Six of Swords: Moving On & Finding Calmer Waters

You know that feeling when you finally decide to delete your ex's number, or when you pack up your stuff and leave a job that was making you miserable? That moment when you're scared but also weirdly relieved because you know you're moving toward something better? That's the Six of Swords energy. It's not always dramatic—sometimes it's as simple as deciding to stop checking someone's social media or choosing to drive a different route to avoid that place that holds bad memories. This card shows up when it's time to leave the choppy waters behind and trust that calmer seas are ahead.

Upright: The Six of Swords is about that necessary but bittersweet journey away from what's been hurting you. Maybe you're finally ready to stop rehashing that argument with your sister, or you're planning to move cities for a fresh start. It's the card of getting in the metaphorical boat and rowing toward peace, even when you're not sure exactly what's waiting for you on the other side. The energy here is gentle but determined—you're not running away, you're moving toward healing.

Reversed: When this card flips, it usually means you know you need to move on but something's holding you back. Maybe you keep having the same fight with your partner instead of addressing the real issue, or you're staying in situations that drain you because change feels scary. Sometimes reversed Six of Swords shows up when you're carrying too much baggage into new situations, or when you're mentally stuck in the past while your body tries to move forward.

After seeing this card hundreds of times, I've noticed: It often appears when you're closer to your breakthrough than you think. Like when you're about to get that therapy appointment that changes everything, or when you're one conversation away from resolving a situation that's been weighing on you for months. The card is saying "keep going—you're almost to the calm water."

Love & Relationships: This card often signals the end of the drama phase in relationships. Maybe you and your partner are finally moving past that big fight that's been hanging over everything, or you're ready to stop dating people who remind you of your ex. If you're single, it might mean you're finally emotionally available again after processing past heartbreak. For couples, it's about leaving old patterns behind and creating new, healthier dynamics together.

Work & Money: Career-wise, you might be transitioning to a role that better suits your mental health, even if it means a temporary step back in pay or prestige. This card loves job changes that prioritize peace over chaos, managers who respect boundaries over ones who create drama. Financially, you're moving from survival mode to stability. Maybe paying off debt, getting out of a bad living situation, or finally having enough saved to make choices based on what's good for you, not just what pays the bills.

Personal Growth: It's time to upgrade your mental and emotional environment. This might mean unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, setting boundaries with negative people, or finally getting professional help for issues you've been carrying alone. The Six of Swords asks: what thoughts, beliefs, or habits do you need to leave behind to become the person you want to be?

Today: Identify one small thing you can change that would make your daily life more peaceful. Maybe it's turning off news notifications, taking a different route to work, or having that conversation you've been avoiding.

This Week: Make a concrete plan for one bigger transition you know you need to make. You don't have to execute it yet, but start researching, making lists, or having preliminary conversations. Movement begins with preparation.

Remember: Moving on doesn't mean forgetting or pretending things didn't happen. It means choosing not to let past experiences control your present decisions.

Timing: This energy peaks during Mercury retrograde periods (perfect for reviewing and releasing) and during the new moon (when fresh starts have extra power).

Common Misconception: "The Six of Swords means I should just get over it and move on without processing my feelings."

Reality: This card isn't about toxic positivity or spiritual bypassing. You don't heal by pretending you're fine when you're not. The Six of Swords is about conscious, intentional transition after you've done the work to understand what happened and what you need to change. It's the difference between running away from your problems and strategically moving toward solutions. Take the lessons with you, leave the pain behind.

Yes/No: Gentle yes for questions about moving, changing situations, or leaving difficult circumstances behind. No if you're asking about staying put or maintaining the status quo.

Key Symbol: The boat moving from rough to calm waters—representing the transition from problems to peace, with help guiding the way.

Pairs Well With: Eight of Cups (walking away), The Star (healing and hope), or Temperance (finding balance after chaos). This card harmonizes with any energy about positive change and mental health.

The Six of Swords can be tricky because it's not obviously positive or negative—it's about necessary change, which can feel uncomfortable even when it's ultimately good for you.

If this card is confusing you, ask yourself: what in your life feels like choppy water right now? What would calm water look like for you? The space between those two answers is where this card's guidance lives. Sometimes the solution is changing your external circumstances, sometimes it's changing your internal response to those circumstances.

Still feeling lost? Let's dig deeper together. Personal readings help you see exactly how this transition energy applies to your specific situation and what steps will actually help you move forward.