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Six of Swords

Category: Minor Arcana, Sword Court Position: 6 Keywords: Redemption, Enlightenment Active element: Air 💨

The Six of Swords depicts a situation where a difficult yet necessary detachment from the past takes place. The feeling of loss and coldness accompanying this phase can be painful. However, that emptiness can become a space for new possibilities. Escaping the current sphere of life creates an opportunity for liberation and gaining perspective, though it is not easy. In the upright position, the card shows the courage to leave familiar shores in favor of uncertain horizons. When reversed, it warns against unconsidered decisions and rash departures that may prove to be mistakes.

Symbolism and Key Ideas of the Six of Swords

In the classic Rider-Waite Tarot, we see a boat with three figures. An adult is rowing; a woman (or a passenger) along with a child sits at the front. The swords embedded in the boat symbolize the concepts and memories that the travelers bring along on their journey. The water transitions from turbulent on one side of the boat to calmer on the other, suggesting a gradual easing of tensions. The subdued colors of the clothing and the empty, gloomy landscape speak of a mood of resignation and sorrow. However, cutting off the old and turning toward the new is an important stage on the path to growth.

Meaning of the Six of Swords in Upright Position

Characteristics:

Leaving behind old patterns, experiences, and relationships
Seeking other possibilities and directions of action
Accepting the necessity of change, despite longing and pain
A pivotal turning point — understanding that what was is now over

In the upright position, the Six of Swords indicates a process of leaving a comfortable, yet outdated, situation. Although this is difficult, it brings hope for a new perspective. It is not about triumphant victory, but rather about acceptance of parting. This may pertain to a job change, the end of a relationship, or a relocation. The most important thing is to move forward without looking too much over your shoulder.

Love and Relationships (upright)

A breakup that is difficult but necessary
Abandoning a relationship that no longer provided fulfillment
Lack of readiness for new relationships — a necessary period of mourning
Gradual liberation from emotional shackles

In the context of relationships, the upright Six of Swords signifies leaving a partner or definitively closing a chapter. It can be painful, but it is inevitable. It is not a time for building new bonds, but rather for coming to terms with the feeling of loss and organizing one’s emotions before the readiness for new contacts emerges.

Work and Finances (upright)

Leaving a current position or ending a contract
A transitional phase in the professional sphere due to a lack of further prospects
The necessity to limit expenses, resulting in more modest means of living
Preparing for a career change or the closing of a project

In the professional realm, the Six of Swords signals that the current job or industry has ceased to bring benefits. It calls for abandoning current activities, even if it leads to a period of transitional scarcity. It is a signal: it is time to seek a new challenge and plan the next steps.

Health and Mental Well-being (upright)

Reduced immunity, making one prone to colds and illnesses
A state of nostalgia, dejection, and the need to withdraw inwardly
The necessity for rest and re-evaluation of one’s life priorities
Emotional mourning after a loss, yet with hope for recovery

Regarding health and mental well-being, this card indicates a period of both physical and emotional vulnerability. The querent may feel tired, energy-less, and susceptible to melancholy. It is a moment to slow down, focus on inner peace, and recuperate after difficult experiences.

Situations and Questions (upright)

A final farewell to an old chapter, leaving the comfort zone behind
Accepting the idea that change is necessary
Understanding that leaving something behind is a step toward progress
An opportunity for cleansing and discovering a new path

Spiritually, the Six of Swords signifies letting go of outdated patterns. It reminds us that closing one door paves the way for another to open. Even if the transition is painful, it is a necessary stage of evolution required for growth.

Reversed Meaning of the Six of Swords

Characteristics:

Resistance to change and clinging to unfavorable conditions
Fears of embarking on a new path, and a lack of courage to move forward
Unsuccessful attempts to escape problems, leading to recurring patterns
A strong attachment to past events that hinders growth

In the reversed position, the card signals a deep resistance to transformation. People fear taking a step forward due to the unknown. They may remain in draining relationships or persist in jobs without prospects, believing that change might only worsen the situation.

Love and Relationships (reversed)

Remaining in a toxic or unfulfilling relationship despite obvious losses
Fear of loneliness paralyzing the ability to end the relationship
A lack of hope for something better, leading to repetitive old mistakes
Attempts to “fix” the irreversible, causing even greater suffering

The reversed Six of Swords in the context of love indicates being trapped in unsatisfying relationships. Rather than moving on, the querent opts for stagnation and the repetition of negative patterns. It is a time to question whether the fear of loneliness is worth further self-destruction.

Work and Finances (reversed)

Inability to leave an unfavorable position, due to a lack of courage to change
Clinging to a job that offers no benefits, simply out of habit
Facing market obstacles and lacking prospects for growth or financial improvement
Investing efforts in ventures that are doomed to fail

The reversed Six of Swords in the professional sphere speaks of stagnation and an inability to pursue better decisions. The querent clings to an unproductive routine, and the absence of realistic alternatives or the courage to explore them leads to growing frustration.

Health and Mental Well-being (reversed)

Worsening inflammations and difficulties in recovering
Avoiding help, with reluctance to change lifestyle or seek therapy
Emotional instability and inconsistency in managing problems
Persisting in harmful mental patterns

In terms of health and mental well-being, the reversed card indicates a person who avoids treatment and sinks deeper into long-term issues. Instead of seeking help, they become entrenched in their illness and negative emotional states.

Situations and Questions (reversed)

Difficulties in leaving an unfavorable environment
Persisting in toxic patterns and resisting efforts to break from the status quo
Seeking guarantees and certainties that do not exist
Resignation to the possibility of growth, remaining stuck in a deadlock

Spiritually, the reversed Six of Swords signifies resistance to change. Rather than stepping beyond the familiar and embarking on an uncertain journey, the person hides within the illusion of safety. This stagnation prevents the discovery of a better version of oneself.

Advice and Warnings for the Six of Swords

Upright Position: Advice: Cut the ties with what holds you back. Deciding to leave, change, or break free from an unsuitable environment is a step toward growth. Warning: Do not look back. Trying to return to the past will only prolong the pain.

Reversed Position: Advice: Do not rush into radical changes. It may take time to understand which direction to take. Warning: Avoiding decisions and remaining in stagnation only breeds further difficulties.