Six of Swords: tarot card meaning

General meaning

The Six of Swords is the crossing to calmer waters: you leave a difficult chapter behind and move toward something better. The journey may be quiet and a little sad, but it's the right one. The far shore is already in sight.

In love

In love it means moving past a crisis together, or moving away from a relationship that hurt. The wounds travel with you for a while, and that's okay. What matters is that the direction has already changed.

At work

At work it signals transitions: a change of job, city, or focus that eases tension. It also favors travel. Progress now is gradual but steady: trust the crossing.

Six of Swords reversed

Reversed, it shows resistance to leaving the familiar, or emotional baggage you won't release. The boat can't move while you're still tied to the dock. Drop what weighs you down: not everything you carry is yours.

Sources: Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911); tradición RWS

Frequently asked questions

What does Six of Swords mean in tarot?

The Six of Swords is the crossing to calmer waters: you leave a difficult chapter behind and move toward something better. The journey may be quiet and a little sad, but it's the right one. The far shore is already in sight.

What does Six of Swords mean in love?

In love it means moving past a crisis together, or moving away from a relationship that hurt. The wounds travel with you for a while, and that's okay. What matters is that the direction has already changed.

What does Six of Swords reversed mean?

Reversed, it shows resistance to leaving the familiar, or emotional baggage you won't release. The boat can't move while you're still tied to the dock. Drop what weighs you down: not everything you carry is yours.