Six of Swords
Minor Arcana · Swords
Keywords
transitionmoving onleaving behindgradual change
Reversed Keywords
resistanceunfinished businessstuck
Card Imagery
A figure sits in a boat being ferried across water, with a child. Six swords stand upright in the bow. The water behind them is choppy; ahead it's calm. A distant shore awaits. The journey is quiet and melancholy but headed in the right direction.
Upright Meaning
The Six of Swords represents a necessary transition — leaving behind turbulent waters for calmer shores. It's bittersweet: you're moving toward something better, but the journey itself carries sadness for what's left behind.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, the Six of Swords suggests resistance to a necessary move, unfinished emotional business, or feeling unable to leave a difficult situation. You know you need to go, but something holds you.