A ferryman carries a woman and a child in a boat toward the far shore, six swords standing in the boat. It is transition: leaving troubled waters for calmer ones.
Passage to calmer waters, troubles left behind.
Waite’s keywords (1911): A journey by water, a route, a way; an envoy; an expedient.
Reversed
Reversed, the transition is stalled: you cannot leave, the past follows you, or the journey is turbulent.
A journey delayed, troubles carried along.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Declaration, confession, publicity; perhaps a proposal of love.
In love
Upright You leave a difficult relationship behind; calmer days ahead.
Reversed You cannot leave the past behind in love.
In work
Upright A transition to a better job or place.
Reversed A blocked transition.
In money
Upright Gradual financial improvement.
Reversed Financial difficulties drag on.
At home and in the family
Upright A move; leaving a difficult home.
Reversed A move delayed.
On your path
Upright The soul crosses to a calmer shore.
Reversed Old baggage weighs on the journey.
Its counsel
Upright Move on. Calmer waters are ahead.
Reversed Let go of what you are carrying, so you can cross.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Swords
- Element
- Air
- Rank
- Sixes: harmony restored, gifts given and received
Dreams that carry this card
Swords
Ace of Swords · Two of Swords · Three of Swords · Four of Swords · Five of Swords · Seven of Swords · Eight of Swords · Nine of Swords · Ten of Swords · Page of Swords · Knight of Swords · Queen of Swords · King of Swords