Minor Arcana • Air
Six of Swords Tarot Meaning
Complete guide to the visual symbolism, upright and reversed meanings, love dynamics, career guidance, and yes/no verdict for Six of Swords.
Notice the ferryman poling a boat toward a distant shore with a cloaked woman and a child huddled inside, six swords standing upright in the boat and the water calmer ahead.
Key Attributes
Upright Keywords: Transition • Moving on • Recovery • Journey • Calmer waters
Reversed Keywords: Resistance to change • Unfinished business • Stuck • Baggage
General Meaning: Upright & Reversed
A ferryman poles a boat toward a distant shore, a cloaked woman and a child huddled inside, six swords standing upright. The water ahead is calmer. The card speaks of transition, of leaving a difficult time behind, and of gradually reaching calmer waters.
In Reverse: Reversed, the boat does not leave the shore, or old baggage weighs it down. Change is necessary but resisted. Ask what you are bringing with you that you could leave behind.
Love & Relationships
Overcoming a difficult phase together, or moving on after a breakup. The water ahead is calmer than the water behind.
Reversed in Love: Old wounds weighing on the relationship, or difficulty letting go of the past. Notice which swords you keep carrying in the boat.
Career & Finances
Changing jobs, relocating, or leaving a stressful situation behind. The transition may be quiet, but it takes you somewhere better.
Reversed in Career: Stagnation, unfinished business, or fear of the next step. The boat cannot leave while you are still tied to the shore.
Yes or No Verdict: Six of Swords
The Six of Swords is moving steadily toward calmer water. It answers Yes upright.
Read dedicated Yes/No guide for Six of Swords →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Six of Swords a Yes or a No?
Six of Swords is considered a Yes upright. The Six of Swords is moving steadily toward calmer water. It answers Yes upright.
What does Six of Swords mean in a love reading?
Overcoming a difficult phase together, or moving on after a breakup. The water ahead is calmer than the water behind.
What does Six of Swords reversed signify?
Reversed, the boat does not leave the shore, or old baggage weighs it down. Change is necessary but resisted. Ask what you are bringing with you that you could leave behind.
What astrological sign or planet is associated with Six of Swords?
Six of Swords is traditionally associated with Mercury in Aquarius.