Six of Swords Comparison: Rider–Waite–Smith vs. Triple Goddess Tarot: 

The Tarot of Eli

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The Rider–Waite–Smith Six of Swords presents one of the quieter images in the deck. Unlike the dramatic initiatory symbols of the Major Arcana, this card speaks in muted tones. Yet within its simplicity lies a profound Hermetic teaching: evolution is rarely explosive — it is often deliberate, steady, and borne through conscious passage.

The image shows a boatman guiding two figures across a river. The crossing is neither triumphant nor catastrophic; it is transitional. In Western Hermetic symbolism, water represents the unconscious, the psychic field, the fluctuating astral substance through which thought travels. The boat becomes a vehicle of Mind navigating the tides of inner experience.

The six swords stand upright within the vessel. They are not discarded. This is crucial. Knowledge, once acquired, cannot be undone. The intellect carries its history forward. The mind does not escape its lessons; it integrates them. Thus, the Six of Swords suggests not escape, but measured relocation of consciousness. We move forward — yet we bring our awareness, responsibility, and memory with us.

Divinatory themes such as journey, passage, envoy, transition, and mental reorientation arise naturally from this image. But beneath the surface lies something more refined: the conscious steering of thought from turbulence toward equilibrium.

Hermetic and Qabalistic Current

In the Hermetic Qabalah, the Six corresponds to Tiphareth, the Solar Sephirah — the harmonizing center of the Tree of Life. Tiphareth represents the Higher Self, the radiant equilibrium of the Ruach aligned with the Divine Will.

Within the suit of Swords (Air, Yetzirah, the formative Astral World), Tiphareth brings balance to the fluctuations of thought. Conflict is not eliminated; it is harmonized. Mental strife is reorganized into insight. The scattered winds of intellect become ordered currents.

This card is therefore Tiphareth in Yetzirah — the Solar Self stabilizing the Astral Mind.

The turbulent mental waters (Five of Swords) are brought under conscious navigation. Here, the Soul takes the helm.

Angelic Intelligence

The Angels of the Decan traditionally attributed to this card are Rehaayal and Yeyezeil. These intelligences govern mental refinement, clarity of purpose, and the redirection of scattered energies toward constructive understanding. Their influence assists the aspirant in moving from agitation to coherence.

Astrological Formula: Mercury in Aquarius

Astrologically, the Six of Swords is Mercury in Aquarius.

Mercury, the psychopomp and ruler of intellect, seeks movement, communication, and mental exchange. Aquarius, ruled traditionally by Saturn, imposes structure, discipline, and collective perspective. When combined, this produces a mind capable of stepping back from emotional turbulence and thinking with objectivity and humanitarian breadth.

This is not cold detachment. It is calibrated reason.

The cutting force of Swords is refined into scientific thought, innovative problem-solving, and visionary planning. The divisive quality of Air becomes constructive discrimination.

Thus, the Six of Swords does not promise immediate comfort — it promises progress through clarity.

Western Hermetic Synthesis

The Rider–Waite–Smith Six of Swords depicts the Soul (Tiphareth) guiding the Mind (Swords/Yetzirah) across the waters of the unconscious toward a more ordered state of awareness. It is the deliberate act of steering consciousness out of confusion and into intelligent equilibrium.

Not flight — but conscious passage.
Not denial — but integration.
Not escape — but evolution of perspective.

Mercury in Aquarius brings unique qualities to communication and thought processes. Here are some traits associated with this placement:

1. Innovative Thinking: Individuals with Mercury in Aquarius tend to have innovative and original ideas. They enjoy exploring unconventional concepts and pushing the boundaries of traditional thought.

2. Open-Mindedness: Aquarian energy fosters open-mindedness and a willingness to consider diverse perspectives. People with this placement often accept different viewpoints and are curious about various subjects.

3. Intellectual Independence: These individuals value their intellectual freedom. They may not conform to conventional beliefs and prefer to form their own opinions through objective analysis and reasoning.

4. Social Awareness: Mercury in Aquarius is socially conscious and interested in collective well-being. Communication may revolve around social issues, humanitarian causes, and the greater good.

5. Detached Communication Style: There might be a certain emotional detachment in their communication. They tend to approach conversations with logic and reason, sometimes appearing aloof or distant.

6. Technological Savvy: With Aquarius being associated with technology, those with Mercury in Aquarius may have a natural affinity for and interest in technological advancements. They may easily adapt to new communication tools and platforms.

7. Unconventional Language Use: These individuals may use language in unique and unconventional ways. They enjoy experimenting with words, language structures, and expressing ideas that challenge the norm.

8. Group Collaboration: Mercury in Aquarius individuals thrive in group settings. They enjoy collaborative thinking and brainstorming sessions, often contributing inventive ideas to collective projects.

Remember, the overall personality is a blend of various astrological factors, so these traits provide a general overview rather than a complete picture.

