Suit of Swords · 6
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Swords is the card of transition, moving on and calmer waters. Upright it shows leaving difficulty behind; reversed it points to resistance or unfinished business.
- Upright
- transition
- moving on
- recovery
- travel
- leaving behind
- Reversed
- resistance to change
- unfinished business
- stuck
- emotional baggage
- delayed journey
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana
- Suit
- Suit of Swords
- Element
- Air
Symbolism of the card
A ferryman pushes a small boat across the water with a pole. In the boat sit a woman wrapped in a cloak and a child, with six swords standing upright before them. The water on one side is rough, on the other calm. They are leaving something painful behind, heading for a quieter shore.
Six of Swords upright
Upright, the Six of Swords describes a transition toward something better. You are leaving a difficult situation behind – not without sadness, but with hope. It can mean literal travel or an emotional journey. The journey may feel heavy, but calmer waters lie ahead. The swords in the boat show that you carry some memories with you – that is normal. Healing does not require forgetting, only moving toward a place where you can breathe again.
Six of Swords reversed
Reversed, the Six of Swords suggests you may be resisting a necessary move, or carrying unresolved issues with you. It can also show delays in a transition. Address what you are holding on to so you can move forward freely. Unresolved feelings travel with you; facing them now makes the journey lighter.
In love and relationships
Upright
In love, the Six of Swords upright can point to moving on from a painful relationship or a couple working through difficulties toward calmer times.
Reversed
Reversed, emotional baggage may be preventing progress.
In career and work
Upright
At work, a transition to a better job or a calmer period.
Reversed
Reversed, a needed change is being delayed.
In money and finances
Upright
Financially, things are stabilising after a difficult period.
Reversed
Reversed, old money problems need resolving before you can move on.
Yes or no?
Yes The Six of Swords is a quiet yes – moving forward is the right direction.
The card’s advice
Leave the rough waters behind. The journey may be quiet and sad, but it leads somewhere calmer.
Questions to reflect on
- What am I ready to leave behind?
- What am I still carrying that I could set down?
- What does calmer water look like for me?
Frequently asked questions
What does Six of Swords mean in Tarot?
The Six of Swords is the card of transition, moving on and calmer waters. Upright it shows leaving difficulty behind; reversed it points to resistance or unfinished business.
What does Six of Swords mean reversed?
Reversed, the Six of Swords suggests you may be resisting a necessary move, or carrying unresolved issues with you.
What does Six of Swords mean in love?
In love, the Six of Swords upright can point to moving on from a painful relationship or a couple working through difficulties toward calmer times.
Is Six of Swords a yes or no card?
Yes – The Six of Swords is a quiet yes – moving forward is the right direction.
Card meanings are offered for reflection and entertainment. They are not predictions and not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or mental health advice.
