Six of Swords — moving on toward calmer waters

Supervised by Usatoko WHITE
Professional tarot reader & spiritual advisor

The classic Rider–Waite–Smith Six of Swords

Nyanta

Nekosuke, will you teach me about the Six of Swords today?

Nekosuke

Of course! The Six of Swords is a card that symbolizes "harmony and connection." It carries the power of the Air element, holding an energy of relating to others and of harmony. It's a card deeply tied to moments that call for careful thinking and judgment.

When people first start reading tarot, many rely only on the Major Arcana.

You can certainly do a full reading with just the Major Arcana, but as you get more comfortable, you'll naturally want more detailed guidance.

That's where the Minor Arcana comes in — combine it with the Majors for a richer reading.

There are a lot of cards, but grouping them by suit and number makes them much easier to remember.

The 56 Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands, Swords, Cups, and Pentacles.

Each suit has ten numbered cards (Ace through Ten) plus four court cards, making 14 cards per suit across the four suits.

The Minor Arcana reflects the small, everyday details of life, so pairing it with the Major Arcana lets you draw out much more specific advice.

This time, we'll walk through how to interpret the Six of Swords when it appears in a tarot reading.

✦The Basic Meaning of the Six of Swords

Swords belong to the element of Air, and the number Six represents "harmony."

Air is invisible, but you can feel that it's there. It moves and freely changes shape.

This means Swords carry quick action and the ability to adapt on the fly.

As an item that embodies air, the sword represents a step forward in human evolution from the more primal age symbolized by Wands.

The theme of the Six of Swords is "a new departure."

Because a sword is a tool for cutting, this suit is about carving out a new path in life — and compared to the other suits, it carries a cooler, more composed energy.

Nyanta

What do the upright and reversed positions of the Six of Swords each mean?

Nekosuke

The number Six represents harmony and connection. Upright, the Six of Swords shows that you can build good relationships in moments that call for careful thought and judgment. Reversed, it suggests the balance has slipped, or that things aren't quite going smoothly. Let's go through each in detail!

✦What the Numbers Mean in the Minor Arcana

What kind of story do the Sword cards tell?

Understanding the flow of the numbers helps you read the cards more deeply.

If you'd like to learn more about what the suit of Swords represents, that's covered in our full guide to the Swords suit.

Cards have a flow to them, and keeping that in mind is useful when interpreting a reading.

Now let's look at how to interpret the Six of Swords, both upright and reversed.

☀Six of Swords Upright

Keywords: escape, turning point, a calm departure, problem-solving, gaining clarity

When the Six of Swords appears upright, it means an unexpected turn of events — a job transfer, a career change, a personal trip, or a move — is arriving and will lead to a good outcome.

You might be surprised by how things unfold, but the fog that's been weighing on you will lift, and you'll feel a real sense of clarity.

Let yourself be carried along by this turning point.

You may need to adapt quickly, but as you are right now, you have what it takes to work things out on your own.

The Six of Swords shows that the time for a new journey has arrived. You've been longing to move toward a better environment, and now is the moment to actually take that step.

By letting go of old values and shifting your thinking, you'll discover new possibilities.

☾Six of Swords Reversed

Keywords: finding your direction, a difficult transition, pushing through, a time to recharge

When the Six of Swords appears reversed, you may be in a situation where you're searching for the next chapter.

What matters most in moving toward that next stage is letting go of unnecessary attachments and pressing on with patience.

Just a small adjustment to your approach can reveal a new path forward.

♡Love: Six of Swords Upright

Keywords: someone you can respect, a new encounter, moving past a crisis

If you're looking for a partner, this is a time when romance often blossoms while traveling.

Go ahead and actively get out and explore new places.

Even if you haven't been able to forget a past relationship, a new encounter is on the horizon.

You'll meet a wonderful partner, and the old wounds will begin to heal.

If you already have a partner, you'll be able to share your values with one another, strengthening your bond even further. You're set to build a truly good relationship.

Their Feelings: Six of Swords Upright

When you're reading their feelings and the Six of Swords appears, it seems they are starting to see you as a romantic interest.

Whatever has been on your mind will get resolved, and things will move toward romance.

Take your time and get to know each other slowly.

Reconciliation: Six of Swords Upright

When reading about reconciliation and the Six of Swords appears, your ex wants to get back together with you, but there seems to be an issue that needs sorting out first.

Working together as a team, the two of you can resolve it.

Marriage: Six of Swords Upright

When reading about marriage and the Six of Swords appears, you can take this as a sign that the time is right for marriage.

The road here surely wasn't easy, but by getting through the hard parts together, your bond has grown solid.

Having come this far together, you're well positioned to build a happy home going forward.

♡Love: Six of Swords Reversed

Keyword: each of you heading in a different direction

Change is coming to your relationship with your partner.

This is happening because of a clinging to old values.

Try shifting your perspective.

Choosing to go your separate ways is also a valid decision.

By being the one to spark a new change, you can break through the current situation.

Their Feelings: Six of Swords Reversed

When you're reading their feelings and the Six of Swords appears reversed, it means the current situation needs to change. Even though you know deep down that nothing will change if things stay as they are, are you still letting it continue?

Right now, it's a good idea to take some distance.

By having the courage to choose change for yourself, a new kind of relationship can emerge.

