Six of Swords

Tarot

Tradition · Golden Dawn

Number: 6
Numeral: VI
Arcana: Minor
Suit: Swords
Correspondences: Element
Air
Planet
Mercury
Zodiac
Aquarius
Decan
2
Decan title
Lord of Earned Success
Timing
January 30 to february 8
Tree of life
Tiphareth in yetzirah
Visual Symbolism: Key symbols
BoatFerrymanHuddled figuresSix swordsChoppy waterCalm water aheadDistant shore
Figure
Figures huddled in boat with six swords, ferryman poles toward calmer waters and distant shore
Swords in boat meaning
Taking your wounds with you, problems don't disappear but location changes
Water transition meaning
Choppy to calm, difficult passage to better place
Huddled figures meaning
Grief, exhaustion, escape, seeking safety
Imagery note
They're leaving, not arriving. The swords come with them—you can't leave your mind behind. But calmer waters await.
Keywords: Upright
TransitionMoving onLeaving behindMental healingJourneyRelease
Reversed
StuckResistance to changeUnfinished businessUnable to move on
Meanings: Upright
Core
Transition to calmer waters. Leaving difficulty behind, though you take your swords with you. The passage isn't comfortable but leads somewhere better. Mental healing through moving on.
Spiritual
Spiritual transition. Leaving old mental patterns. Journey to inner peace.
Practical
Moving away from difficulty. Transition period. Travel. Leaving problems behind. Mental healing journey.
Reversed
Core
Stuck in the difficult waters. Unable or unwilling to leave. Unfinished business preventing transition. The boat won't move because you haven't released the anchor.
Spiritual
Spiritual stagnation. Can't leave old mental patterns. Transition blocked.
Practical
Can't move on. Stuck in bad situation. Transition blocked. Unfinished business holding you back.
Life Areas: Love
Upright
Moving on from relationship difficulty. Transition in love. Leaving romantic problems.
Reversed
Can't leave unhealthy relationship. Stuck in love problems. Romantic transition blocked.
Career
Upright
Professional transition. Leaving difficult job. Career moving to calmer waters.
Reversed
Stuck in bad work situation. Can't leave problematic job. Career transition blocked.
Finances
Upright
Financial transition. Moving past money problems. Economic journey to stability.
Reversed
Stuck in financial problems. Can't escape money difficulty. Economic transition blocked.
Health
Upright
Mental health improving through change. Healing journey. Transition aiding recovery.
Reversed
Mental health stuck. Can't move to healing. Transition needed but blocked.
Psychological: Archetype
The Passage, The Transition, The Journey Away
Represents
Mental transition, necessary departure, healing through leaving
Shadow
Running from problems rather than solving them, believing geography is cure
Growth edge
Knowing when to leave, understanding the swords come with you
Question it asks
What are you leaving behind? What do you carry with you? Is this transition or escape?
Advice: Upright
The passage is necessary. Leave the choppy waters behind. You'll take your mind with you, but calmer shores await. Trust the ferryman.
Reversed
What's keeping you stuck? Why can't you leave? Finish the business or cut the anchor—but the boat needs to move.
Shadow Work: Six of Swords asks: Am I leaving toward something or just running away? What unfinished business holds me? Can I accept that the swords come with me? What would I face if I stayed?
Magical Uses: Transition ritualsTravel blessingMental healingMercury workPassage ceremoniesRelease magic
Crystals: Aquamarine Blue Lace Agate Turquoise Larimar
Herbs: Lavender The Sage Yarrow Meadowsweet
Affirmation: I move toward peace. I carry my wisdom, not my wounds. Calmer waters await.
Pairs with: Death Eight of Cups The Star Ace of Swords
Contrasts with: Five of Swords The Tower Ten of Swords