Six of Swords as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Six of Swords, it means that there was a transition from a turbulent time to a more stable phase, where you navigated through challenges to find calmer waters and greater understanding. This card suggests a period of personal growth, wherein you learned valuable lessons from past experiences and utilized them to foster a more peaceful and stable environment for yourself. It was a time when you took charge, steering your life’s boat with firm hands, and a clear vision towards a harmonious and balanced future, bringing with you the wisdom garnered from the past hardships.

The Six of Swords as the past can represent a journey of healing and recovery, where you consciously moved towards better opportunities, leaving behind a problematic phase and heading towards a more positive future. This period signifies a conscious choice to prioritize your well-being, by moving away from the troubles that plagued your past. It was a time of hope and forward momentum, where you not only journeyed physically but also mentally towards a space of peace, contentment, and brighter prospects, signaling a mature and grounded approach to your personal journey.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Six of Swords in the past position means that the relationship underwent a phase of transformation, where both parties worked towards overcoming challenges and moving towards a period of stability and understanding. Together, you embarked on a journey towards calmer waters, where mutual respect and understanding became the focal points of the relationship. It was a time where both individuals were willing to work together harmoniously, with a shared goal of fostering a relationship that was grounded in love, trust, and mutual support, nurturing a connection that was deeper and more meaningful.

If you are asking about an ex, the Six of Swords in the past position means there might have been a mutual decision to part ways amicably, moving towards personal growth and healing after recognizing the issues that existed. This card signifies a mature and respectful parting, where both parties acknowledged the need for personal space and growth. It was a period characterized by a mutual understanding and a conscious effort to retain respect for each other, valuing the personal growth and wellbeing over maintaining a relationship that wasn’t serving either of you well.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Six of Swords in the past position means there was a period of transition, perhaps a physical or emotional distance was maintained to nurture individual growth and find peace. This card hints at a time when mutual understanding allowed for space and personal growth, which in turn fostered a stronger bond. It was a respectful and necessary distance, taken with a vision to nurture individual selves while holding a space of love and understanding, forging a pathway for a stronger and healthier relationship in the future.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Six of Swords in the past position means you might have transitioned from a difficult phase in your career to a more promising and stable situation, moving forward with wisdom and learned experiences. This suggests a time of career growth and new beginnings, where the experiences of the past served as the building blocks for a more secure and promising future. It was a period where you courageously moved forward, taking with you the valuable lessons learned from past experiences, with a determined heart and a clear vision, ready to embrace the opportunities that awaited you with open arms.

Reversed Six of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Six of Swords reversed, it means that there might have been resistance to change, possibly leading to stagnation and an inability to move forward from a difficult situation. This card speaks to a time when fear or apprehension held you back, preventing you from breaking free from a challenging circumstance and forging a path towards growth. It was a period marked with stubborn energy, where the necessary transformations were resisted, resulting in a lack of progression and a continuation of existing issues.

The Six of Swords reversed as the past can represent a time where you felt stuck, unable to progress, and perhaps experienced delays in your plans or a forced return to troubling situations due to unresolved issues. This situation often brought a feeling of walking in circles, finding yourself encountering the same problems repeatedly without finding a resolution. It was a cycle of return, a period where instead of navigating towards calmer waters, you found yourself pulled back into the storm, unable to break free from the recurring patterns of turmoil and distress.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Six of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a time when the relationship faced significant challenges without finding a way to progress towards a healthier dynamic, possibly indicating repeated patterns of negativity. During this phase, the relationship might have felt like a ship lost at sea, unable to find a direction and continually circling back to the same issues. It was a period of stagnation, where growth was hampered by an inability to resolve conflicts and move towards a space of understanding and mutual respect, thus stifling the potential for happiness and harmony in the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Six of Swords reversed in the past position means the relationship might have been characterized by a reluctance to let go and move on, possibly bringing continuous cycles of returning to each other without resolving the underlying issues. This card reflects a dynamic where both parties may have found it difficult to fully release the ties, resulting in a pattern of reunions that did not address the foundational problems. It was a turbulent cycle, a time marked by a significant amount of emotional upheaval and confusion, as both parties struggled to find the closure needed to move forward separately.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Six of Swords reversed in the past position means there were likely periods of stagnation, where the relationship struggled to evolve and grow, perhaps due to unwillingness to address pressing issues. This suggests that the relationship may have remained in a standstill, unable to flourish due to lingering issues that were swept under the rug. It was a period where open and honest communication might have been lacking, giving rise to a stagnant phase where the relationship could not thrive and grow, resulting in a distant or strained bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Six of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a period where you faced setbacks in moving forward in your career, possibly due to hesitation or inability to break free from unfavorable circumstances. During this time, you might have felt trapped in a cycle of unsatisfactory conditions, unable to take the necessary steps to move towards a more promising and fulfilling career path. It was a phase where progress seemed elusive, with barriers constantly arising, preventing a smooth transition towards a role or a position that aligned with your skills and aspirations, keeping you in a frustrating loop of stagnation.

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.