Skip to main content
⛵
Element
Air
Planet
Mercury/Saturn
Zodiac
Gemini/Libra/Aquarius
Yes/No
Yes
VI

Six of Swords

A ferryman guides a boat carrying a huddled figure (and sometimes a child) across water. Six swords stand in the boat. The water is rough behind, calmer ahead.

Upright Keywords

Transition
Moving On
Travel
Change
Healing Journey

Reversed Keywords

Resistance
Unfinished Business
Stagnation
Stuck
Return

Upright Meaning

Transition, moving on, change, travel. Leaving troubled waters for calmer shores.

Reversed Meaning

Resistance to change, unfinished business, stagnation. Unable to move forward.

Symbolism & Imagery

  • ✦The boat journey represents transition
  • ✦Rough water behind shows troubles left behind
  • ✦Calm water ahead promises peace
  • ✦The huddled figure shows grief or relief
  • ✦The ferryman guides the passage

Interpretations by Life Area

Upright

Moving on from relationship trouble. Transition to calmer emotional waters. Love journey continues elsewhere.

Reversed

Stuck in past relationship patterns. Unable to move on. Unfinished romantic business.

Advice

It's time to go. Leave the troubled waters behind and trust that calmer shores await.

Warning

You can't take everything with you. Some baggage must be left behind for the boat to sail.

Ready for Your Reading?

Now that you understand Six of Swords, draw cards to see how this wisdom applies to your life.