The Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Six swords are neatly and regularly arranged, inserted on both sides of the front half of the boat, with three swords evenly spaced on each side.
This small boat carries a woman and a child, with a ferryman rowing behind them. Each figure on the boat has their back to the picture, looking down in the same direction. The woman is wrapped in a yellow-brown cloak, and the child's face is also obscured from view.
The ferryman is dressed in a dark blue garment, with a coat and shoes of varying shades of red-brown. The oar is very long, sliding to the right side of the boat. The ferryman has his right foot forward and his left foot back, seemingly about to push the boat up and just starting to leave the shore. The boat is tilted to the upper right at the bottom of the picture, sailing to the right out of the picture, going with the flow, wanting to reach the farther shore.
The swords are arranged in two rows, which can be said to form a protective barrier for the passengers on the boat. The neat arrangement of the swords also indicates order, symbolizing rational thinking and planned arrangement. The swords inserted are just a pictorial expression of the drawing, not saying that after pulling them up, the boat will leak. However, carrying six swords on the boat will also increase the overall weight of the boat, making it deeper in the water, and rowing forward will be more laborious and difficult.
The water on the left is calm and clear, and the water at the lower right of the picture where the oar slides is rippled with blue waves. The scenery on the other side, with slightly undulating terrain and a few trees, is a pale blue without color, representing that the distance is still very far away.
The Boat
The boat symbolizes the vehicle of transition, carrying the figures from a state of turmoil to a calmer, more peaceful space. The vessel represents the necessary means to make the journey, both literally and metaphorically.
Figures in the Boat
The adult and child inside the boat represent the facets of human experience, both mature and innocent, taking the journey together. They also symbolize the idea that change and transition are an inherent part of life, affecting people at all stages.
The Man with the Oar
The man wielding the oar is symbolic of guidance and the external forces that help us along our journey. He may represent a mentor, guardian, or the universe itself aiding in the transition from a troubled state to a more peaceful one. His purposeful rowing suggests a well-guided, intentional journey towards something better.
Swords in the Boat
The six swords placed in the boat symbolize the intellectual and emotional baggage that one carries even when moving towards better circumstances. While the journey is aimed at a more positive destination, the past experiences, represented by the swords, continue to shape us.
River
The river represents emotional currents and the flow of life. The calmness of the water in this card suggests that the journey will not be perilous, but rather a peaceful transition towards a more stable condition.
Distant Shore
The distant shore, often depicted as being more inviting than the point of departure, symbolizes the better circumstances that lie ahead. It is the promise of a more stable and peaceful environment after the struggle.
Keywords
Transition, Journey, Healing, Mental Clarity, Improved Circumstances
General Overview
The Six of Swords signifies a necessary journey or transition. It is a movement away from turbulent waters into a more peaceful and predictable state. This card does not necessarily denote immediate joy but does indicate the alleviation of immediate troubles, steering your life towards a more stable condition.
When the Six of Swords appears, it’s often a sign that you’re headed towards a better future, but not without carrying the lessons or scars of the past with you. Thus, it’s a card of hope but also one of deep reflection.
The imagery implies a collaborative effort; you’re not alone on this journey. Whether it’s emotional support or actual physical assistance, you’ll have the help you need to move into this new phase of life.
Work
Work Situation
Your work will take a while to see results. During this time, it's best to keep a low profile and work diligently. Success will come naturally when the time is right.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
If you truly need help at work, don't be shy about asking for it. However, it's best to keep these requests discreet and not let too many people know about them.
Workplace Relationships
Everyone in this job keeps a low profile and works quietly, but they will still help each other out when problems arise. However, it's difficult to make friends in this work environment.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your boss often puts pressure on you but also helps you moderately. You should seize the opportunity to learn more and quickly reach a level where you can handle things on your own.
Job Prospects
This job has great potential for the future, but it will take some time to go through various challenges and troubles before reaching a satisfactory state.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
It will take some time to see results when starting to look for a job. Even if someone helps you, it can only accelerate the process to a limited extent. You should patiently keep searching.
Love
Love Situation
There are many issues between the two of you, but since both parties are working hard to resolve them, the situation will gradually improve and is expected to develop in a favorable direction.
Possibility of New Romance
It's unlikely for a new romance to happen now because you are still healing from past pain. Only when you truly let go of the previous person can a new partner appear.
View on This Relationship
This relationship should be kept low-key and not attract too much attention. If it becomes known to everyone, it might end quickly, and all your efforts will be in vain.
Sexual Attraction
There is not a strong sexual attraction between the two of you, which might be due to long-distance separation or conservative views, leading to a lack of sexual life and causing dissatisfaction between both parties.
How to Resolve Arguments
At this time, you should first calm down, assess the situation clearly before taking action, and handle it discreetly to avoid causing greater misunderstandings due to arguments.
Possibility of a Breakup
If the two of you are separated by distance or haven't been in touch for a while, it's likely that you will drift apart naturally, and there's no need to formally propose a breakup; it will happen naturally.
Possibility of Reconciliation
It's completely impossible for the two of you to get back together now. You should take practical actions to heal and soothe your pain, and once you recover, you will find a new partner.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are not very focused on socializing, but you still have a few close friends to chat with. Everyone might be together because of shared interests and hobbies.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Don't rush at this time. Start by investigating the issue through peripheral people to see where the problem lies. After some behind-the-scenes coordination, then talk about the issue openly.
Family
Family Situation
There might have been some bad situations at home before, but now things are gradually returning to normal. You should play the role of a stabilizer and quickly soothe the past pain.
