Six of Swords

Interpretation

The image on this card clearly indicates travel. This might be physical travel, especially by air, or it could represent mentally planning for a trip. The swords in this image are also aligned. This travel is necessary to get your thoughts in order.

Sixes are naturally collaborative cards. They stress the need to discern relationships and patterns. Since the Swords relate to the mental and intellectual, this card may represent aid in moving from the turmoil of the Five of Swords, to a safe shore or harbor. If you received this “getaway” card, you probably need a little distance from your everyday life. Everyone needs a breather now and then. Some sort of vacation is in order. This change of scenery can shift your perspective. Follow your intuition. Do you need a long lunch with a friend? Do you need to plan a trip to a resort? Do you need to take a sabbatical in a remote location? Whatever you do, enjoy the journey.

Interactions

The Six of Swords adds motion to the following cards.

Major Arcana

Fool: When the Fool and Six of Swords come together in a spread, it indicates travel.
Lovers: If any cards from the suit of Swords come after the Lovers, it indicates the end of a relationship.
Chariot: When the Chariot and Six of Swords come together in a spread, it indicates the need for quick action.
World: When the World and Six of Swords come together in a spread, it indicates long distance travel.

Minor Arcana

Eight of Cups: When the Eight of Cups (hearts in other decks) and Six of Swords come together in a spread, it emphasizes the need to leave a situation.
Knights: When any of the Knights and Six of Swords come together in a spread, it indicates the need for quick action.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — 6

Sixes represent support, communication, and perfection.

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Inverted Page of Swords

Interpretation

The Page of Swords is a young person (or someone young at heart) with a great deal of air (Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius) in their chart. Pages often represent messengers. This page’s message is often malicious gossip.

This person might be acting out of wounds from childhood. These are hurts they have never been able to effectively bind up and heal. At best, this page will withdraw from social interaction and feel tongue-tied. More likely, they will lash out unexpectedly. They even find enjoyment in the pain they are able to cause through belittling and slandering others. They thrive on misunderstandings and find shelter in the misdirected. You might find their sarcasm entertaining for a while, especially if it is directed at people you dislike. But, this person will eventually injure you, especially if they perceive you as a threat. Don’t trust this person.

If this sounds like you, seek out a guide to help you root out the source of this pain. The process will be difficult and will take time, but it will eventually teach you who you can and cannot trust. If this page is someone in your community, try your best to avoid them. They might be bright, but that does not mean they act rationally.

Interactions

Major Arcana

Fool: The Page of Swords in combination with the Fool indicates a fresh start.
Lovers: If the Page of Swords comes after the Lovers, a relationship will end.

Minor Arcana

Eight of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves): The Page of Swords in combination with the Eight of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves in other decks) suggests a message; especially one related to difficulties, contracts, legal matters, or gossip; may play a key role in events.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Rank — Page (or Princess)

Traditionally, pages represent young people under the age of 21. Energetically, the pages are messengers, students, or catalysts. These cards play more of a supporting role in a spread.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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Inverted Six of Swords

Interpretation

This card’s image shows the water of intuition, the swords of thought, and the ineffective use of an oar. At best, this is an internal journey, possibly through guided imagery. At worst, it could represent drowning (literally or figuratively), or the feeling of being stuck.

If you receive this card you might feel stuck or fearful. You might find it hard to make a new decision, or see someone else’s perspective. Do you feel like you’re paddling upstream, like everything takes so much more effort? Do you see others as “jumping ship,” and leaving you behind with a big mess? It’s time to go within to solve this problem.

You are being called to change your position. Pay close attention to the other cards in the spread. With Knights and the Chariot, you are being asked to move quickly. That means you don’t have time to wallow in your own mental perspective. Do you see the Eight of Cups in the spread? Then you need to leave. There are no more benefits to staying. Does the Inverted Six of Swords follow the Lovers? Your relationship is probably ending. Do you see the Fool or the World in the spread? Then you need to get out into the world and travel. Change your position, and watch your environment change around you. Until then, you’re just stuck.

Interactions

The Six of Swords adds motion to the following cards.

