Six of Swords — Science is a card of the Minor Arcana, suit of Swords in the Thoth Tarot. In a reading it speaks of science, intelligence, method and understanding. In the Golden Dawn system it corresponds to the sephirah Tiphareth, the element Air and Mercury in Aquarius in astrology.
science · intelligence · method · understanding · objectivity
What does Six of Swords mean?
Approach the situation with method and objectivity: knowledge brings the solution.
Everyday meaning
Intelligence, study, objective understanding, problem solving. It points to a passage toward calmer waters thanks to knowledge and method.
Psychological meaning
The balanced mind that observes without prejudice; the ability to apply reasoning with clarity and detachment.
Initiatic meaning
Air in Tiphareth, the heart of the Tree, with Mercury in Aquarius in the second decan: the intellect illuminated by solar consciousness. Science is the mind in perfect balance, knowledge integrated at the centre of being.
The shadow side
Ill-dignified, it signals intellectual coldness, pedantry, knowledge without wisdom.
Six of Swords reversed
The Thoth Tarot is traditionally read without reversed cards: the reader judges from the cards around it whether a card is well or ill dignified. This is its ill-dignified or blocked reading:
Confused thinking, insufficient or misused knowledge; or an excess of analysis.
Six of Swords in love, work and spirit
In love
A relationship founded on mutual understanding and dialogue.
At work and career
Study, research, technical solutions, progress thanks to competence.
In spiritual practice
Knowledge as a path to wisdom: understanding in order to be free.
Kabbalah, astrology and the Hebrew letter of Six of Swords
Tiphareth · Air · Mercury in Aquarius
Crowley on Six of Swords
Crowley arranges six swords whose hilts form a hexagram and whose points touch a cross with the rose at its centre: the intellect harmonised by knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
What does Six of Swords mean in the Thoth Tarot?
Approach the situation with method and objectivity: knowledge brings the solution.
What does Six of Swords mean in love?
A relationship founded on mutual understanding and dialogue.
What does Six of Swords mean for work and career?
Study, research, technical solutions, progress thanks to competence.
What does Six of Swords mean reversed?
The Thoth Tarot is traditionally read without reversed cards: the reader judges from the cards around it whether a card is well or ill dignified. This is its ill-dignified or blocked reading: Confused thinking, insufficient or misused knowledge; or an excess of analysis.
What are the Kabbalah and astrology correspondences of Six of Swords?
In the Golden Dawn system Six of Swords corresponds to the sephirah Tiphareth, the element Air and Mercury in Aquarius in astrology.
