Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Visual Description of the Six of Swords:

Six swords stand like daggers in a boat. They represent the painful memories of the mother and child that are setting forth on a voyage. The voyage suggests that while they are still carrying baggage from a past they are heading to a more tranquil environment. This message is echoed by the water surrounding the boat, those they are sailing away from are turbulent, while the water ahead of them is calm. The water represents the emotional state of the two occupants. The woman’s head is covered and the child hunkers in close to her suggesting sadness, loss and a need for comfort.

Divinatory Meaning of the Six of Swords:

Upright Meaning of the Six of Swords Tarot Card:

The Six of Swords is another sombre card in this suit. The querent is facing a journey toward a new beginning, but it is not without sorrow that they venture forth. There is a certain harmony about the expedition they are facing and they can find comfort in others, but they are still burdened with the past. Only once they let go of the load will they find the true inner peace and tranquility they seek.

“You are sad to the bone and it feels like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. Luckily you have a couple of close loved ones who can offer you comfort. On the bright side things will start getting better soon and the ups and downs in your life will stabilize, but your baggage is still going to weigh you down from the inside.

To be free from the inner turmoil you’re currently facing you need to let go of the unhappy memories from the past. As humans we have a tendency to cling to the negative, but just because everyone does it it doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Keep looking forward and let go of anything that no longer serves you. Soon you’ll find the peace you’re looking for.”

The querent may not be aware of all the baggage they are carrying with them. Through this journey they need to look within and release any negative attachments to the past and people that have caused them pain. This card indicates a Spiritual journey as much as a physical one.

Reversed Meaning of the Six of Swords Tarot Card:

Reversed the Six of Swords indicates that the querent is aware of what is causing them pain and they’re ready to release the emotion through a confession. They are still facing difficulties, but unlike the upright meaning of the Six of Swords, reversed shows that the querent is ready to keel the boat over and get rid of the swords.

“You have had just about enough of feeling down and glum. After a lot of soul searching you have found the answer, you need to let go of that thing that keeps cropping up and clouding your mood. You know what it is… And you know clinging onto it isn’t doing you any favors!

That being said, you also know that this doesn’t mean life will suddenly be sunny and bright. But, what you do know is that thankfully things will be a lot calmer for you as soon as you open up and confess what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling that way.”

The querent may want to declare their situation to someone specific. While this is a good idea in most cases, diggin up the past isn’t necessarily good for the other person involved. They should thus keep the other person’s feelings in mind before dragging them into their own personal dilemma. If the querent cannot confess to whom they prefer they can always go into nature and confess out loud to the Universe. They will have a similar feeling of relief without perhaps inciting more baggage.