Reversed Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning: Ultimate Guide

What does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card mean?

The Six of Swords reversed tarot card often represents resistance to change, difficulty moving on, or feeling stuck in troubled waters. Upright, this card symbolizes transitions, healing, and moving toward calmer times. Reversed, it suggests delays, baggage from the past, or the inability to release old patterns.

In tarot readings, the reversed Six of Swords may appear when you’re clinging to familiar pain instead of embracing healing, or when external obstacles prevent progress. It can also point to troubled relationships, unresolved issues, or running from change instead of facing it.

When this tarot card is reversed, it asks: Am I holding onto the past instead of allowing myself to move forward?

Symbolism and Imagery of the Reversed Six of Swords Tarot Card

The imagery of the Six of Swords is layered with meaning:

• The Boat Moving Across Water: Upright, it suggests transition to safety. Reversed, it can symbolize being stuck or returning to difficulty.
• The Water: Calm on one side, choppy on the other. Reversed, it highlights obstacles in reaching calmness.
• The Figures in the Boat: Represent leaving struggles behind. Reversed, they may symbolize resistance or the weight of unresolved issues.
• The Six Swords: Upright, they are carried forward as wisdom. Reversed, they may represent baggage holding you back.

Symbolically, the reversed Six of Swords warns of clinging to pain, fear of change, or difficulty making a necessary transition.

How does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card relate to love?

In love readings, the Six of Swords reversed often reflects unresolved issues, delays in healing, or difficulty moving on.

• Singles: You may still be carrying emotional baggage from past relationships, making it hard to open up to new love.
• Couples: This card can suggest avoidance of conflict, staying in unhealthy situations, or resisting change that would allow growth.

The message: healing and progress are possible, but only if you release the past.

How does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card affect career and work?

In career readings, the Six of Swords reversed suggests delays or resistance to professional change.

• You may be stuck in an unsatisfying job out of fear of the unknown.
• A project may be stalled due to unresolved issues.
• Workplace tension may persist because problems aren’t being addressed directly.

The guidance: growth requires forward motion. Don’t let fear of uncertainty keep you trapped.

What does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card mean in finances?

Financially, the reversed Six of Swords points to difficulty escaping financial challenges.

• Debt or obligations may feel heavy, and progress may be slow.
• You may be avoiding facing the truth of your financial situation.
• Sometimes, it suggests repeating old mistakes instead of learning from them.

The advice: stop carrying financial baggage forward. Address issues directly to create lasting change.

What does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card mean in health?

In health readings, this card reversed often indicates difficulty recovering, stress, or carrying emotional burdens that affect well-being.

• Healing may be delayed because you’re holding onto old habits or refusing to rest.
• Emotional pain may manifest as physical stress.

The message: healing requires letting go and moving forward with patience.

What does the reversed Six of Swords tarot card mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the Six of Swords reversed represents resistance to inner transformation.

• You may feel stuck on your path because you’re afraid of what change will bring.
• Old beliefs or attachments may be preventing spiritual growth.
• It can also point to returning to old habits after trying to move on.

The lesson: true transformation requires trust in the journey, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Astrology and Elemental Associations of the Reversed Six of Swords

The Six of Swords belongs to the element of Air, representing thought, clarity, and transition.

Astrologically, it is tied to Mercury in Aquarius, highlighting forward thinking and mental clarity. Reversed, this energy becomes mental confusion, delays, or resistance to progress.

Numerologically, the number six represents balance, responsibility, and harmony. Reversed, it reflects imbalance, unfinished lessons, or lack of closure.

Card Combinations with the Reversed Six of Swords

• Reversed Six of Swords + The Tower: Sudden upheaval prevents smooth transition.
• Reversed Six of Swords + Death: Resistance to transformation or fear of endings.
• Reversed Six of Swords + The Fool: Avoiding a new journey or clinging to the past.
• Reversed Six of Swords + Ten of Swords: Struggling to recover from betrayal or painful endings.

Advanced Interpretations and the Shadow Side

At its shadow level, the reversed Six of Swords may represent:

• Avoidance – refusing to face needed change.
• Carrying Baggage – holding onto old pain or mistakes.
• Stagnation – resisting movement toward healing.
• False Progress – appearing to move forward while still stuck in the past.

The transformation comes from releasing the weight of old struggles and embracing transition fully.

Story Example: A Real-Life Tarot Reading

A querent asks about moving to a new city after a breakup. They pull the Six of Swords reversed. The card reveals that while the move could bring healing, they’re emotionally clinging to the past and not fully ready to let go.

The guidance: true progress requires releasing old attachments before moving forward.

Is the reversed Six of Swords tarot card a yes or no card?

As a yes or no card, the Six of Swords reversed generally leans toward “no” or “not yet.”

It suggests resistance to change or lack of readiness. The answer may shift once you’re willing to embrace transition.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Reversed Six of Swords Tarot Card

1. Does the reversed Six of Swords always mean being stuck? Not always. It can also mean delayed progress, or needing to face the past before moving on.

2. Can the reversed Six of Swords represent a person? Yes. It may describe someone afraid of change, carrying baggage, or avoiding transformation.

3. What does this card mean in love readings? It reflects difficulty letting go of the past, resistance to relationship change, or staying stuck in unhealthy patterns.

4. Is the reversed Six of Swords negative? It’s a cautionary card, but not purely negative. It shows that progress is possible, but only with courage to release old wounds.

5. What zodiac influence is tied to the Six of Swords? Mercury in Aquarius—forward thinking and clarity. Reversed, it reflects mental confusion and resistance to growth.

Final Thoughts on the Reversed Six of Swords Tarot Card

The Six of Swords reversed tarot card highlights the challenges of letting go and moving forward. Upright, it offers hope of transition and healing. Reversed, it warns of clinging to the past, resisting change, or carrying baggage that delays recovery.

In love, career, and spirituality, this card asks: Am I ready to release what weighs me down, so I can embrace the journey ahead?