Suit: Suit of Swords
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Air
Star Sign: Aquarius
Planet: Mercury
Angel: Archangel Michael
Key Meaning: Better Days
The Six of Swords means better days are coming, as you head in a new direction.
Number 6 Meaning In Tarot
All sixes, including the Six of Wands, Six of Pentacles and Six of Cups refer to your relationships with other people. As Swords refer to mind and communication, then we are talking about how you get on with other people. This card often signifies a release of tension after a period of conflict or difficulty. This may be because you are, or they are, feeling calmer. Either way, whether you know it or not, life is about to become happier.
A to Z:List of Tarot Cards
Six of Swords Keywords
🥰 Upright: Moving on, travel, expansion
😒 Reversed: Delays, stuck in a rut, no escape
Six of Swords Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. A woman and child are ferried across water by a man. We see them from behind, and new land lies ahead. To the right of the boat, the water is choppy and to the left, it is calmer, indicating that they are rowing towards calmer times. The six upright swords obscure the passenger’s vision, meaning they cannot see too far ahead. These people are like refugees, fleeing a difficult situation. While they may not know what the future holds, there is a sense that it must be better than what they are leaving behind. The upright swords imply that they are bringing their wits and motivation with them.
Remember: Life is about the journey and not the destination.
What does this Card Mean when You Ask About Personal Growth?
If you feel stuck in a rut, this card means, now is the time to expand your horizons. You have outgrown certain elements of your life and your mind needs fresh stimulation. This may require you to adapt to new ways of thinking, living or communicating. You could study something new, start a new project or job, emigrate, or find ways to improve your health. When a door opens, walk through it. Stay alert to the signs that the Universe is sending. For example: Animal Spiritual Signs and Feather Meanings.
LOVE: What does The Six of Swords Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the 6 of Swords turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
❤️ If you asked will I find love? – Yes, you are more likely to find a healthy relationship now, than previously. Perhaps this is because we are seeing a better version of you now. Your new love may be a foreigner, or returning from overseas.
❤️ If you have just met someone, this card indicates that there is great potential here. You are both looking for the same thing – companionship, eating out, travel and adventure.
❤️ You and your partner are moving abroad or planning to travel extensively. This card often predicts emigration, buying a mobile home or living the lap-top lifestyle.
❤️ Unhappy relationships move into happier times. This could refer to your relationship with a family member, friend or parent.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business or study and you receive the 6 of Swords, then this card has a variety of meanings, including:
⭕ As Swords represent the mental world, it means you are expanding your knowledge through work, study or the company you keep. You are bursting out of your local bubble.
⭕Networking will benefit you right now.
⭕Work is calming down after a period of stress.
⭕Moving on to a new job, project or business.
⭕You will travel internationally with your job.
⭕In college, this card can mean studying abroad, or spending your vacation breaks abroad. It can also mean a college rite of passage.
Jobs and industries associated with this card include: travel, airlines, shipping, blogging, marine biology, fishing, Search & Rescue, peace keeping, helping refugees, psychology and cultural studies like anthropology and sociology.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The 6 of Swords in a Money Reading?
💲If you asked the Tarot about money and finances, and you receive the Six of Swords, it means you are moving beyond money worries. What you have started or are about to start will improve your finances.
💲If you asked about a significant purchase, like a house – this card predicts you are getting closer to your ideal home or location. As the swords obscure the passengers view in this card, it means you have not yet spotted the right property. However, it is near where you have been looking.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“6 of Swords combined with The Lovers” – This choice will change the course of your life.
“Combined with Strength” – You are strong enough to make the change.
“6 of Swords combined with Justice” – A court verdict helps you move on.
HEALTH: What does The Six of Swords Mean when You Ask About Health?
If you asked about health and the 6 of Swords turns up – it can signify an improvement in health. Perhaps you have started doing something to nurture your body, like eating well, exercising or meditating. Or maybe you are using a new medication provided by your doctor. Whatever your situation, this card indicates that you are on the right path to improving your well-being.
Health conditions represented by this card include: Chronic pain, vision problems, migraines, anxiety issues and mental health. In pregnancy, it can represent having fertility treatment, artificial insemination and/or C-section birth.
YES/NO: Does The Six of Swords Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and the 6 of Swords turns up, then the answer is YES.
TIMING: Does The 6 of Swords Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the 6 of Swords is about 6 days. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 9 days.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The Six of Swords Reversed?
When the 6 of Swords is upside down then the boat sinks! This may mean:
✔️ You feel stuck and want to move forward. Either you don’t know what to do, or you fear doing it.
✔️ You are hiding from a situation rather than dealing with it.
✔️ Travel plans are delayed. (Sometimes predicts lost passport).
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: xenophobia, racism and fear of travel.
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Six of Swords Symbolism
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Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
