The Six of Swords is a card of movement, progress, and recovery. When it appears in a reading it can signify a forced move of residence, a sabbatical, refugee status, a transition period, potentially unwelcome foreign travel, slow improvements, and the need to seek relief in some form.
The Rider Waite deck depicts a mother and child being escorted by a ferryman across a stretch of water. Their modest appearance and the fact that they have no belongings symbolises that they may be making a journey out of necessity rather than pleasure.
Moreover, their faces are concealed which is reflective of their need to protect themselves in some way. On one side of the small vessel the water seems to undulate and on the other, the direction the boat is moving in, the water seems more still. The ferryman calls to mind Charon from Roman mythology who navigated the River Styx and escorted departed souls to the underworld and eternal rest. This imagery reflects a state of transition from a difficult period into a less tumultuous one.
In a love reading, in a positive aspect, the Six of Swords reflects that a couple have weathered some considerable struggles and are slowly but surely paving the way to better times. It can also signify a forced change of residence or, more pleasantly, travelling together.
In a less positive aspect this card can symbolise a trial separation in order for two parties to acquire a clear perspective on what the future of the relationship holds. In this context the prognosis is not completely bleak as the Six of Swords symbolises a pause or delay, not a final split.
In its most negative aspect the Six of Swords can signify escaping a domestic violence situation and seeking refuge far from one’s current home town.
In a work reading this card often represents travel and if your plans have not yet yielded results, the Six of Swords encourages you, suggesting that progress is near and you will soon see results.
If this card shows as a negative aspect it can indicate that you ought to move on from your current role and explore other options.
Positive Aspect: moving on from a difficult period, progress, travel, slow improvements, transition period, escaping a bad situation
Negative Aspect: suspended plans, separation, delay, seeking shelter
