Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
A ferryman carries a woman and child toward a distant shore. The Six of Swords is transition — leaving difficulty behind for calmer waters.
- Suit:Swords — Air
- Keywords:transition, moving on, relief, travel
- Reversed:resistance, unfinished business
- Yes or no:Yes
What the card shows
A ferryman rows a boat carrying a hooded woman and a child. Six swords stand upright in the boat. The water is rough on one side, calm on the other.
They are leaving, carrying their burdens with them, but moving.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Swords means moving on, healing and travel toward something better.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, resistance to change or unresolved issues following you.
In love and relationships
In love, moving past difficulties or leaving a painful relationship.
In work and money
At work, transitioning to a new role. With money, gradual improvement.
As advice
Keep moving toward calmer water, even if slowly.
In Marseille and Thoth
In the Tarot de Marseille the Six of Swords shows curved blades around a flower. In the Thoth deck the card is Science.
Questions to reflect on
- What am I leaving behind?
- What do I carry with me?
- What shore am I heading for?
Frequently asked questions
Does the Six of Swords mean travel?
It can, especially over water, or a life transition.
Is it positive?
Yes, it shows moving toward better times.