Six of Swords
The Six of Swords represents transition and change, whether physical, emotional, or mental. It underscores the difficulty of leaving the familiar for the unknown and the emotional weight transitions carry. Unlike other turbulent or dramatic cards, it carries a quiet peace and invites self-reflection on emotional burdens. This card highlights individuality and personal strength as one navigates through uncertain waters.
Keywords
Transition and Change
This is a card of transition and change, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. Like so many of the Swords, it carries an emotional weight—transitions are rarely easy, and change can foster anxiety and uncertainty. It is difficult to leave the familiar for the unknown because even when the familiar is painful, we can at least find comfort in being used to it—the unknown is unpredictable and strange. But change is a necessary part of life, and it is often better to sail out into uncharted waters than remain in a stagnant pond.
Quiet Peace
Unlike a lot of the cards that signify transitional periods, however, the Six of Swords is neither turbulent like the Tower, nor dramatic like Death. There is a quiet peace to it, an air of melancholy and self-reflection. It makes me think back on the lessons of the Three of Swords and urges the querent to look inward and address the emotional burdens and scars that they may be carrying with them on their journey. Like the swords stuck into the boat, these emotional wounds might be necessary reminders and tools that will help us on our way or at our destination. But they might also weigh the boat down unnecessarily and serve only as painful reminders of what we are leaving behind. Sometimes, it is better to simply let them go.
Individuality and Personal Strength
Again, Smith’s representation is a heavy influence on my interpretation of this card. The one major difference is that in my version, the figure is alone. There is no boatman ferrying her across while she sits passively and forlornly in the boat. She is perfectly capable of steering the boat herself and charting her own course through uncertain waters. This, to me, gives the card its focus and carries on the theme of individuality and personal strength that shows up throughout this deck.
Fyodor Pavlov tarot
💜 Please support creators. Buy official decks.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
All card images and descriptions are taken from public sources. They are used for review purposes only. All rights to these images and descriptions belong to their creators. If you believe there is a copyright infringement, please contact us at [email protected].