Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Minor Arcana
Upright Keywords
No. Transitioning, Recovering, Leaving, Moving
Reversed Keywords
Yes. Calmer, True healing, Forgiving, Understanding
Key Associations
Upright Meaning
This isn't about forgetting what happened. It’s about carrying the lessons forward, not the burdens. Leaving a city I loved was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but that physical move created the space for a much-needed mental and emotional reset. The journey itself was part of the healing.
Trust that this movement is leading you toward perspective and peace.
Love & Relationships
A significant emotional shift is underway in your love life. You are moving beyond old, painful patterns and navigating toward a healthier, more peaceful way of relating.
This might mean leaving a relationship that is no longer serving you, or simply leaving a cycle of conflict behind. The courage to depart opens up the space for something better.
This might mean leaving a relationship that is no longer serving you, or simply leaving a cycle of conflict behind. The courage to depart opens up the space for something better.
Career & Finances
Your professional life is moving in a new, more aligned direction. This card signals a transition away from draining projects, toxic environments, or unfulfilling roles and toward work that truly utilizes your gifts.
Be patient with yourself during this process. A transition is not an event; it's a journey that requires time for integration and recalibration.
Be patient with yourself during this process. A transition is not an event; it's a journey that requires time for integration and recalibration.
Health & Spirituality
Your healing journey is gaining gentle, forward momentum. The Six of Swords reminds you that recovery often happens through small, steady steps rather than one dramatic leap.
Honor the pace that your mind and body need. Every step away from the turbulence is a victory.
Honor the pace that your mind and body need. Every step away from the turbulence is a victory.
Reversed Meaning
What needs to be fully acknowledged or released for you to embark on your new journey?
Love & Relationships
You may have physically left a situation, but emotionally, you're still there. This reversal points to a journey that is incomplete because the internal work hasn't been done.
Without processing the lessons of the past, you risk repeating the same cycles in your next relationship. Do the inner work to ensure your future is different.
Without processing the lessons of the past, you risk repeating the same cycles in your next relationship. Do the inner work to ensure your future is different.
Career & Finances
A professional shift might be hitting some snags. The reversed Six of Swords is a warning against carrying old baggage into a new opportunity. Are you importing the same mindsets or habits that created difficulties in your last role?
Use your past experiences as wisdom, not as a blueprint for your future.
Use your past experiences as wisdom, not as a blueprint for your future.
Health & Spirituality
Your healing journey may be facing complications. This reversal suggests that practical or emotional loose ends are blocking your full recovery. Is there a conversation you need to have, or a practical matter you need to address?
Deal with these unresolved issues with compassion so you can fully move toward wellness.
Deal with these unresolved issues with compassion so you can fully move toward wellness.
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