Boat and pole
The movement is slow but steady: from rough waters to calm ones.
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Minor Arcana · Swords · 6
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Swords is a passage to calmer waters. A ferryman carries a wrapped-up passenger across a river, with swords standing in the boat. The card speaks of moving, leaving a difficult period behind and gradual relief.
Upright
- transition
- moving
- relief
- coming out of a crisis
- travel
Reversed
- being stuck
- unfinished business
- problems returning
- resisting change
- a postponed move
Yes or no
Likely yes
“Yes,” if the question is about leaving difficulties behind and moving on.
Ask the cards your own question →- Number
- 6
- Element
- Air
- Astrology
- Mercury in Aquarius
Card symbolism in our deck
In Heinrich Pangrau’s deck, the Six of Swords shows a ferryman in a dark cloak pushing off with a pole while a wrapped-up figure sits in the boat. Six swords stand in the bow, and a hilly shore lies ahead.
Wrapped-up passenger
The person still carries their sorrow but is already on the way.
Swords in the boat
Past experience and heavy thoughts travel with you — but they no longer wound.
Shore ahead
The goal is in sight: the other shore is a new, calmer life.
Six of Swords meaning
The upright Six of Swords is a transition: a move, a job change, leaving a difficult relationship, the road to recovery.
The card says the worst is behind you, even if things don’t feel very cheerful yet.
Six of Swords reversed
The reversed Six means being stuck: the move is postponed, problems follow you, and you aren’t ready to let go of the past.
Sometimes it means going back to a place you had already left.
Six of Swords in love, work, money and health
Love and relationships
Upright Coming out of a difficult period in the relationship; moving in together or heading toward something new after a breakup.
Reversed Old problems return; the person can’t leave the relationship.
Feelings This person wants peace and is moving toward it. They may see you as a quiet harbor.
Work and career
Upright Moving to a new job, a business trip, the situation improving.
Reversed A delayed transition, problems at the old job.
Money
Upright Your finances are slowly getting back on track.
Reversed Old debts follow you.
Health
Upright Slow but steady recovery. Tarot is no substitute for a doctor.
Reversed A drawn-out period of feeling unwell.
Six of Swords as a person
As a person: a traveler, someone who has relocated, a guide, someone who helps others get out.
The card’s advice
Upright Move on calmly, without rushing yourself.
Reversed Decide what you take with you and what you leave behind.
Card of the Day
Draw your card of the day
Six of Swords as the card of the day
As the card of the day: a day for trips and quiet progress.
Combinations with other cards
- Six of Swords + Eight of CupsLeaving and a new path.
- Six of Swords + The ChariotA move or a journey.
- Six of Swords + The StarRecovery and hope.
- Six of Swords + DeathA final transition to a new stage.
- Six of Swords + Three of WandsTravel abroad.
Frequently asked questions about Six of Swords
Is the Six of Swords a yes or no card?
Likely yes, if the question is about moving forward.
What does the Six of Swords mean in love?
Coming out of a difficult period, or a move.
What does the Six of Swords reversed mean?
Being stuck and the return of old problems.
What does the Six of Swords mean as a card of the day?
A day of calm progress and trips.