All cards
A ferryman poles a small boat across the water, carrying a woman and child huddled together, with six swords standing upright in the boat. The water is rough on one side and smooth ahead. Six of Swords
Swords

Six of Swords

transitionmoving onleaving behind

You are moving from turbulence toward calmer waters. Accept help and trust the journey.

Love Moving past difficulty together, or gently moving on.

Traveller’s joy (wild clematis) · Greenaway 1884: "Safety."
Symbols in the glass
  • Boat transition and passage
  • Rough and smooth water leaving turbulence for calm
  • Ferryman support and guidance
  • Swords in the boat lessons carried forward

A ferryman poles a small boat across the water, carrying a woman and child huddled together, with six swords standing upright in the boat. The water is rough on one side and smooth ahead.

Deeper lore
Element
Air
Astrology
Mercury in Aquarius (decan 10-20°)
Dates
30 Jan to 8 Feb
Golden Dawn title
Lord of Earned Success
Number
Six, harmony restored: transition toward calmer waters.
Names
Six of Swords · Six d'Épées · 宝剑六
Waite, 1911

Waite: "journey by water, route, way, envoy, commissionary, expedient". Reversed: "declaration, confession, publicity; one account says that it is a proposal of love".

What calmer place are you moving toward?

Ask Iris about this card

For reflection and entertainment. Meanings follow the Smith-Waite tradition.