Six of Swords
Affirmation
I keep an open mind.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Swords
- Archetype:
- Numerology:6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A ferryman carrying passengers in his punt to the further shore. The course is smooth, and seeing that the freight is light, it may be noted that the work is not beyond his strength.
Light Meaning
- Making the best of a bad situation
- Recovering from defeat
- Resetting expectations
- Making allowances for unexpected circumstances
- Helping others who find themselves in dire circumstances
- Changing the way you see the world
- Broadening your perspective through study or travel
Shadow Meaning
- Refusing to accept that things have changed
- Playing the victim
- Rejecting the idea that your actions have consequences
- Applying scientific criteria to matters of faith, or confusing faith with science
- Believing the whole world should be like your small corner of it
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •What assumptions govern my thinking?
- •How willing am I to lend aid to others? To request it when I need it?
- •How prepared am I to deal with change? With unexpected outcomes?
Personal Meaning
You will not experience rapture, but neither will you drown in sorrow. A promises recovery from ill health, personal or professional setbacks. There will be movement from difficulty and despondence to a more positive place, either outwardly or within.
It wasn't pure rapture, but neither did you drown in sorrow. Recovery from ill health, personal or professional setbacks. You moved from a time of difficulty and despondence to a more positive place, either outwardly or within.
You are not experiencing pure rapture, but neither are you drowning in sorrow. A promise of recovery from ill health, personal or professional setbacks. There is a movement from difficulty and despondence to a more positive place, either outwardly or within.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Change will come, but you are likely to resist improvement, or be so despondent that you might not be open to hope. Either way, you run the risk of missing the boat that will take you to a better place if you don't wake up.
You resisted improvement, or were so despondent that you were not open to hope.
Change is coming, but you are either resisting improvement, or you are so despondent that you are not open to hope. Either way, you run the risk of missing the boat that will take you to a better place if you don't wake up.
Fortune Telling
- •You'll soon go on a long journey over water
- •Actions have unexpected consequences, so be prepared
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.