six of swords tarot

Card Symbolism Analysis

Analysis of card symbolism
Card description

On the calm and wide water, a small boat is sailing quietly. There are six swords stuck in the boat, with the sword tips pointing upward and arranged neatly. There is a cloaked figure sitting behind the boat, and he seems to be holding a child in his arms, and the two are cuddling tightly. There was a man standing on the bow of the boat, holding a long pole, silently rowing the boat into the distance. If you look closely at the water surface, you will find that the water on the stern side of the boat is rougher, while the water in front of the bow is gradually calmer. A piece of land could be vaguely seen in the distance, with trees and hills there - that was the shore they were about to reach.

symbolic elements
🚣 ferryman

The man holding a long pole is the "ferryman", and he represents the power to help us overcome difficulties. This might be a counselor, a trusted friend, a book that changes your mind, or your own inner wisdom and reason. He is a neutral existence, making no judgments, just silently helping you get from one shore to the other. At the lowest point in life, we all need this kind of "ferryman".

👩‍👧 Cloak mother and son

The mother and son hugging each other closely symbolize the vulnerability and the part that needs to be protected. They turned their backs to us, which meant they had made up their minds and would not look back. No matter what happened in the past, they chose to move forward. This gesture also implies that some pain is invisible to outsiders and only the person involved knows it.

⚔ ️ Six swords

The six upright swords represent past pain, memories, and ideological baggage. They were brought aboard - because these wounds cannot be forgotten, nor should they be pretended not to exist. The point is, these swords are currently "inserted in the boat". If they are pulled out at this moment, the boat will flood and sink. Therefore, it is a wise choice to move forward with them and let time heal slowly.

🌊 Rough and calm water

Water symbolizes emotions. If you look closely, there are more ripples in the water behind the stern, which represents the emotional turmoil in the past; while the water in front of the bow is getting calmer, indicating a peaceful future. The core message of this card is here - you are moving from chaos to peace, from pain to healing. This is the "transition period".

🏝 ️ Distant land

The land with trees and hills in the distance symbolizes a new beginning and the other side of hope. It's also a bit fuzzy because the future is always full of unknowns. But the important thing is – it’s there, and the ship is heading in that direction. Sometimes, just knowing that "there is hope ahead" is enough to get us through difficult times.

☁ ️ gray sky

The sky is a neutral gray, not sunny or stormy. This implies that the decision was rational and well thought out, rather than an impulsive decision driven by emotion. The Sword deck values mind and logic. This card tells you: use your reason to make the best choice for yourself.

Core Symbolic Elements of the Six of Swords

Upright Meaning

Correct meaning of the tablet
core message
psychological level

On a psychological level, you may be experiencing a state of "temporary detachment." You need to take a step back from someone, something, or a situation and give yourself a breather. This is not an escape, but a wisdom of self-preservation. Sometimes, distance can really bring clarity. When you are no longer in the whirlpool, you can see the overall situation and find real solutions.

reality

The Six of Swords often suggests physical travel, especially a journey across water—perhaps going abroad, moving, or working in a new environment. This journey has a healing quality, allowing you to temporarily leave a familiar but tiring place.

You may be recovering from a relationship, a failure, or an accident. This card confirms that you are on the way out—not fully recovered, but on a journey of healing. Keep moving forward and don't look back.

This could be entering the workforce after graduation, ending a job and starting a new career, or any transitional stage from "A to B." You are leaving the familiar and heading into the unknown. The process can be a little unsettling, but it's also full of possibilities.

The Six of Swords often suggests physical travel, especially a journey across water—perhaps going abroad, moving, or working in a new environment. This journey has a healing quality, allowing you to temporarily leave a familiar but tiring place.

You may be recovering from a relationship, a failure, or an accident. This card confirms that you are on the way out—not fully recovered, but on a journey of healing. Keep moving forward and don't look back.

This could be entering the workforce after graduation, ending a job and starting a new career, or any transitional stage from "A to B." You are leaving the familiar and heading into the unknown. The process can be a little unsettling, but it's also full of possibilities.

Suggestions for action

Reversed Meaning

Reversed card meaning
Core warning
Possible negative manifestations

You may know that you should leave a situation, but for various reasons are reluctant to do so. Maybe it’s fear of the unknown, maybe it’s reluctance, maybe it’s because you feel “not ready yet”. But the Six of Swords reversed warns you: Waiting indefinitely will only keep you spinning in circles.

