Six of Swords: Moving Towards Calmer Waters
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
Keywords - Upright and Reversed
Upright Keywords: Calmer waters, Progress, Healing, Moving On, Things Calming Down, Moving Forward, Calm After a Storm, Relief, Overcoming Hardship, Stability, Running Away, Escaping, Journeys, Travel Overseas, Travelling, Feeling Deflated
Reversed Keywords: Trouble Coming, Lack of Progress, Out of Frying Pan into Fire, Slow Healing, Delay, Trapped, Stuck, Causing Trouble, Overwhelmed, Rocking the Boat, Changing/ Abandoned Plans, Standing your Ground, Stormy Relationships, Nowhere to Run, Disrupted/ Cancelled Travel, Instability, Return from Travel
Description
The Six of Swords shows a mother and a kid in a boat set out on a journey. They are pushed along the river by a man in the back of the boat. The woman is slumped over and wearing a hood over her head. This indicates that she is leaving a dangerous area and must either hide for her protection or conceal her identity.
The fact that all three people are facing away from us shows that they have made up their minds and are committed to going to their new location. The water to the right of the boat is turbulent, indicating a storm, whilst the sea in front of them looks calm. This indicates that, even though the three appear to be going through a difficult period, they are on their way to new beginnings and a brighter future.

Upright Meaning
General Meaning
The Six of Swords represents progress and moving forward towards calmer waters, making it a card of triumph over adversity and stability. This Minor Arcana card is all about healing, relief, and overcoming challenges, bringing peace and ease into your life. It also symbolizes intuition, inner guidance, and spirit guides, making it an excellent card for spiritual growth.
In addition, the Six of Swords can indicate travel, whether it’s a business trip or a much-needed vacation. It’s a card of running away from troubles and moving towards better things, so take comfort in the fact that things are looking up.
Finances and Career
Love and Relationships
In a love Tarot reading, the Six of Swords represents progress and healing in your relationship. If you’re in a partnership, expect a period of calm and open communication, allowing the relationship to flourish. For singles, this card signifies that it’s time to move on from past hurts and welcome a healthy relationship into your life.
Health and Spirituality
When the Six of Swords appears in a health reading, it’s a positive sign that you’ll be able to overcome any illnesses or health issues you’ve been facing. You might feel drained in the beginning stages of healing but know that your energy will return, and you’ll learn valuable lessons that will aid your spiritual growth.
Journal Prompts (Upright)
- What emotional baggage am I ready to leave behind?
- Where in my life can I create more peace and stability?
- How can I trust the process of healing, even when the outcome is unclear?
Affirmations (Upright)
- I am moving forward with grace and clarity.
- Every step I take leads me toward peace and healing.
- I release the past and embrace the calm that lies ahead.

Reversed Meaning
The reversed Six of Swords can represent a temporary setback, but it’s important to keep moving forward. Although it might feel like you’re traveling into stormy waters, remember that you have the strength to overcome any obstacles. It’s a time to hold your ground and seek inner guidance to find stability.
This card can also signify canceled trips, changing plans, or returning home from travel. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or trapped, take a moment to reevaluate your situation and seek support to move forward. Remember that slow healing is still healing, and it’s important to be patient with yourself.
Journal Prompts (Reversed)
- What patterns are keeping me stuck in stormy waters?
- Where am I resisting necessary change or progress?
- What is one small step I can take to move forward, even if the journey feels delayed?
Affirmations (Reversed)
- I trust that detours are still part of my journey.
- I am resilient, even in times of uncertainty.
- My inner compass always guides me toward balance.
Keywords
The Six of Swords tarot card interpretation, Symbolism of the Six of Swords card in tarot, Exploring the Six of Swords tarot card, Tarot symbolism and meanings, Major Arcana tarot cards
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