Illustration by Pamela Colman Smith, 1910. Public domain in the US since 1966 and in the UK since 2021. Vector digitisation of the Rider–Waite–Smith deck by OpenClipart contributor "klaatu-tarot", released public domain.
Six of Swords
The Journey Across Waters
Transitioning away from turbulent times toward calmer waters, carrying hard-earned lessons forward in peace.
The Six of Swords represents a passage, both physical and mental, away from difficulty. The swords standing upright in the boat symbolize the necessary carrying of past knowledge and experiences, but no longer as weapons. The journey across the water speaks of moving from emotional turbulence towards a calmer, more objective state of mind. It is a transition guided by reason and the steady passage of time.
Light
Seek calmer environments, move on from past conflicts, allow time to heal turbulent thoughts.
Shadow
Refusal to leave a bad situation, carrying emotional baggage that weighs you down, escapism.
