Six of Swords as a Man (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Six of Swords is the card of moving on, departure, leaving behind, and acceptance. This card shows a man rowing a woman and child on a boat to a new place. They are leaving something behind, as their backs are turned towards us. The woman and the child have their hoods up, perhaps hiding their true identities. Though this scene is sad, they are moving towards a better future. 

The Six of Swords reminds us that we are all on a journey. Sometimes, we find people who will be at our side forever. Other times, we find people who will travel with us for only a period of time. The Six of Swords is a reminder that it is okay to move on. Release what no longer serves you. We will continue onwards with all of the lessons that we have learned.

Upright Six of Swords as a Man

If the Six of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is on a journey toward mental and emotional recovery or improvement. This man exudes an aura of tranquility combined with determination, as if he’s embarked on a significant quest, either metaphorically or literally. His presence feels like a fresh start or the turning point in a challenging chapter, suggesting better days ahead.

For physical characteristics, the Six of Swords as a man represents someone who is calm but purposeful, with deep, thoughtful eyes; his voice might sound reassuring, his touch firm but comforting, and his scent like fresh water, suggesting movement and transition. His eyes reflect wisdom and a deep understanding, serving as windows to his introspective soul. When he speaks, his words are chosen carefully, and his voice carries a cadence that can soothe your anxieties. His touch, neither too gentle nor too harsh, offers a balance that makes you feel safe. His scent is light and unobtrusive, invoking the freshness of a flowing river or the early morning dew, symbolic of his own ongoing journey.

For emotional characteristics, the Six of Swords as a man represents someone who is forward-looking, open to change, and focused on healing or learning. Though he has faced difficulties, he doesn’t dwell on them; instead, he uses them as fuel to propel himself forward. His emotional stability comes not from inaction but from a conscious decision to improve and evolve.

Astrologically, the Six of Swords as a man represents someone who is likely to have strong placements in mutable signs like Gemini or Sagittarius, which lend adaptability and a love for movement and change. These astrological influences imbue him with a sense of curiosity and a knack for adjusting his sails when the winds change direction. A natal chart with aspects like Mercury trine Jupiter could suggest his knack for positive thinking and acquiring wisdom from his experiences.

For careers, the Six of Swords can represent a man who works as a counselor, life coach, or travel guide—professions associated with transition and guidance. These roles allow him to use his innate ability to instill hope and offer actionable advice, helping others navigate their own complex journeys. He’s the one you’d want to guide you through unfamiliar terrain, whether emotional or geographical.

The Six of Swords as a man represents someone who makes you feel hopeful and encouraged to face the future. His mere presence can uplift your spirits, providing the reassurance that even if the path ahead is uncharted, there’s a way to navigate it successfully. With him, the unknown seems less daunting, and the journey itself becomes a meaningful part of the destination.

Reversed Six of Swords as a Man

If the Six of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is struggling to move forward and might be stuck in a cycle of negativity. Unlike his upright counterpart, who instills hope and optimism, this man radiates a sense of inertia and unease. His energy may feel draining, as if the air around him is thick with the heaviness of unresolved issues and unrealized potential.

For physical characteristics, the Six of Swords reversed as a man represents someone who is restless and agitated; his voice may be tinged with worry, his touch fidgety, and his scent could be stagnant or musty. His eyes may dart around nervously, avoiding sustained contact, as though he’s constantly on alert. His voice, rather than soothing, may be hurried or fraught with tension, conveying his internal state of unrest. When you touch or shake hands, you might notice that his gestures are uneasy or shaky, mirroring his inner turmoil. As for his scent, it’s as if the flow and freshness have been replaced by a stale aroma, akin to stagnant water or air trapped in a closed room.

For emotional characteristics, the Six of Swords reversed as a man represents someone who is indecisive, anxious, and possibly pessimistic about the future. Instead of being a calming influence, he may perpetuate cycles of worry and doubt, finding it difficult to break free from a pessimistic outlook. He tends to dwell on his past mistakes or on potential future problems rather than seeking constructive solutions or new perspectives.

Astrologically, the Six of Swords reversed as a man represents someone who is likely to be undergoing a difficult Saturn return or a challenging Neptune aspect, causing confusion and delay. These astrological periods or aspects are notorious for making life’s journey feel like an uphill battle. With Saturn’s stern lessons or Neptune’s foggy influence, this individual might find himself stalling on the road to personal growth, faced with tests of patience and difficult existential questions.

For careers, the Six of Swords reversed can represent a man who works as a crisis manager or in jobs that are high-stress and reactive rather than proactive. While these roles may suit his constant state of alertness, they often exacerbate his already heightened stress levels. The nature of his work perpetuates a cycle of urgency and reactivity, making it difficult for him to find peace or move forward meaningfully.

The Six of Swords reversed as a man represents someone who makes you feel uncertain and uneasy about the path ahead. Just being in his presence might make you question your own judgments or plans, as if his indecisiveness and apprehension are contagious. His company can leave you feeling as though you’re stuck in a holding pattern, unsure how to proceed or break free.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Six of Swords represents the journey of love. It is okay to move on when a situation is no longer serving you and your needs. It does not make the love that we have experienced any less valid. You will always take the lessons learned from it with you, and it will stay there within your heart. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.