SWORDS
Six of Swords tarot card meaning
The Six of Swords is the card of transition. You are leaving something difficult behind and moving toward calmer waters.
In a reading, it can show moving on, recovering or literal travel. The journey may be bittersweet, but it leads somewhere better.
Six of Swords upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Swords shows you are moving on toward something better. It may be bittersweet, but the direction is right. Keep going.
Six of Swords upright in love & relationships
In love, it can show moving on from a past relationship or a couple moving through a hard time together.
Six of Swords upright in career & work
At work, it suggests a transition, such as a new role or relocating.
Six of Swords upright in money & finances
Financially, it suggests gradual improvement.
Six of Swords reversed meaning
Reversed, the Six of Swords can show resistance to change, unfinished business or feeling unable to move on. The card asks what you need to resolve before you can leave.
Six of Swords reversed in love & relationships
In love, the reversal may show difficulty letting go.
Six of Swords reversed in career & work
At work, it may show delays in a transition.
Six of Swords reversed in money & finances
With money, it may show slow recovery.
Is Six of Swords a yes or no card?
Yes upright · Maybe reversed
Upright, the Six of Swords is a quiet yes: you are moving toward better times. Reversed, it is a maybe while you resist moving on.
Six of Swords symbolism and imagery
On the Rider–Waite–Smith card, a man poles a boat across water, carrying a cloaked woman and a child. Six swords stand upright in the boat. The water on one side is rough, while the water ahead is calm.
The rough and calm water show leaving trouble for peace. The figures are quiet, showing that moving on can be sad even when it is right. The swords travel with them, suggesting some baggage comes along.
Six of Swords in a reading
As an outcome, the Six of Swords suggests moving toward peace. Next to the Eight of Cups, you are walking away from something. Next to The Star, healing follows.
Notable combinations
- Six of Swords + Eight of Cups: Walking away toward something better.
- Six of Swords + The Star: Healing after a hard time.
- Six of Swords + Three of Swords: Moving on from heartbreak.
Tarot is a tool for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction of fixed events or a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.