Major Arcana

Fool: When the Fool and Six of Swords (spades in other decks) come together in a spread, it indicates travel.
Lovers: If any cards from the suit of Swords  (spades in other decks) come after the Lovers, it indicates the end of a relationship.
Chariot: When the Chariot and Six of Swords  (spades in other decks) come together in a spread, it indicates the need for quick action.
World: When the World and Six of Swords  (spades in other decks) come together in a spread, it indicates long distance travel.

Minor Arcana

Eight of Cups: When the Eight of Cups (hearts in other decks) and Six of Swords  (spades in other decks) come together in a spread, it emphasizes the need to leave a situation.
Knights: When any of the Knights and Six of Swords  (spades in other decks) come together in a spread, it indicates the need for quick action.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — 6

Sixes represent support, communication, and perfection.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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Inverted Nine of Swords

Interpretation

The image of this card shows a person who has risen above the pain, someone who is awake after the nightmare has ended.

If you receive this card in a spread, the worst is over. You have done your shadow work, searched the dark reaches of your soul, and walked through the pain. You have come out the other side. You can relax, but you may have developed a habit of waiting for the axe to fall. Any axes will fall away from you now. Rub your eyes and see your new reality. Enjoy the feeling of a new day.

Interactions

The Nine of Swords only interacts with the Lovers.

Major Arcana

Lovers: When any card from the suit of Swords comes after the Lovers, a relationship will end.

The Suit — Swords

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — 9

Nine represents completion, solitude, and protection.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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Inverted Ace of Swords

Interpretation

Visually, this sword looks like a stalactite. As a whole, the inverted aces can act as a warning or reminder that you do not have control in a situation. Inverted aces often suggest delays or require some sort of transformation of the element. Is this ace calling to you to put down your sword, surrender control, or turn your sword into a plowshare?

When you get this card, some of your power (or perceived power) has been removed. You might feel the urge to run away, or cut off a relationship. If you’re a writer, this could be writer’s block. If you are concerned about your health, this might indicate migraine headaches, mental stress, or nervous conditions. Or you might be consciously relinquishing control to a higher power.

Whatever the situation, the air element is out of balance, and that imbalance is keeping you from starting something. It’s time to introduce more water, earth, and fire into your situation. Water can be introduced through a shower, bath, cup of tea, or doing laundry or dishes. Earth is encouraged through gardening, going for a walk, or a clay facial. To introduce fire, light a candle, sit by a safely-contained fire, or bake or roast something delicious. Drawing your energy and focus to other elements can give you some perspective, which may allow you to start something really special.

Interactions

Major Arcana

Lovers: When the Ace of Swords comes after the Lovers, it indicates a relationship will end.

Minor Arcana

King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves): The Ace of Swords in combination with the King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves in other decks) is explosive.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — Ace or 1

It all begins with one, the self.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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Page of Swords

Interpretation

The Page of Swords is a young person (or someone young at heart) with a great deal of air (Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius) in their chart. The pages represent the immature expressions of their element. That immaturity can manifest as defensiveness and suspicion, or as hunger for new ideas.

If you receive the Page of Swords, expect some mental challenges. Pages represent fresh starts, and swords suggest you have to be ready with a quick wit. Stay alert!

Interactions

Major Arcana

Fool: The Page of Swords in combination with the Fool indicates a fresh start.
Lovers: If the Page of Swords comes after the Lovers, a relationship will end.

Minor Arcana

Eight of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves): The Page of Swords in combination with the Eight of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves in other decks) suggests a message; especially one related to difficulties, contracts, legal matters, or gossip; may play a key role in events.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Rank — Page (or Princess)

Traditionally, pages represent young people under the age of 21. Energetically, the pages are messengers, students, or catalysts. These cards play more of a supporting role in a spread.

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Ace of Swords

Interpretation

Visually, you might confuse this image with Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur. Like in the myth, you have something potentially great in front of you. Each ace in the Tarot represents a new beginning. They are seeds of what can be. Swords can heal or wound. The person holding it has to make a choice to use it as a tool or a weapon.

If you draw the Ace of Swords, you are beginning to cut through the B.S., committing to a specific direction, or setting pen to paper. Whatever the task at hand is, it will take some thought. This is the beginning of the process. You have a very good chance of succeeding, but you need to be willing to move forward and assert your rights. Choose wisely. You have it within your power to be a hero or a villain.