Reconciliation: Six of Swords Reversed

When reading about reconciliation and the Six of Swords appears reversed, it seems your ex is currently focused on something else.

But that's only true for "right now."

If you wait for things to settle and then reach out, the distance between you will close again.

Marriage: Six of Swords Reversed

When reading about marriage and the Six of Swords appears reversed, the timing for marriage looks like it will be a little further off.

Some things will come up that need to be resolved.

But that's simply a necessary step toward moving forward.

Don't worry — the right timing for marriage will come without fail.

Approach this as a long game. Doing so will lighten your heart.

✦Work: Six of Swords

Upright

Keywords: career change, transfer, gaining momentum, the start of a new project

There's a possibility that your environment will change through a transfer or new job.

If you've been agonizing over a career change, try actively gathering information — attending info sessions at various companies, for example — and you'll likely find your way to a better workplace than the one you're in now.

Also, if you're in charge of a project, you're likely to see good results.

New ideas will come to you, your input will be well received, and you'll have more chances to shine.

Things are starting to gain momentum, so it's also a good time to start something new.

Someone may step in to support you.

They'll be the push you need to move forward.

Reversed

Keywords: making a new plan, valuing communication

If the reversed card appears in a work reading, it's a good idea to boldly revise your plans.

You're someone capable of calm, clear-headed analysis. By rethinking your plan from the ground up, a new vision will come into view.

Also, try turning your attention to your personal life right now.

Finding a new hobby or spending time with friends and enriching your personal life will also boost your luck at work.

✦Money: Six of Swords

Upright

If the upright card appears in a money reading, it shows that your financial luck is only going to keep improving.

This card represents an improving flow of money, so you'll likely be able to generate income through multiple avenues.

Rather than sticking with your usual investments, seeking out new opportunities will further improve your cash flow.

This is a good time to look into new investment options.

Reversed

Keep living life as you have been.

It's better to hold off a bit longer before starting something new.

By keeping to your usual routine, you can maintain a stable flow of money.

✦Health: Six of Swords

Upright

Rest assured — your health is on the road to recovery.

Taking proper time to rest will lead to an even better outcome.

Reversed

Right now, make an effort to relax.

It's also a good idea to spend time on things you enjoy or on your hobbies.

Taking time to look inward will also help you find the right balance between mind and body.

⧗Reading by Position: How to Interpret the Six of Swords

Past — Upright

This was a time when you were breaking free from a difficult situation and heading toward something better.

Hope for the future was beginning to appear, and you were entering a new phase.

Present — Upright

This is a very good flow.

You're able to break free from a difficult situation that's been going on.

The keyword here is "sometimes the best move is to walk away."

Future — Upright

A future filled with hope awaits.

No matter how tough things are right now, they will gradually improve, and your heart will feel lighter.

This is an energy that can point to recovering from illness or to a raise or promotion.

Advice — Upright

This is a sign that it's better to move to a new location. A change of scenery can also change your way of thinking.

You'll also become able to view the problem more objectively, which will reveal its true nature and point you toward a solution.

Right now, it's better to respond calmly.

Outcome — Upright

It looks like you'll meet someone with whom you can share your way of thinking and values.

You'll build a relationship where you understand each other.

You may also receive help from those around you.

At work, getting your preparations properly in order will help things you're working on gain momentum.

Past — Reversed

This was likely a complicated time, both in circumstances and in your own feelings.

You've since made it through.

Present — Reversed

Letting go of your old values will reveal a solution.

Taking time to re-examine yourself will help you find your way out faster.

Future — Reversed

Facing the problem head-on with sincerity will reveal a way through.

Respond calmly and things will be fine. Rest assured.

Advice — Reversed

You need to steel yourself and face the problem directly.

By making that resolve, a brighter future is guaranteed to come.

It's important to actually experience what lies beyond it.

Outcome — Reversed

A new problem is likely to surface.

If it's a relationship issue, you can avoid it by putting some distance between you for a while.

On the work side, you can avoid trouble by revising your plans now.

✧Level Up: Comparing Tarot Cards

Comparing tarot cards helps you understand how they connect and how to tell them apart in a reading.

It also broadens your perspective, allowing for deeper interpretations.

Six of Swords vs. Six of Wands

The Six of Swords represents finding peace of mind by deciding to step back from a problem, while the Six of Wands represents reaching your destination by deciding to keep pressing forward.

What they share in common is that both ultimately lead to stability and peace.

Six of Swords vs. Six of Cups

The Six of Swords represents physically moving away from your current situation, while the Six of Cups represents remembering your original purpose and returning to your roots.

What they share in common is that both involve stepping away from the present situation.

Six of Swords vs. Six of Pentacles

The Six of Swords represents help arriving to resolve a relationship issue, while the Six of Pentacles represents a helping hand being extended to resolve a financial issue.

What they share in common is that in both cases, some form of help arrives and things move in a good direction.

✦In Closing

The Six of Swords represents being right in the middle of a shift into a new situation.

Little by little, things are moving in a good direction.

Physically changing your location — such as by traveling — will help clear your feelings.

Someone may also appear to lend you a hand.

The Six of Swords teaches us that on the long journey of life, both hardship and hope will visit us in turn.

The time has come to set out for new horizons.

We hope your life continues to grow ever brighter.