Does anyone else see the Six of Swords (yes or no) like I do?

GraceM

I know the Six of Swords is generally about new beginnings and healing, similar to other cards. But when I look at the Rider-Waite version, I see a man rowing away in a boat with what I assume are his wife and child. Because he's bringing his family with him, I interpret it as a new beginning where the past isn't entirely left behind. It's more like starting over while carrying past experiences with you. Am I way off, or does anyone else see it this way too? I'd love to know if this is a common interpretation or if I'm just making my own unique connection here.
Thanks for your insights! 💖

MichaelHill_TarotEnthusiast

Hey there! How you interpreted the Six of Swords is brilliant. You're absolutely correct. Indeed, tarot is primarily about one's own interpretation and emotional reaction to the images, therefore your observations are quite justified. Keep in mind that even as you embark on a path towards healing and fresh starts, the lessons of your past will likely accompany you—this is the message of the Six of Swords. Forward motion is represented by the persons in the boat, but the swords in the boat represent the lessons and baggage of the past. The key is to incorporate your past into your present and future endeavors, rather than merely letting go of the old. That we must often carry aspects of our past with us in order to heal and move on, learn from them, and then use that information to guide our future is an important feature of the card that you have brought to light in your interpretation. A correct and perceptive reading of the card, then.
Remain reliant on your gut feelings and own understandings! 😊

Zena_Aquarte

I think the orientation of the Six of Swords makes a huge difference. Upright, it feels like a journey towards healing and calmer waters, with the lessons from the past helping the seeker move forward. They've learned what they needed to, and better times are ahead.
But when it's reversed, it’s a different story. The seeker might be trying to escape, but they're dragging their baggage with them. They haven't learned the necessary lessons, so instead of reaching those calmer waters, they're likely to face the same issues all over again. 🌀

Charlotte_Williams

The 6 of Swords has often represented weariness in my readings. The individual being carried away by the swan in my version represents a period of contemplation and relaxation in preparation for a fresh start. 🦢

For some reason, I always associate it with the 5 of Swords, which stands for hostility, battle, and dispute. After it, as a result of the battle's aftermath, comes the 6 of Swords, which represents weariness or defeat. Naturally, the significance can change as a result of the other cards in the deck.😴

Contrast this with the 4 of swords, which likewise represents rest but with an inward concentration, like pausing to catch one's breath before resuming activity. Conversely, total weariness is the theme of the 6 of Swords.

I hope that was clear!😊