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Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Six of Swords: The Passage to Calmer Waters
Upright keywords
Transition, change, rite of passage, releasing baggage
Reversed keywords
Stuck in the past, resisting change, emotional baggage
Symbolism
A woman and child are being ferried across a body of water in a small boat. Six swords are planted in the boat, representing the painful memories and burdens they are carrying with them. The water on the far side is calm, symbolizing a move toward a more peaceful and stable future.
Six of Swords upright meaning
The Six of Swords signifies a necessary transition or a journey away from a difficult past. You are leaving behind a situation of conflict or sorrow and moving toward a more peaceful state of mind. While there may be some sadness in this departure, it is a rite of passage that will lead you to healing and a calmer future.
You are moving away from a difficult situation towards a calmer future. The Six of Swords represents a necessary transition, leaving behind troubles for a more peaceful state of mind.
Six of Swords reversed meaning
Reversed, this card indicates being stuck in the past or resisting a necessary transition. You may be having trouble letting go of your emotional baggage, or a journey is delayed. You feel unable to move toward the calmer waters you desperately need.
Stuck in the past, resisting transition, or returning to a troubled situation. You are having difficulty leaving your baggage behind.
Six of Swords in a reading
How the card reads in each position of a past, present and future spread.
Past position
Upright: You have made a transition away from a difficult, troubled past. That necessary journey has brought you toward the relative peace of the present.
Reversed: A past failure to fully move on from a difficult situation has left you carrying emotional baggage into the present.
Present position
Upright: It is time to move on. You are in the process of leaving a difficult situation behind and moving toward a calmer, more hopeful future. Keep going.
Reversed: You are currently resisting a necessary transition out of fear or attachment to the past. You feel stuck and unable to move toward calmer waters.
Future position
Upright: You will soon embark on a necessary journey away from your troubles. This transition, though perhaps sad, will lead you to a more peaceful state of mind.
Reversed: A transition is coming, but you will be tempted to stay put or bring your old problems with you. You must consciously choose to let go of the past.