Alizon Tarot
Six of Swords - Tarot Card Meanings
Key Symbolism
transitions, leaving something or someone behind, getting over difficult times, heading to a better future, entering a new frame of mind, moving on, escape, healing, progress, resolution of difficulties, release of tension, things calming down, journeys, lethargy, guidance.
Description and Symbolism
Six of Swords shows a woman and her child being rowed to the other side of a body of water. The womans head is covered with a cloak and she is looking down, her head between the shoulders, giving the impression of sadness. The water to the right is turbulent while the water to the left and towards the land they are heading to, is calm, symbolizing that they are leaving conflict and approaching a more peaceful environment. The six swords in the boat symbolize the power of the rational mind over the heart.
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General Meaning
The number six points to the state of peace that is achieved when conflict or difficult times are left behind. Six of Swords is about all kinds of transitions to a better place, away from difficult situations. It is about leaving the past behind and starting anew. The decision to leave something behind might bring some regret and sadness, but you know that in the long run it will be for the better. Since the swords represent mental forces, the decision to leave is probably based on reason.
Love Meaning
In a love reading the Six of Swords can symbolize a breakup and leaving someone behind – probably because the relationship was too much trouble. After a breakup it can symbolize the process of moving on. You might still be sad, but you are heading in the right direction and healing from past hurts. The way the woman’s head is covered by the cloak also gives the impression of secrecy. In some cases it can point to someone slowly leaving and detaching from a relationship. It could mean that someone is thinking about breaking up already, but they don't know how to break up. They might feel guilty and that is why they act like the woman in the boat - hiding their face. Six of Swords can also symbolize that after difficult times in a relationship, things are calming down again.
As Feelings
If you ask how someone feels for you, Six of Swords can indicate that the person in question wants to get away from something. If there has been a troublesome time lately, they might want to get out of this difficult situation. It does not necessarily mean that they want to break up, even though it could be the case, but it could also mean they long for a change. They also might feel like leaving the past behind. Like mentioned above, the person in question might also think about breaking up and feeling guilty about it - so they chose to hide their intentions.
© Illustrations from the Radiant Rider-Waite 2015 reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems Inc., Stanford, CT 06902. c. 2015 by U.S. Games Systems Inc. All rights reserved.