before. It's a reminder to break the cycle and to consider seeking advice to navigate through the troubled financial waters.

Reversed Health Meaning

In terms of health, the card reversed could be pointing to a relapse or challenges in finding the right treatment. It encourages you to seek second opinions or alternative therapies that might offer the progress you're searching for.

Reversed Past, Present, and Future

Looking at the past, present, and future, the Six of Swords reversed suggests that past issues are impeding your progress. In the present, it calls for introspection and a pivot in strategy to overcome current obstacles. For the future, it indicates that progress is still possible, but only if you address the issues at hand.

Reversed As a Person

Representing a person, the Six of Swords reversed could symbolize someone who is struggling to move forward or let go of their past. This person may be prone to rumination or unable to find the mental space to plan for a better future.

Reversed Feelings and Intentions

The feelings and intentions behind the Six of Swords reversed can be frustration and a desire to progress, but with a sense of being emotionally or mentally anchored to the spot. It's a conflict between wanting to move forward and feeling incapable of doing so.

Reversed Action

Reversed action in the context of the Six of Swords suggests inaction or improper actions that don't lead to resolution or improvement. It's a call to re-evaluate and adjust your actions to ensure they align with your desired direction.

Reversed Friendship

When it comes to friendships, the reversed Six of Swords may indicate clinging to connections that have become detrimental or are no longer fulfilling. It's a sign to consider the quality of your friendships and whether they are contributing to or detracting from your well-being.

Reversed As a Message

As a message, the Six of Swords reversed is telling you that you may be avoiding the necessary steps to find peace. It's a reminder that while the journey might be daunting, stagnation can be more detrimental in the long run.

Reversed Zodiac Sign Influences

The influences of zodiac signs on the reversed Six of Swords may reflect the shadow sides of air signs' traits: overthinking to the point of inaction, indecisiveness, and being disconnected from one's emotions. These traits can hinder the progress that the upright card promises.

Six of Swords: Yes or No

The Six of Swords in a 'Yes or No' reading can be somewhat ambiguous due to its nature of transition and movement. Generally, it leans towards a 'yes,' suggesting that movement or change is the path forward. If you're asking about making a change, letting go, or moving forward in a situation, the Six of Swords would point towards an affirmative—encouraging progress and the pursuit of better conditions. However, the card's essence of transition also carries a reminder to do so with mindfulness and preparation. It's not just about the destination, but also about the journey and the wisdom that comes with it.

When reversed, the answer might be a 'no,' or at least a caution to wait. It suggests that there may be unresolved issues that need your attention before you can confidently move ahead. It's a signal to pause and reflect on what is keeping you in a stagnant position, and whether pushing forward without addressing these issues would be beneficial in the long run.

As with any Tarot reading, the context in which the question is asked plays a crucial role in interpreting the card's advice. The Six of Swords reminds us that transitions are complex and require a mixture of heart, head, and spirit to navigate successfully.

Six of Swords in Love

Six of Swords in Love

Upright Love Meaning

In the realm of love, the Six of Swords upright suggests a phase of mutual growth and moving forward together. For couples, it might indicate overcoming past difficulties and sailing towards a more stable and understanding relationship. It's about navigating through rough emotional waters to find clarity and peace. The card can also symbolize a relationship that helps you transition into a better phase of life, providing support and a sense of direction.

Reversed Love Meaning

The reversed Six of Swords in a love context often highlights stagnation or a reluctance to address underlying issues. For those in relationships, it could suggest being stuck in a rut, where old arguments and issues keep resurfacing without any resolution. It's a call to really communicate and possibly seek help if the two of you are to move forward. For singles, it may represent an inability to move on from past heartbreak, which needs to be addressed to welcome new love.

How Someone Sees You in Love

When considering how someone sees you in love, the Six of Swords might indicate that they view you as a guiding force towards a more positive and stable future. You may be perceived as someone who is willing to work through issues and who values progress in a relationship. On the flip side, if the card is reflecting challenges, they might feel that you're distant or emotionally unavailable, as if you're both on the same boat but looking out at different horizons, unsure of how to bridge the gap.

Six of Swords in Career

Upright Career Meaning

The upright Six of Swords can signify a period of change in your career that is driven by a desire for betterment. It may represent a literal transition, such as a move to a new company or a different industry, or a metaphorical one, such as adopting a new approach to your current job. This card can also indicate travel related to work or the learning of new skills that will aid in your professional journey.

Reversed Career Meaning

Reversed, the Six of Swords suggests career challenges that are not being adequately addressed. You might feel as though you are adrift in your current role, lacking direction or purpose. There's a possibility that fear or complacency is preventing you from making necessary changes. It can also point to a return to old jobs or habits that do not serve your highest aspirations.

