Six of Swords
Six of Swords
The Six of Swords appears to project a somewhat sad, melancholy feeling. However, there are both positive and negative aspects to this card, like any other card in the Tarot deck. The card depicts a woman and a young child being ferried across a body of water toward a land just in the distance. Is the ferryman the woman's husband or simply a hired hand? In any case, the woman's head is covered, indicating sadness or loss as she moves away from something in her past. The water to the right of the boat is turbulent, but the water to the left and near the land to which they are journeying is calm and steady. Although there is an indication of change or loss in this card, and therefore a sense of "moving away" from something, there is also a sense of "moving toward" a new life. The waters in the distance are calm, and we are moving away from turmoil and conflict toward peace and tranquillity.At one point in The Pilgrim's Progress, the hero Christian (who is also on a Fool's Journey) becomes mired in the Slough of Despond. He struggles for a time until drawn out by Help. Help tells him that "...many fears, and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions...settle in this place. And this is the reason of the badness of this ground." The Slough of Despond is a good name for the Six of Swords. In this bog, we feel a kind of malaise. We exist, but are not fully alive.
There are times when we are forced to let go of something to which we may have been attached, and the process of letting go is frequently quite difficult. However, the sadness of the "loss" will ultimately be replaced by greater clarity, the calmness of the water in the distance, which will bring about a new understanding and a new acceptance of the changes in our lives. Often when we experience what seems to be sadness or loss we are actually only experiencing the "birth pangs" of a brighter future and a more peaceful experience of life.The Six of Swords represents the dull, listless state that can come over us from time to time. When we feel this way, we don't even want to get out of bed. In readings, the Six of Swords usually indicates a period of mild depression. Nothing is seriously wrong, but nothing is really right either. You're getting by, but not thriving. In the picture the woman in the boat is wrapped in a cloak. She is cut off from her surroundings and oblivious to her fellow travelers. Life can seem this way when we feel the blues.
The Six of Swords can also represent a more serious condition. After the first shock of a psychological blow, we can enter a state of numbness. In this aftermath time, we feel lost and disconnected. As in the picture, the flow of life carries us along, but we care not how or why. Some people see the Six of Swords as hopeful. The travelers in the boat are going somewhere. Perhaps their journey will take them to new, more uplifting place? By its very nature, the mood of the Six of Swords can sap your will and desire. When you feel yourself caught in a Slough of Despond, even if only a minor one, follow Christian's example. Seek the Help you need - and the way out - in what ever form it presents itself. Know also that this, too, will pass.
The Six of Swords may be a time of peace and relaxation after a long time of struggle. There could be a journey involved. It will be necessary to apply all your energy toward the situation to get to this point in time. Problems with relationships, partnerships or personal property and want them to be resolved. The first step in correcting a problem is to acknowledge the fact that you have veered off your course, or are moving in the wrong direction and that recognition is enough to stop the momentum from continuing.
Passage. You need to realize that you are now in a much better position in life. You endured a difficult transition and are now more able to deal with what may come. Change your beliefs about yourself. A trip will do you much good.
Journey, need for objectivity, moving away mentally or physically to view problems. Coming out of a difficult experience, cannot dwell on the past. "The load is light" - problems become more acceptable, easier to carry. Functioning in a difficult situation without attacking the problems. Travel. Movement away from danger. Travel in company. Being with others in same circumstances. Immediate problems to be solved. A positive direction to go in. Fleeing to safety.
No immediate way out of present difficulties. A planned trip is postponed. You will stay where you are.
Visualize in your mind's eye a situation you would like to change. or move away from. Watch it change direction. Imagine that you have already achieved the new situation and empower your vision with this chant. "Think a new thought, dream a new dream. This new direction will wipe the slate clean."