Interactions

Major Arcana

Lovers: When the Ace of Swords after the Lovers, it indicates the end of a relationship.

Minor Arcana

King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves): The Ace of Swords in combination with the King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves in other decks) is explosive.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — Ace or 1

It all begins with one, the self.

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Inverted Four Swords

Interpretation

There seems to be a change in perspective with this card. The figure was sleeping in the upright version, but now he has a bird’s eye view. In fact, in this deck, the Bevor (face mask) of the suit of armour looks like a beak. This floating image is what leads some tarotists to read this as a card of dreams or astral projection.

When you receive this card, there is a good chance that you have spent some time recovering, sleeping, or in isolation. That time has changed your perspective, made the situation clearer. That is good fruit. Often the Universe forces us into seclusion or rest. We see these as crisis. When we move through them, and allow them to wash over us, we reach the other side with wisdom and a new plan. The Inverted Four of Swords is the sign we are ready to go back into the world, post “crisis.” We have learned what we needed to learn. We are renewed and refreshed. It’s time to make new choices, move forward, and get back to the land of the living.

Interactions

The Four of Swords interacts with the Emperor and the Lovers.

Major Arcana

Emperor: In a spread, the Four of Swords lightens the energy of the Emperor.
Lovers: If any cards from the suit of Swords come after the Lovers, it indicates the end of a relationship.

The Suit — Swords

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

Number — 4

Four is a number of order, foundation, and stability.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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Nine of Swords

Interpretation

This is a card of nightmares, insomnia, depression, and isolation. The swords in the image form a ladder that would shred the figure’s feet, adding to the hopeless feeling of this card. It’s important to keep in mind that this is one of the few cards showing the swords in alignment. As a natural reaction to chaos, this process will eventually put your thoughts in order.

The sense of isolation accompanying this card amplifies the feelings associated with it. You might be physically alone or simply feel separated from the people around you. You might feel this most keenly at night, when the quiet darkness forces you to look inward. You could experience night sweats brought on by hormonal changes, or your unconscious mind might be trying to work through something traumatic. Whatever the cause, a lack of sleep will eventually interfere with your waking hours.

If this continues for an extended period of time, it might be wise to seek the help of a professional. Help might take the form of strategies to help you sleep better at night, medication, or talk therapy to help decode your more disturbing dreams. Sometimes moving toward distress gives us better perspective. Finding an experienced professional will give you a guide to take the sting out of the process. Eventually the swords can be transformed into stairs, and you can lift yourself out of the isolation and enjoy some time in the sun.

Interactions

The Nine of Swords only interacts with the Lovers.

Major Arcana

Lovers: When any card from the suit of Swords comes after the Lovers, a relationship will end.

The Suit — Swords or Spades

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

The Number — 9

Nine represents completion, solitude, and protection.

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Inverted Eight of Swords

Interpretation

Aleister Crowley called this card a “tendency to mysticism.” Temper this with Florence Farr‘s definition to “take the limits off common experience,” and you get to the heart of this card. It asks us to look past our preconceived notions and make necessary changes. This can be summed up by the following passage:

“I can’t believe that!” said Alice.
“Can’t you?” the Queen said in a pitying tone. “Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.”
Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
-Chapter 5: Wool and Water, Through the Looking-Glass, Lewis Carroll

We are wise to take the Queen’s advice. When you receive this card, close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Imagine the “impossible.” Can you see it? Is it clear? Now feel the surrounding swords slice through those ropes. Remove your blindfold. Rinse and repeat.

Interactions

The Seven of Swords only interacts with the Lovers.

Major Arcana

Lovers: If any cards from the suit of Swords come after the Lovers, it indicates the end of a relationship.

The Suit — Swords

The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.

Number — 8

Eight is a number of movement, power, and adjustment.

The Inversion

There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:

1. Blocked or Resisted
2. Projected
3. Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
4. Inner, Unconscious, Private
5. New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
6. Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
7. The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
8. Excessively
9. Misused or Misdirected
10. The Upright Meaning Backward
11. A Rectification or Cure
12. Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous

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