You may keep looking back and chewing on past hurts. This obsession prevents you from truly moving forward. While it's okay to remember the past, if you just keep replaying those painful images, you'll never get to the other side.

You may try to deal with the problem in quick but symptomatic ways—such as covering up old pain with a new relationship, numbing yourself with alcohol or shopping, or avoiding it rather than confronting it. These will only delay the outbreak of the problem without actually solving it.

The most dangerous thing is to try to "force healing." When you rush to uncover scars, force yourself to forget, or prematurely return to the situation that hurt you, you may experience secondary trauma. Wounds need time to heal, there is no rush.

You may know that you should leave a situation, but for various reasons are reluctant to do so. Maybe it’s fear of the unknown, maybe it’s reluctance, maybe it’s because you feel “not ready yet”. But the Six of Swords reversed warns you: Waiting indefinitely will only keep you spinning in circles.

You may keep looking back and chewing on past hurts. This obsession prevents you from truly moving forward. While it's okay to remember the past, if you just keep replaying those painful images, you'll never get to the other side.

You may try to deal with the problem in quick but symptomatic ways—such as covering up old pain with a new relationship, numbing yourself with alcohol or shopping, or avoiding it rather than confronting it. These will only delay the outbreak of the problem without actually solving it.

The most dangerous thing is to try to "force healing." When you rush to uncover scars, force yourself to forget, or prematurely return to the situation that hurt you, you may experience secondary trauma. Wounds need time to heal, there is no rush.

Adjustment suggestions

If you find yourself stuck, first ask yourself: What is stopping you from moving forward? Is it fear? Is it attachment? Or have you simply not made up your mind yet? Only by finding out the real cause can we prescribe the right medicine.

If you are dealing with pain in the wrong way, slow down. True healing takes time and the right approach. Consider seeking professional help rather than taking matters into your own hands. Remember: It is much better to let a wound heal naturally than to force it open.

Energy comparison between upright and reverse positions

Love Guidance

love guidance
single

If you are currently single, the Six of Swords suggests that you may still be recovering from your last relationship. Now is not the time to rush into a new relationship—you need to allow yourself to heal first. The good news is, you are already on the road to healing. Love will come when you are truly ready. This card may also indicate that you will meet someone on your travels or connect with someone from afar.

Those with a partner

For those who are in a relationship, the Six of Swords may have several interpretations. It may mean that you are going through a difficult time together, facing challenges together, and moving forward together - which is a good sign. But it may also suggest that the relationship is going through a "transitional period" and needs some adjustments before it can continue. The most important thing is to maintain communication and make sure you are “in the same boat” and heading in the same direction.

Compound opportunities
relationship advice
• Give yourself time to heal and don’t rush into a new relationship
• If you are going through emotional difficulties, consider whether you need to “take a break”
• Traveling together or experiencing new situations together can turn a relationship around
• Look forward, not back
Reversed love warning

Career Analysis

career analysis
work development

The Six of Swords is a very positive sign in terms of career. It implies that you are leaving an environment that is not suitable for you and heading to a better place. This could be a job change, a department change, or a change in career direction. While the transition period may be somewhat uncertain, it's a necessary transition - and you're building a better career future for yourself. This card is also often associated with "business trips" or "jobs that require travel."

Workplace interpersonal

If you encounter difficult relationships in the workplace, the Six of Swords recommends that you step away temporarily to avoid direct conflict. Sometimes, the best way to deal with it is to keep your distance and let time dilute everything. This is not an escape, but a wise choice. If a coworker or boss is making you miserable, consider the possibility of moving to another team or department.

Suitable career direction
Reversed career warning

The Six of Swords reversed in your career warns you that you may be stuck in an unsuitable position but be reluctant to leave. Maybe you know you should change jobs, but you stay where you are out of fear or inertia. Maybe your career change plans have hit a snag. This card reminds you: Find out what is holding you back and fix it. Don't let fear hold you back.

