Six of Swords

Six of Swords description

The Six of Swords shows us a woman and child being rowed across a river with their boat full of swords. The water in the forefront is wavy, but there are calmer waters up ahead. They are moving from a place of high emotional turmoil to a more peaceful existence. The trees on the distance shore are cloudy and gray, the future is not clear just yet. They are in a state of limbo between two times, two worlds. This is a period of change and transition. They bring all their swords (lessons, wisdom) from their past, but they carry no luggage. They are huddle closed together for warmth and comfort on the journey. Some interpretations claim the man rowing is a hired hand, some say he is part of the family. It only matters how the querent sees the card and what emotions/thoughts it brings to the surface in their experience.

Upright meaning

The Six of Swords is a break from the routine. That can manifest in the form of travel, business expansion, moving your home, practicing therapy, etc. Ideas are coming together, and you know you need to move forward and push away from the shore even though the over side of the river is unclear. You’re moving in a positive direction. This journey could be literal or figurative. This card represents a release of tension and anxiety after a period of strain. You’re returning to a sense of harmony. This card can appear when you are walking away from a difficult situation. The harmony of the six combines with the strife and air qualities of the sword.

Reversed meaning

When the Six of Cups reversed appears, you are discontinuing relationship, belief, or behavioural pattern that is no longer serving you. You have identified what type of direction you want to move in, and you are working on yourself to make things happen. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You might experience some growing pains, but it will be worth the knowledge and experience that you gain. This card can appear when you’re too hesitant to push away from the shore. You are not interested in this change; it could have been a decision that you did not make. Look at the benefits of this transition instead of the drawbacks. You’re having trouble moving on from something in the past. You need to understand what is holding you back so that you can move forward with your whole heart.

Six of Swords quote

“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” André Gide