The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Six of Swords upright is a card of transition, moving on, and healing journeys. It shows that you're leaving behind rough waters and heading towards calmer seas – often both literally and metaphorically. This could mean physically traveling or moving, or mentally/emotionally distancing yourself from difficulties. Upright, the Six of Swords suggests a period of recovery and hope. You're not completely free of troubles (the swords in the boat are coming with you, representing memories or lessons), but you’re on the path to a better place. It’s an encouragement that the decision to move forward, away from conflict or sadness, will lead to improvement.

Reversed: The Six of Swords reversed can indicate being unable to move on or feeling stuck in a troubled state. Perhaps something is preventing your departure from a bad situation, or emotionally you’re carrying baggage you can't seem to set down. It might also suggest returning to a past circumstance – for better or worse. The reversed card urges you to figure out what's anchoring you in the rough waters. Is it fear of the unknown, unresolved business, or maybe even a reluctance to leave your comfort zone despite the discomfort there? Address those issues so you can free yourself and continue toward healing. Sometimes it means you need to confront a problem head-on rather than escape, to truly resolve it.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: The boat glides across the water, leaving past struggles behind. This card signals moving on from heartache—perhaps reconciliation, a transition to a healthier dynamic, or leaving a painful relationship behind. The journey ahead is calmer, and healing is underway.

Career: A shift is taking place in your professional life—perhaps a new job, relocation, or a transition into smoother waters after workplace struggles. While the journey may not be easy, relief is on the horizon.

Spirituality: A spiritual journey begins. The Six of Swords signifies leaving behind limiting beliefs or emotional baggage in search of deeper meaning. Though you may not see the destination yet, trust that you are moving toward higher wisdom.