What does the 6 of Swords card mean in Tarot?

When it appears in a Tarot reading, the 6 of Swords tends to bring important messages about changes in mentality that you need to make and other alterations in the course of things. It portrays the necessary change, the moving forward, tranquility and the restoration of everything after the closing of a cycle.

It asks to better deal with difficulties, departure and lessons learned. It indicates lethargy, due to a problematic period experienced and a journey made. It also speaks of mental activities directed and executed by the human being, in order to organize and reconcile the material forces and changes in interpretation of what is around him.

Therefore, it is the card of deserved success and the elimination of what causes frustration, so that, in the end, there is peace and harmony. It is the light at the end of the tunnel that is usually the interpretation of the 3 of Swords, indicating that the consulent learned a lot during the ordeal he went through. It is a praise and applause for the attitude of improvement that was taken.

In this article, you will know a little more about the messages of this Tarot card. Read on and check it out!

Fundamentals of the 6 of Swords

In order to make a better reading of the chart, either alone or in combination with others, it is important to understand how its parts work. Keep reading the article to learn about them!

History

As part of the Tarot deck, used both for playing and for divinatory purposes in Europe and other parts of the world, the 6 of Swords is one of the 56 blades of the traditional Minor Arcana. The most usual interpretation is that the Minor Arcana are responsible for the earthly aspects of life and the decisions tied to them.

Their division into 4 suits of 14 cards each, numbered in sequence, with the exception of the court cards, makes numerology one of the symbolic vehicles of interpretation during the reading, regardless of the line of study followed.

Iconography

In the traditional iconography of the 6 of Swords, drawn by Arthur Edward Waite and designed by Pamela Colman Smith, we see two people - one of them probably a child - on their backs, in a wooden boat driven by a young man. Next to them are nailed the six swords that indicate the main symbolism of the card (the strong power of the rational mind).

The adult figure is a woman wearing a cape over her head, perhaps because she is on the run and wants to hide her identity and remind the consulter of his losses. This makes him associate the card with changes, but also with the prospect of a better future.

The swords in the boat refer to the memories and emotional baggage carried by the woman and the child. The waters are turbulent on one side and calm on the other, so although it is not exactly a happy image, it is still hopeful.

Sometimes it appears illustrated representing the Swamp of Despair present in the work "The Pilgrim - The Christian's Journey to the Celestial City", written by John Bunyan and published in 1678. Already in the Tarot of Marseille, which serves as the basis for the existing variations, the swords are drawn as abstract symbols in curve, which resemble a mandorla.

The suit of Swords

The suit of Swords evokes action mediated by the presence of thought and intelligence, and represents the military class of society. It evokes fusion and cooperation between opposites, such as masculine and feminine, maturity, balance and everything related to the rational, the theoretical, the philosophical and the intellectual. It is known as the suit of challenges.

Furthermore, it is represented in archetype within the deck by the person of the knight, by the sylphs and giants among the elemental spirits, and relates to all activities that require order through weapons and other penetrating actions.

Therefore, it is power backed by strength, the Adolescent when viewed from the masculine aspect, and the Inspiring Muses in the feminine.

Air element

As any card of the suit of Swords, the connection of the 6 of Swords with the mental plane is made through the element of air and, naturally, with the zodiac signs associated with it: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, more particularly. It is because of this that the context in which the card appears must be faced with focus and from a rational point of view.

Meanings of the 6 of Swords card

Nothing replaces the in-depth study of Tarot, so that the readings become more intuitive, precise and open to various keys of interpretation. But below, we will talk about some of the basic indications about the 6 of Swords, for a conversation starter. Check it out!

Moment of transition

The 6 of Swords tends to be read as progress, a movement towards calm and something different and better. Therefore, it is the overcoming of difficulties by staying true to yourself and others through objectivity and understanding. This card indicates that sometimes the best way to deal with something bad is simply to walk away.

Letting go of the past

The transition evoked by the 6 of Swords, probably was caused by past actions and, therefore, is not happy, but full of regrets, whether it was imposed or not. Even so, it presents itself as the best option of all: leave it behind and move on, despite the sadness of the process. So, whatever the bad phase, know that it will pass.

Separation and healing

The 6 of Swords, in general, indicates a sign of bonanza after the storm, which leads the individual to healing, after facing complicated obstacles in relationships and in other areas of life. Therefore, it is a card that presents the treading of a new path towards happiness and stability.

Favorable time for travel

The 6th of Swords, depending on the context in which it appears in a reading, can indicate journeys, trips (also through the sea), vacations and moments of escapism and good news. Therefore, a change of scenery can help a lot in the process of transition.

6 of Swords in love

The transformations promised by the 6 of Swords apply to the love life. Below, you will see the most common reading keys when the card appears answering a question about relationships. Check it out!

For committed people

For the committed, the 6 of Swords Tarot reading speaks of positive change in the relationship. It indicates calmer times brought about by good communication and healing strength to leave an abusive relationship so that a healthier one can begin and traumas can be overcome.

Therefore, it is sufficient that you do not allow yourself to be carried away by negativity as you navigate the waters of emotion. However, separation may be necessary.

For singles

In the case of singles, the Tarot card 6 of Swords indicates the possible need to leave behind the part of themselves that has prevented them from accepting love and to tend to old wounds, if these exist.

In addition, a declaration of love may be on the way and a new love may arise in life, facilitated by the change of environment. Thus, if you drew this card, the future well underway will help you not doubt that this person is the right one.

6 of Swords in work and financial life

In case your question in the Tarot drawing has to do with how to deal with money and professional aspects, the 6 of Swords can also appear. Read on to discover the possible answers!

For employees

The 6 of Swords, in the life of employees, is a card that signals turbulent times at work, because of someone who may want to harm you or because you feel trapped in a job that only makes you unhappy.