Academic Advice

academic advising
learning attitude

The Six of Swords represents a "transition period" academically - you may be moving from one stage of study to the next, such as from high school to college, from school to the workplace, or starting a new field of study. This card encourages you to keep a calm mind and take it one step at a time. Learning is a long journey and there is no need to rush.

Exam luck

The exam fortune is moderate to stable. This card won't lead to breakthrough results, but it won't set you up for failure either. It is more like a sign of "smooth passing". If you're preparing for an important exam, just keep going at your current pace and take it slow and steady. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and don't let anxiety affect your performance.

Suggestions for further study

If you are considering whether to further your education or study abroad, the Six of Swords is a card that supports "traveling to a new environment to learn." It implies that it will be good for you to leave the familiar place and study in a new environment. Especially if your current learning environment makes you feel burned out or limited, a change of scenery may bring unexpected rewards.

Reversed Academic Warning

Reversed may represent obstacles in an academic transition period. Maybe your plan to study abroad is delayed, maybe your transfer to another school or department is not going smoothly, maybe you find that you have chosen the wrong direction but don’t know what to do. This card suggests that you should not be impatient and clarify the problem first before thinking about the next step. Sometimes you can find a more suitable path by taking a detour.

Financial Analysis

Financial Luck Analysis
Good fortune

The Six of Swords symbolizes "coming out of trouble" in terms of wealth. If you have been under financial stress or difficulty before, this card indicates that the situation will gradually improve. It is not a "get rich overnight" card, but a "slowly get better" signal. You may be leaving a money-consuming environment or finding a more stable source of income. Stay patient and your financial situation will get better and better.

investment advice

Now is a conservative and prudent time, not suitable for big moves or high-risk investments. The Six of Swords recommends that you "transition steadily"—maintain your current portfolio and don't make impulsive decisions based on anxiety. If you are considering a large investment, it may be worth waiting until the transition period is over and the situation is clearer before making a decision.

Reversed wealth warning

The Six of Swords Reversed warns you that you may be "stuck" financially. Maybe you know you should change certain financial habits but haven’t yet acted. Maybe you’re trying to solve a long-term problem with a short-term solution (such as borrowing something new to pay off an old one). This card reminds you that financial decisions that address the symptoms rather than the root cause will ultimately make the problem worse. Face reality and make a realistic plan.

Health Guidance

health guidelines
good health

The Six of Swords is a positive sign in terms of health - it represents a "recovery period." If you have recently been ill or injured, this card indicates that you are recovering. Your body needs time to heal, so don't rush back to the level of activity you were doing before you got sick. This card is also related to "spa" or "rest in a new environment". If possible, going to the beach or hot spring to relax will be helpful for recovery.

mental health
Reversed health warning

The Six of Swords Reversed warns that you may not be giving yourself enough time to recover. You may be so eager to get back to your normal routine that you ignore signs that your body or mind needs some rest. Or you may be using unhealthy ways to avoid problems (e.g., alcohol, drugs, overwork). This card reminds you: true recovery takes time and the right approach, don’t take shortcuts.

Deck Matching Interpretation

Interpretation of deck matching
Combination with Major Arcana
Six of Swords + Chariot

Strengthen the energy of "forward". You're not just transitioning, you're actively moving toward your goal. This combination portends a successful relocation or career change.

Six of Swords + Death

Big transitions and endings. You are leaving not just a place, but an entire stage of life. This is a complete transformation, the old is being left behind.

Six of Swords + Stars

A journey of healing filled with hope. What awaits you ahead is peace and new life. This combination is one of the most positive and portends a bright future.

Six of Swords + Moon

Uncertainty in Transition Periods. You are making progress, but the path ahead is not yet clear. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and be aware of hidden risks.

Six of Swords + The Hermit

A solo journey of healing. You need some alone time to recover, a process of inward exploration and self-reflection.

Combination with the Minor Arcana
+ Three of Swords

Recovering from heartbreak. A relationship is over, but you are on the road to healing. Give yourself time and the pain will pass.

+ Six of Cups

Leaving familiar places or people. It could be homesickness, or it could be saying goodbye to fond memories from the past. Move forward with warm memories.

+ Eight of Wands

Rapid movement or change. Things will move faster than expected, so be prepared for the changes that are coming.

+ ten coins

Relocation or travel with family. It could be a family move to a new location, or a transition period in family matters.

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