The Six of Swords tarot card represents overcoming obstacles and moving forward. The battle has been won and now is the time to relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries.
You have overcome hardship and healing is headed your way; calmer waters are finally ahead.
If you have been battling with someone close to you, your hard work in trying to resolve the problems between the two of you is about to pay off.
All you need to do is trust in yourself and keep the same momentum.
Six of Swords Key Words
Before diving deeper into the upright- and reversed Six of Swords tarot meaning, and its connection to love, career, and life, below a quick overview of the most important words and some facts connected to this Minor Arcana card.
| Upright | Letting go of hatred, healing, moving forward, escape |
| Reversed | Feeling overwhelmed, slow healing, trapped |
| Number | 6 |
| Element | Air |
| Planet | Pluto |
| Astrological Sign | Scorpio |
Six of Swords Card Description
The Six of Swords depicts a woman and a child in a boat heading out on a journey. A man at the rear of the boat pushes them along the river.
The woman wears a hood over her head and is hunched down. This is an indication that she is leaving a troubled place, and she needs to either hide for her safety or to hide her identity.
The fact that all three persons face away from us indicates that they made their decision and are determined to go to their new destination.
The water on the right of the boat is choppy, symbolizing a rough situation, whereas the water before them is calm.
This tells us that although the three seem to be in the midst of hard times, they are headed for new beginnings and a brighter future.
Six of Swords Tarot Meaning
The Six of Swords in the upright position indicates that now is the time to leave your troubled or chaotic past behind and move toward a brand new existence.
Although it may be painful to leave these people in your past, you must do so to protect yourself and your inner peace. Walking away can be difficult, but sometimes it is the only logical choice.
Are there people, places, or things that are toxic and must be left behind? Are you clinging to a past that is gone? The upright Six of Swords is a gentle hand, ready to guide you forward if you are ready.
Money and Career Meaning
When the Six of Swords tarot card appears upright in a career reading, it is an indication that you will soon be free of any conflicts at work.
Have you been struggling to see eye with coworkers or management?
Things will calm down soon. Since you will be free of the stress that comes with having struggles at work, you will find yourself being much more productive and happy at work.
Are you wondering if you should leave your job altogether? Another interpretation of this reading is that you will move on to a better job that has a culture that fits you better.
Don’t be afraid to take the leap if this is what you really desire.
Love and Relationships Meaning
The Six of Swords in a love spread denotes shifting to an easier time after a tumultuous period in your relationship.
Perhaps you and your partner have been arguing more than normal lately, or you might feel stuck in a cycle of having the same argument over and over.
The Six of Swords is here to tell you that all that is about to come to an end.
If you are single, this card symbolizes moving on from past relationships or betrayals and into the arms of someone new.
It might be scary for you to move into this new space, especially if you have been hurt in the past, but now is a great time to move forward.
Remember that you deserve to feel happy and to be loved. Avoid letting your past interfere with what brings you joy.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
Seeing the Six of Swords in a health reading foretells overcoming an illness. You have fought for long enough, and it is finally time for you to start feeling back to normal again.
You may be just entering the first stages of recovery, so it’s normal to feel drained of energy. Your strength will return with time, as things are certainly moving in the right direction for you.
Spiritually, you will be headed to a new plane as well. Although this can be scary, try not to ‘rock the boat.’ The lessons you will learn will be vital for your future.
Six of Swords Reversed
The Six of Swords reversed represents feeling stuck, unable to move forward, or trapped in life.
You may be finding it hard to end the not-so-healthy relationship you are in, regardless of how badly your partner treats you.
Remind yourself that you deserve all the love and happiness that a positive relationship can bring. You feel stagnant right now, but that doesn’t have to last forever.
Now is the time to make the right decision and move on, despite hesitation or fear. You deserve to find new relationships and friendships that you can be happy and grow in.
Six of Swords: Yes or No
The Six of Swords stands for new beginnings, hope, and moving forward. You have fought your battles and now is the time that to start reaping those rewards.
The overall mood of this card is healthy renewal. The resulting answer to your question in a yes or no reading is yes.
Important Card Combinations
Also in combination with other tarot cards, the Six of Swords serves a gentle hand, ready to guide you forward and take the next step, if you are ready.
Below I wrote down the most important card combinations of the Six of Swords.
Six of Swords and The Lovers
When the Six of Swords and the Lovers appear in a spread together, the cards point to moving forward in your relationship.
If you and your partner have been considering the next step, the Six of Swords and the Lovers are telling you that now is a great time to do that.
For some, this could mean an engagement or a wedding in your future. If you are in a new relationship, now is the time to make it official and let the world know.
The partnership you are building was surely meant to be – enjoy it!
Six of Swords and Temperance
This duo signifies moving far away from where you currently reside. Perhaps you are tired of the place you call home, and a change of scenery is long overdue.
Although this is rarely an easy decision to make, the Six of Swords together with the Temperance card tell you it is the right decision for you.
Pick up and move to wherever your heart takes you. What’s waiting in this new town is happiness, joy, and relaxation for all.
Now is the time to break away from any anxiety, stress or sadness that your surroundings are bringing you.
Six of Swords and Five of Wands
If the Six of Swords and the Five of Wands come up alongside one another in a spread, it is indicative of a journey that will help you learn about yourself.
The road to self-discovery can be long and grueling at times, but when you get to the finish line, you will be a better person because of it.
While you walk along this path, embrace all the new discoveries that you make. In order to grow as a person, you must know who you are and what you want. Now is your time to really dig in.
Six of Swords and Ten of Wands
When the Six of Swords and the Ten of Wands encourage you to invest in your career. One way you might do this is by enrolling in a class to further your knowledge in your field.
The education that you will gain will make you a better employee and potentially, a higher earner.
The cards could also point to making an investment into a new business venture that you have been considering. Maybe you have been considering becoming a business owner, but you have been hesitating to pull the trigger.
There is no time better than the present to make the jump – if you do, success can be yours!
Six of Swords Tarot Cards
We’ve learned that the Six of Swords in the Rider-Waite deck is illustrated as a little family going on a journey. However, there are a lot of stunning variants of this card. Below you can find a small selection of my favorite Six of Swords cards.
Six of Swords Tarot Card in a Reading
That’s all for the Six of Swords tarot meaning! Can’t get enough? If you have pulled this card in the upright or reversed position, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
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