This card also indicates delays in tasks and other aspects of professional life. In addition, business trips abroad and changes of position to a better one are also possible.

For unemployed persons

In the lives of unemployed people who consult the Tarot, the 6 of Swords refers to efforts that show results little by little. This, for those who are looking for a job, can be an indication that new things will come soon - whether they are job opportunities or opening your own business. So, stay alert and cheer up. The important thing is not to weaken.

Financial situation

In case of financial problems, the presence of the 6 of Swords card in a Tarot drawing speaks of relief and improvement. But still, the warning remains that one cannot shy away from dealing with these issues so that tranquility lasts and avoid wasting money. So be careful.

Combinations with the 6 of Swords

In a normal deck, we have 78 cards and the 6 of Swords can appear with all the others, which will make a big difference in the interpretation. Below, you will see some card combinations and what they can suggest. Follow along!

Positive combinations for the 6 of Swords

When paired with the 5 of Wands, the 6 of Swords signals a journey of self-knowledge. When paired with The Lovers, it shows that your relationship is evolving. When paired with the Queen of Swords, it indicates that academic success is near. If it falls with the Ace of Diamonds, you are moving towards financial stability.

When the 6 of Swords falls with the 10 of Swords, the conjunction speaks about a good time to invest in your career. If it is with the 7 of Wands, this card indicates that you can assume a new position, better paid and with more responsibilities.

With the major Arcane The Temperance, there is the message that moving forward will be possible, through good planning. Finally, if next to the 6 of Swords comes The Chariot, these warn that a small movement grows little by little.

Negative combinations for the 6 of Swords

The 6 of Swords can have some negative life combinations. Alongside the card The Judgment, it indicates that you may be being brought back into a situation that has left you emotionally drained and that you've already tried to get out of.

When it is with the 5 of Swords, everything indicates that you are in a context in which you feel out of place and therefore adaptation will be very necessary. Finally, if the 6 of Swords is accompanied by the card The Tower, this junction indicates a radical or forced change in your life.

A little more about the card 6 of Swords

There is still some information about the Tarot card 6 of Swords. Below you will find more aspects that can be brought by the card 6 of Swords, such as when the reverse side is considered in the reading, within the area of health and more. check it out!

6 of Swords in health

If you are ill, the minor Arcane 6 of Swords shows that you will soon find relief from the symptoms and control of the sick situation, so if you keep thinking positive, moving situations in the right direction will offset the feeling of exhaustion. Also, traveling or just spending time in another place will do your health a lot of good.

Inverted card

The inverted 6 of Swords indicates that you should be on the alert for the arrival of problems or to avoid getting in front of them, if at all possible. As such, it indicates a likely imprisonment in the past, a return to harmful behaviors or bad situations, and a sense of being stuck and wanting to run away from what needs to be faced.

Thus, there is the cancellation of plans and the imminence of financial problems, depending on the position in which the card is. It is necessary to maintain a firm position, in the face of adversity and decisions taken. This card speaks of the difficulty of letting situations end and succumbing to self-sabotage.

There is the presence of wear and tear and the need for mental cleansing, which will also combat distractions that prevent projects from being completed. Therefore, even without help, it is very important that the crossing is done.

In love, the 6 of Swords indicates the arrival of a new person in your life. It shows resistance to changes in courses of action and difficulty in contacting spiritual guides.

Tips

We can say that the hints brought in the message of the 6th of Swords are that changes should be embraced and that we should accept that the past is the past. Difficulties should be faced with rationality and, whenever necessary, it is imperative that we move away from what does not do us good.

Therefore, staying alert in the face of danger is always important, as well as not losing determination and faith in a better future. For that to be possible, one must learn to resolve unfinished business and get on with life, but without forgetting the importance of forgiveness.

The number 6 present in the card reinforces the aspect of the suit of Swords, for being a number of balance. It is a card that usually describes in a positive way very rational and dedicated people to achieve goals. In a negative way, it indicates those who rely too much on others to overcome problems.

6 of Swords in the yes or no drawing

For the yes or no drawing, the 6 of Swords usually indicates yes. Changes will happen, they are necessary, and the results will be positive if you can handle it well. What looks promising will tend to develop in your favour, and there may be reconciliation after a quarrel, unless you and the other person are no longer together.

The yes also indicates that feelings for that special someone are developing. On the other hand, if you are already in a relationship, but the circumstances are distancing the couple, the answer is no: the courtship or marriage will not last.

In general, the answer may come as a maybe, because of the gradual improvement, but it leans more towards yes.

Challenges of the 6 of Swords

As befits the Tarot suit, the 6 of Swords serves as a warning for those who have difficulty dealing with loss and change. More than ever, your rational side needs to be present, although intuition is also important. Therefore, it is a card about intuition, messages, guiding spirits and inner guidance.

It also serves as a reminder that even if you get what you want, the road to it won't be all flowers. You need to pay attention to problem-solving and alleviating the feeling of being lost, which includes following the rules and managing your own time.

If the question has to do with understanding the present, it is a sign that you should expect a change of improvement in life or a burden that will induce you to a new attitude. However, with the certainty that the coming future will be one of growth after the worst is over, the 6 of Swords indicates the move towards mental clarity.

Can the 6 of Swords indicate a good time to develop new skills?

Being a card of movement, the 6 of Swords provides a good environment to learn something new, to meet different people from different areas and exercise your ability to contribute to a more just world. In the same way, you can embark on adventures, implement strategies and realize dreams.

Now that you know how the 6 of Swords works in Tarot, we hope we've helped you understand a little about what she indicates during a reading. Don't be afraid to follow the advice she gives and when you reach your destination after the crossing, enjoy what you find on the other side!