Six of Swords

Symbolism

The Six of Swords shows a ferryman poling a boat toward the far shore, carrying a hooded woman and a child. Six swords stand upright in the boat. The water on one side is rough; on the other, calm. In the 1909 art, it's a quiet crossing: the pain comes along, but the boat is heading for calmer waters.

In general

The Six of Swords is the card of transition. It shows up when it's time to leave a hard situation behind and move toward something calmer: a move, a recovery, a fresh start. It's about crossing over, moving on even while carrying some of the pain, and looking for peace. It can also point to travel, especially over water. Reversed, it shows a crossing that's stuck: resisting change, going back to what hurts, or emotional baggage that's too heavy.

Yes or no

The Six of Swords' boat crosses to calmer waters: maybe. It depends on agreeing to leave the other shore. Reversed, the answer is no, not yet: something still ties you to the shore that hurts.

In love

In a love reading, the Six of Swords points to a time of transition: getting over a relationship, moving into a calmer phase, or a move that takes you both somewhere new.

If you're in a relationship, it speaks of leaving a hard stretch behind together. If you're single, it shows recovery after a disappointment.

Reversed, it points to a hard time moving on, or going back to someone who hurt you.

As feelings

As feelings, the Six of Swords means someone who's leaving a hurt behind and looking for peace, maybe with you. Reversed, it shows someone still stuck in the past.

At work

At work, the Six of Swords often points to changing jobs, cities or fields, toward something more stable. Reversed, it shows obstacles in the transition.

With money

With money, the Six of Swords points to a gradual improvement as you come out of a tough period. Reversed, it asks for patience.

In family and friendship

In family and friendship, the Six of Swords brings moves, trips and getting past conflicts. Reversed, it shows unresolved issues resurfacing.

On the personal path

On a personal level, the Six of Swords asks you to keep moving, even if you carry some of the pain with you: calmer waters lie ahead. Reversed, it invites you to put down the baggage you no longer need.

Advice

As advice, the Six of Swords says: make the crossing. The other side is calmer.

In the Celtic Cross positions

• The Present: you're coming out of a difficult stretch.
• The Challenge: the obstacle is letting go of the past, or the weight it still carries.
• The Crown: you want peace and a fresh start.
• The Foundation: underneath the question is a pain that needs to be left behind.
• The Recent Past: a turbulent period is coming to an end.
• The Near Future: a move, a trip or calmer waters are on the way.
• Yourself: you're in the middle of a crossing, still a little sad.
• Your Environment: there's help around you to move forward.
• Hopes and Fears: you want peace, and you're afraid of bringing the pain with you.
• The Outcome: this points to a transition toward better days.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Six of Swords a good card?

It's a card of transition and improvement: the hard part is behind you, or getting there.

What does the Six of Swords reversed mean?

Reversed, it points to resisting change, going back to what hurts, or heavy emotional baggage.

Is the Six of Swords a yes or no card?

Upright, it's a maybe. Reversed, it's a no, not yet.

See also the Five of Swords, which comes before it, the Seven of Swords, the next step, and the Eight of Cups, another card of walking away.