Six of Swords

 The six of swords is a card that I consider to be like a sigh of relief... there is an awful lot going on in the picture so let’s take a look at it. There are three people in a boat, an adult and child are sitting down while a third person steers and paddles the boat. Both people sitting down are wrapped in cloaks and huddled together. In the front of the boat are six swords, standing straight up, appearing to have the blade stuck in the hull, and they are forming a sort of protective wall in front of the passengers. Outside of the boat, we see two main things; the water in the foreground or behind the boat is choppy amd rough, while the water in front of the boat or in the background is smooth as smooth can be. The sky is mostly clear and there is no sun or moon to be seen. Land is not too far away and it appears that is where the boat is headed.


One of the more prominent messages of this card is moving from trouble or conflict to peace and resolution as indicated by the different water current pictured. The swords do indeed protect the passengers as they embark on this journey to safety and it is clear they aren’t on this journey alone. Whether the person steering the boat is with the passengers or not, it is imperative they journey together. The body language of the adult sitting suggests they are tired from all of the drama they are leaving and need the help of someone to get to where they will be safe. On the contrary, the person steering the boat seems alert and energized ready to take some of the burden off of the travelers. Looking at the meaning of the passengers, we can surmise that the child represents the inner child and the adult represents present day, and the person steering could be the developed consciousness looking over both aspects of its self. 


All in all, when the six of swords is pulled, we can assume that we are moving from a more tumultuous time to a less tumultuous time, and are protected while doing so. Furthermore, this isn’t something that can be done alone, we need to ask for help to get to the distant shore or risk moving forward without the support we truly need to keep us safe and feeling fulfilled. There may be a need to look inside and see how our inner child needs to feel safe and protected by us, especially if we are going through a big life change. There is also a chance we may be the one steering the boat and it’s our time to be present and hold space for someone or a group. Regardless of which space you feel connected to, it is important to realize that moving forward and away from the conflict is what’s truly important, because peace and calmness are closer than you may realize. No matter the role you’re in, you’re safe and protected, and you just have to keep moving forward to continue the journey and move into the next, better phase.

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