Six of Swords Reversed Tarot Card Meaning
General Interpretation
Getting the Six of Swords reversed in a reading suggests a resistance against necessary transitions, being stuck in unhealthy patterns, or a general inability to move forward. Where its upright position symbolizes moving forward and smooth transitions, the reversal suggests you may not be leaving a difficult decision or you’re delaying an inevitable, but much needed, change. This is a common card in a reading when we know something’s gotta give, but we find ourselves paralyzed by uncertainty, guilt, or anxiety.
Read on to learn more about Six of Swords reversed in various contexts.
6 of Swords Reversed Love and Relationships
When asking about your love life as a single person, the Six of Swords reversed suggests clinging to old relational patterns or even idolizing past relationship partners, which is preventing you from being open to new potential partners. You may be carrying emotional baggage from a previous relationship that you haven’t fully processed yet. As a result, you may be wanting to avoid dating altogether or are unconsciously bringing old habits into your dating life.
Getting the Six of Swords reversed when asking about a new or potential relationship suggests one or both of you may be bringing unresolved emotional baggage into this new relationship. There may be hesitation here to fully commit due to attachment wounds. Thus, the relationship can feel like it’s in limbo, or forever stuck in a more casual phase where it’s not moving forward, but not ending either.
When asking about your current relationship, Six of Swords reversed suggests you both may be stuck in repetitive conflicts over the same themes, or engaging each other in unhealthy ways, but one or both of you refuse to address the root cause of all this conflict. There may be a sense of going through the motions together without making real progress or deepening commitment. Radical honesty with each other may be needed to resolve this.
When asking about an ex partner, Six of Swords reversed is a strong indicator that you’re having a difficult time moving on from this person. You may still be stalking their social media and secretly hoping for reconciliation, even though you know at this point this is not healthy. Or you simply may be refusing to accept the relationship’s over, as that realization may be very painful. Time to go no contact and mend your wounds.
When asking about a crush, the Six of Swords reversed suggests you may be idealizing this person when you’re not even compatible with them. Or, they may not even be available, practically speaking or emotionally. There may be an unwillingness on your end to see the situation clearly or to redirect your emotional energy elsewhere to more promising prospects. How long you stay stuck in this dynamic is entirely up to you.
When asking about your child, the Six of Swords reversed suggests your child may be struggling with transitions. They may be having difficulty with developmental growth, adjusting to a new school or home, or moving on from more immature patterns of interaction with others. If you’re asking about an adult child, this card suggests they may be having a hard time becoming fully independent due to financial or emotional reasons.
When asking about a current friendship, the Six of Swords reversed suggests the friendship may feel stagnant, like you’re both going through the motions out of fear or obligation, rather than actual interest in each other. Alternatively, this card suggests you may be resisting the help of this friend in an area where you’re desperately needing to move forward in your life.
When asking about a former friendship, the Six of Swords reversed suggests one or both of you are having a very difficult time letting go. It’s possible the friendship ended without closure for you, and you’re stuck repeatedly asking yourself “why did it end?”. You may be holding onto resentment due to hte nature of the friendship or the way it ended, which is making it difficult for you to accept that this friendship has run its course. Create your own closure.
When asking about an enemy or rival, Six of Swords reversed suggests one or both of you are refusing to let go of this drama and move on from the grudge. One of you may be stuck in your ways and are unwilling to consider alternative solutions or perspectives. If the other person isn’t walking away, it may be up to you to do so. Engulfing yourself in a toxic situation does not serve your best interests over time.
When asking about a potential job or career, Six of Swords reversed suggests you may be stuck in indecision about making a professional change. Anxiety around change may be preventing you from pursuing this line of work, even though your current situation may be unfulfilling. You may be prone to overanalyze the possibilities without taking action. Research is fine, but consider the long-term benefits of any change, rather than letting anxiety paralyze you.
When asking about your current job or career, the Six of Swords reversed commonly appears when you’re in a professional rut but you’re resisting necessary changes. You may be staying in a job that lacks fulfillment out of a sense of comfort. The Six of Swords reversed is a gentle reminder not to let the fear of the unknown stagnate you in a position of rut rather than taking action to go to greener pastures.
When asking about a potential business idea, Six of Swords reversed warns against analysis paralysis. You may be over researching all of your options and possibilities rather than creating a solid plan to launch with. Also, you’re being asked not to cling to an outdated business model that may have worked in the past but won’t necessarily today. Innovation is needed for all business growth. Adapt to markets.
When asking about your current business, Six of Swords reversed suggests you may be having difficulty pivoting or moving in new directions. Your business may be stuck in old methods that are no longer effective and stall growth. Innovation is key in order to adapt to market forces and propel business growth. You may also be resisting necessary change within the workplace among leadership or employees.
When asking about your money and finances, Six of Swords reversed suggests you may be stuck in unhealthy money patterns. This could be poor spending, gambling, excessive take out orders, or splurges. You’re being asked not to avoid creating, and sticking, with a budget. Avoid refusing to deal with financial realities, no matter how painful they are. Knowing where you stand allows you to fix what needs to be fixed.
If asking about a possible pregnancy, Six of Swords reversed suggests there may be difficulties with conception due to being stuck in stressful cycles, or refusing to make the necessary lifestyle changes that will allow for improved fertility. If you’re asking whether you’re currently pregnant, the answer is likely no, not unless the necessary lifestyle changes are made.