TarotCraft Lesson 204.06: The 6 of Swords

The 6 of Swords Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

The 6 of Swords shows assistance in moving away from difficulties, the chance to regain your peace of mind and equilibrium after a difficult time. Some things can’t be resolved, only left behind. A new start is possible now.  

 Image Description

Three people are in a small boat. A dark-haired figure is standing and rowing with a pole, dressed in a brown tunic and blue shirt, with green leggings and red boots. In front of them sit a child and a figure covered in a robe and hood. All the figures have their backs to the viewer

Six swords are upright in the front of the boat, points down. In the distance across the water are islands with trees. The sky is grey and overcast, the water light gray/blue.  
 
Yes/No upright: Yes
Yes/No reversed: No
 
Amplified by: The Star
Amplifier for: The Star
 
Zodiac/Element: Venus in Aquarius
Dates: 20 January – 29 January
 
Traditional Name: Earned Success
Traditional Meaning: journey by water, route, way, envoy, commissionary, expedient. Reversed: Declaration, confession, publicity; one account says that it is a proposal of love.
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

All the figures have their backs to the viewer, so one thing we could take from this is the symbology of the unconscious mind or feelings you have trouble expressing.  

This card shows assistance in moving away from difficulties, the chance to regain your peace of mind and equilibrium after a difficult time. Some things can’t be resolved, only left behind. A new start is possible now.  

Traditionally, this card can indicate a journey by water, but a more contemporary interpretation could simply be a journey by any means, especially if other cards such as the World or the Fool appear with it.
  
The combination of water/Cups and air/Swords can show conflicted feelings.  

TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

When reversed this card can indicate betrayal and things going on behind your back, or that you need assistance with your problems – you can’t fix it on your own.
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge

Gift 

The Gift of the 6 of Swords is found when you take a journey, either metaphorical or literal, in search of calmer waters and peace of mind.  

Invitation

There is an abundance of help and resources available to you, if you choose to seek help.

Challenge 

The Challenge of the 6 of Swords lies in discerning the right time to move on, and what to leave behind when you do.
 
Go to next Lesson The 7 of Swords
 
Go to previous Lesson The 5 of Swords