Six of Swords in the Rider Waite Tarot
Table of contents
Table of contents
See another card
- The Fool
- The Magician I
- The High Priestess II
- The Empress III
- The Emperor IV
- The Hierophant V
- The Lovers VI
- The Chariot VII
- Strength VIII
- The Hermit IX
- Wheel of Fortune X
- Justice XI
- The Hanged Man XII
- Death XIII
- Temperance XIV
- The Devil XV
- The Tower XVI
- The Star XVII
- The Moon XVIII
- The Sun XIX
- Judgement XX
- The World XXI
- Ace of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Three of Wands
- Four of Wands
- Five of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Ten of Wands
- Page of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Queen of Wands
- King of Wands
- Ace of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Four of Cups
- Five of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- King of Cups
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
- Ace of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- King of Pentacles
Six of Swords Rider Waite Smith : meaning and interpretation
Minor
Air
In its general meaning, the Six of Swords is the card of necessary transitions, of moving towards a calmer future, of leaving turmoil behind. It represents movement after a crisis, the moment when we realise that it is time to leave — not to flee, but to choose ourselves. It is the card of silent departures, of inner evolution, of choices that take us away from suffering and towards greater peace. Whether in the heart, the mind or in everyday life, it marks a turning point. This card brings hope, as it heralds the end of a crisis, gradual improvement and greater well-being on the horizon. It reminds us that some things cannot be changed — but that we can always change how we respond to them and choose the path that brings peace rather than division.
RWS Tarot : Arcana Six of Swords readings
Love / Sentimental reading
with the card Six of Swords
In matters of love, the Six of Swords symbolises a transition, an emotional shift, or even an escape towards a more peaceful future. This card often evokes the need to distance oneself from a difficult situation: a conflict, a persistent misunderstanding, or a painful relationship. This departure can be physical (separation, geographical distance) or internal (emotional detachment). For a couple, it can mean a necessary period of reflection to think things through, heal or ease tensions. In some cases, the Six of Swords indicates that you are leaving a love that no longer nourishes you, in the hope of rebuilding elsewhere, with more peace. For singles, it can mark the end of heartbreak and the beginning of a brighter future. This card suggests that the hardest part is behind you and that calm is slowly returning… if you are willing to let go of what cannot be repaired.
Professional / Work reading
with the card Six of Swords
Professionally, the Six of Swords is a card of calm transition, thoughtful change, or strategic movement. You may be in a phase of professional repositioning, whether it’s leaving a job, changing positions, or moving away from a toxic environment. This is not a sudden break, but a necessary transition towards greater mental stability. It can also represent a move for work reasons, or the end of a complicated project that finally allows you to breathe. This is a positive card for periods of self-reflection: it supports you in an intelligent, measured evolution based on the need to regain balance. Even if the destination is not yet perfectly clear, you are on the right path — a path that leads to greater inner peace and professional clarity.
Financial / Material / Money reading
with the card Six of Swords
In the financial realm, the Six of Swords indicates gradual improvement after difficulties. This is not a sudden or spectacular gain, but a return to stability through rational and structured choices. You may be rebalancing your budget, paying off debts, or leaving a restrictive financial situation. This card can also represent a move or relocation motivated by better resource management. It advises you to continue on this path of organisation and caution: the efforts you have made are beginning to bear fruit, even if the relief is not yet complete. It is also a good time to ask for help or advice: sometimes, moving forward means accepting that you cannot do everything on your own. The Six of Swords guides you towards something better, provided you remain realistic and patient.
Family reading
with the card Six of Swords
In the family sphere, the Six of Swords evokes a calming of tensions, a departure, or a distancing that allows peace to be rebuilt. It may be a family member who is distancing themselves, temporarily or permanently, in order to protect themselves or heal. This card also reflects a need for silence and tranquillity after a period of conflict or misunderstanding. It can symbolise a family move or a relocation to a more harmonious environment. This is not an escape, but a conscious choice to leave turmoil behind in order to preserve inner peace. Sometimes it also indicates that a loved one is going through a difficult transition and needs your discreet support. The Six of Swords teaches us that we cannot always fix everything right away, but we can choose to set out on the path to reconciliation.
Spiritual reading
with the card Six of Swords
Spiritually, the Six of Swords is a card of transition from a troubled state of mind to a gentler inner clarity. It evokes a slow but sure journey towards deeper wisdom. You may be leaving behind a period of mental confusion, existential questioning or inner struggle. This card symbolises the crossing of a spiritual trial, where you begin to glimpse the meaning of what you have experienced. The Six of Swords encourages you to let yourself be guided by a greater force: intuition, faith, inner silence. This is the time to reconnect with a soothing spirituality that does not impose but accompanies. It also speaks of lessons learned through pain, but which enlighten your consciousness in a lasting way. Peace is not found outside, but in choosing a more serene view of yourself and the world.
See another card
- The Fool
- The Magician I
- The High Priestess II
- The Empress III
- The Emperor IV
- The Hierophant V
- The Lovers VI
- The Chariot VII
- Strength VIII
- The Hermit IX
- Wheel of Fortune X
- Justice XI
- The Hanged Man XII
- Death XIII
- Temperance XIV
- The Devil XV
- The Tower XVI
- The Star XVII
- The Moon XVIII
- The Sun XIX
- Judgement XX
- The World XXI
- Ace of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Three of Wands
- Four of Wands
- Five of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Ten of Wands
- Page of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Queen of Wands
- King of Wands
- Ace of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Four of Cups
- Five of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- King of Cups
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
- Ace of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- King of Pentacles
5-Card spread
Six of Swords and its positions in a 5-card draw.
Want to better understand how to interpret the card Six of Swords according to its position in a cross drawing? What does it symbolise as a situation, obstacle, resource, piece of advice or way out? Explore its many facets and find a detailed reading of the card Six of Swords in every position of the 5-card cross spread Rider Waite.
