The Six of Swords is the card of moving on. It shows a quiet journey away from troubled waters toward a calmer shore.
On this page
What's on the Six of Swords card
A ferryman poles a small boat across the water. A woman wrapped in a cloak sits hunched in the boat beside a child, and six swords stand upright in the bow. The water on the right is choppy, while the water ahead is smooth.
- The boat: a journey or transition
- The ferryman: help and guidance along the way
- The rough and calm water: leaving trouble behind for peace
- The swords in the boat: memories and lessons carried with you
Six of Swords upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Swords shows you leaving something difficult behind. It may be a relationship, a home, a job or a hard chapter of life. The journey may feel sad, but calmer waters lie ahead.
It can also mean literal travel, especially over water. Accept help when it's offered.
Six of Swords reversed meaning
Reversed, you may feel stuck or unable to leave a situation. Old problems follow you, or you're resisting a change you know is needed.
Look at what's holding you back. Sometimes the first step is the hardest, but it's still yours to take.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Six of Swords in love
Upright: Moving on from a past relationship, or a couple getting through a rough patch together.
Reversed: Unable to let go of an ex, or repeating old patterns.
Six of Swords in career and money
Upright: A job change, relocation or moving away from a stressful role.
Reversed: Feeling trapped in a job or delaying a needed change.
Six of Swords as feelings
As feelings, the Six of Swords shows someone who is quietly sad but hopeful. They want to move on to something better. Reversed, they're stuck in the past.
Is Six of Swords a yes or no card?
Yes. The Six of Swords is a gentle yes, especially about moving on. Reversed, it's "not until you let go".
Six of Swords correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Air |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Crystals | Aquamarine Smoky Quartz |
| Herbs and incense | Eucalyptus Lavender |
| Candle colors | Blue Candle Gray Candle |
A Six of Swords Safe Passage Spell
For a move, a trip or leaving a hard chapter behind.
You will need:
- A light blue candle
- An aquamarine or smoky quartz
- A bowl of water
- A bay leaf or small paper boat
Steps:
- Light the candle and set the bowl of water in front of it.
- Hold the stone and name what you are leaving behind.
- Float the bay leaf or paper boat on the water and gently blow it to the far side of the bowl.
- Say: I leave rough waters for a calmer shore. I carry the lessons and nothing more.
- Pour the water outside and carry the stone on your journey.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Six of Swords FAQs
What does the Six of Swords mean?
The Six of Swords means transition, moving on and leaving trouble behind for calmer times.
Is the Six of Swords a yes or no?
It is a gentle yes, especially about moving on.
Can the Six of Swords mean travel?
Yes. It often points to a journey, especially over water, or a move to a new home.
What zodiac sign is the Six of Swords?
In the Golden Dawn system, the Six of Swords is Mercury in Aquarius.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with Six of Swords: Eight of Cups, Three of Swords, The Chariot.