Career Advice

As career advice, the Six of Swords encourages you to reflect on your professional path. Assess whether you are moving towards your goals or if you're stuck in a safe but unsatisfying position. It advises the courage to make changes if they're needed and the wisdom to navigate these changes with foresight and planning. If you're facing a difficult work environment, seek resolution and communicate clearly. Embrace the journey of your career as an evolution, and don't shy away from the transitions that are essential for growth.

Six of Swords in Finances

Upright Financial Meaning

The Six of Swords appearing upright in a financial context often signals a recovery or a move towards a more stable financial state. It could indicate leaving behind unstable financial conditions and progressing towards security. This card might also represent the need for strategic planning and seeking knowledge to navigate financial waters more effectively. It's about making the journey from turbulent to calm seas in your financial life.

Reversed Financial Meaning

When the Six of Swords is reversed in terms of finances, it suggests that there may be a reluctance to change poor financial habits or an inability to escape a difficult financial situation. This position might be a result of avoiding confronting financial realities or procrastinating on taking steps to improve your financial health. It could also warn against returning to risky financial behaviors that have caused trouble in the past.

Financial Advice

Financial advice from the Six of Swords entails a careful and considered approach to money matters. It's about charting a course towards fiscal stability with deliberate actions. Take time to analyze your financial situation, perhaps with professional help, and create a plan that will lead to long-term prosperity. Remember, just as a boat doesn't change course instantly, financial transitions require time and patience. Be willing to let go of what hasn't worked and steer towards a more promising horizon.

Six of Swords in Health

Upright Health Meaning

The appearance of the Six of Swords in an upright position concerning health may symbolize a period of convalescence and recovery. It suggests that you are moving away from illness or emotional turmoil and towards a phase of better health and stability. This card can also indicate that your mental state is improving, leading to less stress and better overall well-being. It's a reminder that healing is a journey, and you are on the right path to a healthier life.

Reversed Health Meaning

When the Six of Swords is reversed in a health context, it may suggest setbacks or delays in recovery. It could indicate that you are struggling to find the right treatment or that there are mental blocks impeding your healing process. This position calls attention to the need to address underlying issues, whether they are psychological or lifestyle-related, that are affecting your health.

Health Advice

As health advice, the Six of Swords encourages a proactive approach to your well-being. It emphasizes the importance of mental health in your healing journey and the need to seek peace of mind. If you're facing health challenges, consider different perspectives and treatments. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition, and remember that moving towards wellness is a process that often requires you to leave behind unhealthy habits or thought patterns.

Six of Swords in Relationships

Upright Relationship Meaning

The Six of Swords in its upright position can denote a time of healing and moving forward within relationships. It's about transitioning from a place of discord to understanding and harmony. This card suggests that any conflicts or difficulties you've encountered in your relationships are being left behind as you journey towards a more peaceful and stable connection with others. It encourages honest communication and mutual support as key components to traversing any rough patches you may face together.

Reversed Relationship Meaning

In the reversed position, the Six of Swords indicates that relationships may be experiencing stagnation or an inability to progress past certain issues. It could represent a period where the same problems keep reoccurring, preventing growth and causing frustration. This card is a reminder to examine what is holding the relationship back and to address these issues head-on. There might be a need for external help or a fresh approach to old problems.

Relationship Advice

As relationship advice, the Six of Swords counsels patience and thoughtful action. Whether you're navigating through calm or choppy waters, the key is to keep moving forward and to not lose sight of the potential for improvement and growth. Remember, relationships are journeys in themselves, and they require both parties to contribute to steering the ship. Reflect on your destination as a partnership and make the necessary adjustments to ensure you both reach it together.

Six of Swords in Friendships

Six of Swords in Friendships

Upright Friendship Meaning

When the Six of Swords appears upright in the context of friendships, it suggests a positive transition or evolution of your social connections. This might be a time when you and your friends support each other through changes, or it could indicate that you are moving into new social circles that align more closely with your current path in life. It's a card that reflects growth and the mutual understanding that friendships can evolve, just like individuals do.

Reversed Friendship Meaning

A reversed Six of Swords in the realm of friendships may point to a reluctance to let go of friendships that are no longer beneficial or are possibly even harmful. There might be a sense of being stuck in the past with certain friends, unable to move forward to new and more fulfilling connections. It's important to consider whether your friendships are allowing for mutual growth or holding you back from it.

Friendship Advice

The Six of Swords offers the advice to be open to the natural ebb and flow of friendships. Just as you grow and change, so too will your relationships with friends. Evaluate your friendships with clarity and honesty, and don't be afraid to set sail toward new horizons if that's what's needed. Sometimes, part of the journey is learning when to part ways and when to form new bonds. True friendships will weather the journey and adapt to new seas, becoming stronger for it.

Six of Swords and Zodiac Signs

Upright Zodiac Meaning

In the context of zodiac signs, the upright Six of Swords can be associated with the intellectual and analytical qualities of air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. This card's energy resonates with the air element's focus on communication, balance, and the ability to navigate change with grace and thoughtfulness. Those under these signs might find themselves naturally adept at handling transitions and using their innate social and intellectual skills to smooth the way both for themselves and for others.

