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The Six of Swords always indicates change, through which we reach a new shores. As the card of setting off on the road, the hero's happy start, the Chariot (VII) and the heavy-hearted journey, is located between the Eight of Cups. In the case of the Six of Swords, it depends to a great extent on ourselves whether the indicated change makes us curious, whether we find it attractive, or causes fear. In any case, we are about to get out on a new shore, and we have to leave the old shore without knowing what will be there. Accordingly, it indicates the pain of farewell, the uncertainty, the fears and the troubles, but it also represents an excited curiosity that we look to the future. It is important to know that the unknown land to which we are directing our ship does not necessarily mean leaving our relations so far, it can indicate the internal step: stepping into a new area, taking over the rules of the unknown so far, getting to know an unusual way of life, meeting other cultures and religions. Crossing the water in the Ji Ching and myths always symbolizes the transition from the multitude to the unity.

SIX OF SWORDS : SCIENCE

These cards are attributed to Tiphareth. This Sephira is in some respects the most important of all. It is the centre of the whole system; it is the only Sephira below the Abyss which communicates directly with Kether. It is fed directly from Chokmah and Binah; also from Chesed and Geburah. It is thus admirably fitted to dominate the lower Sephiroth; it is balanced both vertically and horizontally. In the planetary system it represents the Sun; in the system of Tetragrammaton it represents the Son. The entire geometrical complex of the Ruach may be regarded as an expansion from Tiphareth. It represents consciousness in its most harmonized and balanced form; definitely in form, not only in idea, as in the case of the number Two. In other words, the Son is an interpretation of the Father in terms of the mind.

The four Sixes are thus representative of their respective elements at their practical best.

The Six of Swords is called Science. Its ruler is Mercury, so that the element of success turns away from the idea of division and quarrel; it is intelligence which has won to the goal.

Tiphareth shows the full establishment and balance of the idea of the suit. This is particularly the case with this card, as the intellect itself is also referred to the number Six. Mercury, in Aquarius, represents the celestial Energy influencing the Kerub of the Man, thus showing intelligence and humanity.

But there is much more than this in the symbol. The perfect balance of all mental and moral faculties, hardly won, and almost impossible to hold in an ever-changing world, declares the idea of Science in its fullest interpretation.

The hilts of the Swords, which are very ornamental, are in the form of the hexagram. Their points touch the outer petals of a red rose upon a golden cross of six squares, thus showing the Rosy Cross as the central secret of scientific truth.

THE SIX OF SWORDS - SCIENCE

Astrology: Mercury in the 2. decan of Aquarius Tree of Life: Tiphareth through Air

In the beautiful harmony of Tiphareth, the Six of Swords have overcome the crisis of the Five, the emotional wounds are healed and the element concentrates on its origin potentials, its very own powers and qualities. 

In science i.e. any fields of deeper thinking, the mind can unfold all its energies, and the restless Swords have the chance to combine the mind with the mental spirit from which it was born, to achieve a perfect harmony of it all.

Drive: All-embracing thinking, science, research 

Light: Success after anxiety and trouble, search for truth 

Shadow: Too much rationalism, distrust, misanthropism

THE SIX OF SWORDS - Science - Mars 4th House - Mercury 9th House - Suffering

Keywords: Mercury in Aquarius, analytical skills, ability to unite thoughts, all-round vision, all-inclusive understanding, objectivity

Advice: You can sense it at different levels and from different perspectives. Understanding things connects many different aspects.

Question: Where are templates in your life, and what are they?

Suggestion: Trust your insights. Communicate in a way that others understand. Allow the rose to open.

Revelation: The rose of knowledge blossoms in my heart.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 3. Chun (The Initial Difficulty, Problems At The Beginning)

Mythology: The Crossings (Gilgames, Moses)

Keywords: get started, search

When you whip someone, he runs as far as he can.

SIX OF SWORDS

General Meaning

The Six of this suit has generally been associated with the objectivity of scientific method, employed through the generations to sift fact from superstition, build facts into theories, and theories into laws which we can trust and use to improve our lives. One early title for this card was The Navigator — one who has learned enough about the relation between the Earth and the heavens to be able to set a course across trackless oceans and arrive at a chosen spot on distant shores.

At the time of the first Tarot decks, this skill was considered akin to magic, so few were the individuals who understood the principles involved. So the person who draws this card is being typified as a person with special knowledge, an insight into sophisticated techniques that may be powerful enough to effect a rescue in a dangerous time. Other related titles that are common to this card are The Path (out of danger) and The Way Through.

In the Reversed Position

When the Six of Swords is reversed, you are not using your rational, scientific, systematic, logical mind to its fullest potential. As a result, you are compromising your objectivity and limiting your perception of possibilities in the situation.

Make an effort to regain objectivity and confirm your original goals. Try moderating your emotions while increasing mental discipline and focus; this will enable you to return to the fruitful pursuit of your plans.

In the Advice Positon

The Six of Swords in this position reminds you that time is of the essence. You've seen the big picture, and good ideas have occurred to you about what needs to be done. Now it is necessary to take action. There may be no more time for debate.

If the game plan has become clear, your next step could be to commit yourself to pursue changes that will lead to improvement. Overcome the tendency to get distracted. You do not have time for approval seeking. Once you initiate action, others will be grateful for your clear thinking and quick reflexes. It's a special gift to be able to navigate in times of rapidly changing and unpredictable circumstances, when a cool head and right timing are most essential.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.