Relationship with Elders
Your elders often help you, so your relationship has become particularly close. Sometimes you rely too much, lacking your own experience and opinions.
Relationship with Peers
You often play the role of helping everyone among your peers. Even if your own situation is not very good, you still try to help others, so everyone admires you.
Relationship with Juniors
You often feel that the juniors have a bad temper, but you don't know how to deal with it. In fact, as long as you ignore them, their emotions will dissipate quickly.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your performance in academics is not very good, but as long as you start working hard now, it's not too late to make up for it. The process of improvement requires patience, and you must not give up.
Learning Methods
If there are areas where your foundation was not solid in the past, start making up for those parts now. Believe that after a period of time, you will see the results of progress.
Relationship with Teachers
Basically, teachers are very tolerant towards students, so as long as your behavior is not too outrageous, you can probably be forgiven, and they are helpful teachers for you.
Relationship with Classmates
There are some disputes between you and your classmates, but you often swallow your grievances without expressing your grievances, so everyone cannot truly understand you.
Finance
Financial Situation
Due to some financial issues in the past, you are still dealing with them. As long as you are determined to solve the problems, things will eventually have a perfect ending.
Investment Situation
Your previous investment situation was not very good, but it has slowly started to improve. If you can wait patiently, you will see improvement after a while.
Purchasing Strategy
At this time, you are likely to encounter problems when making purchases by yourself. Instead, you might have to spend more time dealing with the issue, so it's best to delegate this task to someone else.
Keywords
Stagnation, Unwillingness to Move On, Resistance to Change, Delayed Transition
General Overview
The Six of Swords in its reversed position suggests a reluctance or inability to move forward. Unlike the upright position which represents transition and change, the reversed card indicates stagnation. It could mean you are resisting the very change that might free you from your current troubles.
This resistance to change could be due to fear, lack of resources, or simply an emotional attachment to the situation you are in. Whatever the cause, the Six of Swords reversed advises you to face your circumstances, as avoiding change is likely to keep you in turbulent waters for longer than necessary.
The card can also indicate a return to a previously troublesome situation or going back on a decision to change. This can be cautionary; consider whether you are regressing or genuinely resolving unfinished business.
Work
Work Situation
There is a significant turmoil in your current work environment. To avoid getting caught up in it, keep a low profile and focus on your tasks without meddling in others' affairs.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
It's time to unite and face external challenges, but some matters still need to be handled discreetly. If your intentions are discovered, all previous efforts will be in vain.
Workplace Relationships
Your colleagues work very hard during office hours, but there's no camaraderie after work, so avoid prying into too many personal matters.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
You have a dominant boss who likes to control everything. If you can work in harmony to accomplish tasks, they will certainly find ways to support you.
Job Prospects
This job is going to undergo significant changes, possibly even restructuring. Staying means sharing hardships, but leaving won't be criticized.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
It might be time to start looking for jobs further away, perhaps even abroad. If you can muster the courage, go out and explore new opportunities.
Love
Love Situation
The two of you have overcome many issues together in this relationship, building a deep bond as a couple who has faced adversity together.
Possibility of New Romance
It's difficult for new romances to blossom right now, as you have many other matters to attend to. You may not have the time or energy to focus on love or notice potential partners.
View on This Relationship
Although you're facing some issues now, your relationship is well-known for having gone through a lot together. No matter what, it's not something to be given up on.
Sexual Attraction
There isn't much sexual attraction in this relationship, but the closeness you feel leads to regular intimacy, which helps the relationship somewhat.
How to Resolve Arguments
The arguments at this time are minor and stem from both parties insisting on unnecessary principles. It's better for each to take a step back to resolve the issue.
Possibility of a Breakup
If you want to break up at this time, take the initiative and announce that you've separated. It will be difficult for the other party to succeed in any attempts to reconcile.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship has completely ended, with no chance of reconciliation. Don't be soft-hearted out of fear of hurting the other person; it's better to part ways sooner rather than later.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Many of your friends are those who can share hardships, but they are not the kind to share joy. Even after going through tough times together, there's a chance of falling out later.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
At this time, you should clarify your stance first and not let the other party obscure the issue. However, if coordination with the other party fails, the relationship may break down.
Family
Family Situation
Your family is facing significant changes. It's time to be self-reliant and take unified action without expecting help from others.
Relationship with Elders
You often unknowingly do things that hurt the feelings of your elders, but since they don't speak up, you continue to make the same mistakes.
Relationship with Peers
Due to shared experiences of hardship, even if you rarely contact each other, you will still help each other out when problems arise, offering genuine concern.
Relationship with Juniors
Juniors are actually an important emotional support for you, but sometimes you can't express your love for them. You should demonstrate your love through more practical actions.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your recent academic performance has not been good. Perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your study methods and prepare to start anew, without being distracted by emotions.
Learning Methods
You should strive to absorb a variety of knowledge now, rather than sticking to your original concepts. If you take a step outside, you will find more things that can help you.
Relationship with Teachers
Teachers are generally good to students, but you often make mistakes that annoy them. You should improve your behavior to be worthy of the teachers' care.
Relationship with Classmates
You don't have many friends among classmates, and you don't like to hang out with them. You should spend more time studying rather than being troubled by interpersonal relationships.
Finance
Financial Situation
You have made some mistakes in financial management, so the current situation is a bit precarious. If you start to make amends now, there might still be a chance to turn things around.
Investment Situation
Your current investment situation is very volatile. If you're not pursuing high-risk profits, it's better not to continue and wait until the situation is more stable before starting again.
Purchasing Strategy
It's possible to make some purchases at this time, but it's best to plan ahead rather than buying things on a whim, most of which you don't need.