Reversed Zodiac Meaning

Conversely, when the Six of Swords appears reversed, it may indicate that the less desirable traits of the air signs are at play. This could manifest as indecisiveness, overthinking, or a disconnection from one's emotions, which can create challenges when dealing with necessary changes. It suggests a time when it's important for those influenced by air signs to become more grounded and to integrate more of the water element's intuition and emotional awareness to effectively navigate through life's transitions.

Six of Swords as a Person

Upright Personality Traits

When the Six of Swords manifests as a person in its upright position, it represents someone who embodies transition and the pursuit of a better state of being. This individual is likely to be seen as a calm and rational presence, someone who approaches challenges with a clear mind and a steady hand. They're often the mediator in conflicts, the one who can navigate complex emotional waters with grace. Their ability to communicate effectively and think strategically makes them valuable in crisis situations, and they often help others find their way through difficult times.

Reversed Personality Traits

On the flip side, the Six of Swords reversed as a person might indicate someone who is resistant to change or unable to move past their own internal struggles. They might be stuck in old ways of thinking or be unable to let go of past hurts, which can manifest as a feeling of being emotionally or mentally trapped. This person may overthink decisions to the point of inaction and struggle with effectively communicating their needs or understanding others'. They may benefit from introspection and learning to trust the process of change.

Six of Swords as Advice

Upright Advice

The Six of Swords as advice in the upright position suggests that now may be the time to move on from situations that are no longer serving your highest good. It calls for a strategic approach to the problems you face and an emphasis on clear communication. You are encouraged to seek mental clarity and to make decisions that will lead you to a calmer and more stable future. It's about recognizing when a chapter in your life has concluded and having the courage to turn the page.

Reversed Advice

Reversed, the Six of Swords advises you to consider what issues or fears are preventing you from progressing. It warns against the temptation to revert to old habits or to avoid confronting difficult truths. The advice here is to face what is holding you back directly, even if it requires seeking help or making uncomfortable changes. It's about finding the courage within to address the stagnation and to commit to the necessary steps that will allow you to move forward.

Six of Swords Actions

Upright Actions

When considering the actions suggested by the upright Six of Swords, think about moving with purpose and intention towards betterment. This might involve physical actions such as relocating or traveling for personal growth or seeking new opportunities. It also encompasses mental and emotional actions, like finding resolutions to ongoing conflicts or choosing to leave behind negative thought patterns. The card encourages taking steps that promote healing and progress, and the willingness to navigate through change with a clear vision of where you want to go.

Reversed Actions

Reversed Six of Swords actions can imply that instead of moving forward, you might be engaging in behaviors that keep you anchored in place. These could range from procrastination to outright refusal to address necessary changes. The card calls for reflection on why you might be resisting movement and to consciously choose to take steps—even small ones—towards resolution and progress. It may be time to stop circling the same issues and chart a new course that leads away from turbulent waters and towards a more peaceful state of being.

Six of Swords Intentions and Feelings

Upright Intentions and Feelings

The Six of Swords in its upright position reflects intentions and feelings of progress and resolution. It indicates a desire to move forward from past difficulties and to find a more peaceful state of existence. This card can signify someone who, with good intentions, seeks to resolve conflicts and create a harmonious environment. The feelings associated with this card are often those of relief and hope as one embarks on a new chapter, leaving behind the turbulent emotions of previous experiences.

Reversed Intentions and Feelings

In contrast, the reversed Six of Swords suggests intentions and feelings that are mired in resistance to change. There may be a reluctance to let go of past hurt or a fear of what lies ahead, causing a stagnation in emotional growth. The intentions might be to move forward, but the feelings of doubt and uncertainty can create a dissonance that hampers progress. This card invites a deeper look into one's emotions and to explore the undercurrents that are holding back the journey towards a more positive future.

Six of Swords: How Someone Sees You

Upright Perception

If someone sees you through the lens of the upright Six of Swords, they likely perceive you as someone who is transitioning towards something better or as an individual who handles changes with poise and thoughtfulness. They may view you as a calm and composed navigator through life's ups and downs, someone who is willing to leave behind the negative to seek out more peaceful and fruitful shores. Your ability to move forward with clarity and purpose commands respect and can be seen as inspirational.

Reversed Perception

When the Six of Swords is reversed, someone's perception of you might be that you are stuck or hesitant to move forward. They could see you as someone who is bogged down by past issues or unable to let go of baggage that hinders your journey. This perception may come from a place of concern, as they witness your struggles with change or your reluctance to step into the unknown. It's a reminder that how you are seen is not just a reflection of your actions but also of the internal battles you may be facing.

Seven of Swords
Eight of Swords
Nine of Swords
Ten of Swords
Page of Swords
Knight of Swords
Queen of Swords
King of Swords
Ace of Pentacles
Two of Pentacles