The Triple Goddess Tarot – Six of Swords presents a strikingly different energetic emphasis. Here, there is no external boatman guiding the passage. Instead, a hooded woman in golden robes accompanies a child as they emerge from a cave onto a calm sea beneath a radiant sky.

The absence of a third-party ferryman is significant. In this deck, transition is self-directed. The guiding intelligence arises from within.

The cave symbolizes the womb of the unconscious — the inner chamber of gestation, memory, and psychic formation. To exit the cave is to leave the interior world of incubation and move toward conscious expression. The sea is tranquil, suggesting that the turbulence has already subsided; the crossing has been inwardly resolved before the outward journey begins.

Unlike the Rider–Waite–Smith image, the six swords are not embedded in the vessel. They are suspended above it. Thought is no longer burden — it has become atmosphere. The mind is elevated rather than carried as weight.

The child gazing at three of the suspended swords introduces a powerful Triadic symbolism: Maid, Mother, Crone — past, present, future — unconscious, conscious, superconscious. The golden hooded woman, face unseen, represents the veiled Higher Self — wisdom guiding without ego display. She is Solar in color yet lunar in mystery.

Hermetic and Qabalistic Undercurrent

In Western Hermetic Qabalah, this can still be understood as Tiphareth in Yetzirah, but expressed through the Goddess current rather than the Solar Christic symbolism.

Tiphareth is the harmonizing center — the radiant heart of integration. Here, that harmony manifests as maturation of consciousness. The cave (Yesodic subconscious memory) releases its contents into Solar awareness. The passage is not from chaos to order, but from interior gestation to illuminated expansion.

The suspended swords suggest that intellect has been lifted into a higher octave. Instead of being fixed in material struggle, thought becomes archetypal — part of the greater mental sky.

This image teaches adaptation not as compromise, but as evolution

Psychological and Divinatory Flow

The card suggests:

• Leaving familiar structures
• Conscious adaptation
• Trusting inner guidance rather than external authority
• Emerging from psychic confinement
• Travel toward a broader horizon of awareness

It is less about escape from difficulty and more about stepping into a newly clarified state of being.

The calm sea and bright sky indicate that insight follows surrender. When the inner crossing is complete, the outer world reflects that peace.

Western Hermetic Synthesis

If the Rider–Waite–Smith Six of Swords shows the Soul being ferried across turbulent waters by measured intellect, the Triple Goddess Six shows the Inner Feminine guiding consciousness out of the cave of memory into illuminated expansion — thought no longer carried as burden, but suspended as higher awareness.

One emphasizes structured transition.
The other emphasizes intuitive emergence.

Both reveal that progress requires movement — but the source of guidance differs: external psychopomp versus veiled inner wisdom.

In numerology and gematria, the number 6 carries significant symbolism and attributes. Here's an exploration of its characteristics in both contexts:

Numerology

In numerology, the number 6 is associated with:

1. Harmony and Balance: The number 6 is often seen as a symbol of harmony, balance, and equilibrium. It represents the need for stability in all aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal well-being.

2. Responsibility and Service: It is considered the number of responsibility, service to others, and domesticity. Those influenced by the number 6 are often nurturing, caring, and concerned with the welfare of others.

3. Love and Compassion: The number 6 is closely linked to love, compassion, and empathy. It signifies a deep connection to family, friends, and community, emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting others.

4. Aesthetic Appreciation: People associated with the number 6 often have a strong sense of beauty and aesthetics. They are drawn to creating harmonious and pleasing environments, whether through art, design, or simply their living spaces.

5. Healing and Protection: The number 6 is also related to healing and protection. It is considered a guardian number, providing a sense of security and safety to those around it.

Gematria

In gematria, the number 6 has different associations depending on the tradition (Hebrew, Greek, etc.). Here are some key points:

1. Hebrew Gematria: In Hebrew gematria, each letter has a numerical value. The letter Vav (ו) has the value of 6. Vav is a connecting letter, often used as a conjunction meaning "and." This can be seen as a symbol of connection and continuity.

2. Symbolism in Judaism: The number 6 is significant in Judaism as it represents creation. According to the Torah, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. This makes 6 a number of completion and creation.

3. Hexagon and Star of David: The hexagon and the Star of David (a six-pointed star) are geometric representations associated with the number 6. The hexagon is considered a symbol of harmony and balance in nature (e.g., honeycombs).

4. Tiferet: In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the number 6 corresponds to the sephirah Tiferet, which represents beauty, harmony, and compassion. Tiferet is central to balancing the other sephiroth and is associated with the heart.

5. Greek Gematria: In Greek gematria, the number 6 is less emphasized compared to its prominence in Hebrew tradition. However, it still retains symbolic significance, often representing the physical world and humanity.

Overall, the number 6 in numerology and gematria is rich with meanings related to harmony, balance, love, service, and connection. Its attributes encourage nurturing, protection, and the creation of beauty and stability in various aspects of life.

In numerology, a person can figure out their personal number by using two primary methods: calculating the Life Path Number and determining other significant numbers such as the Expression Number, Heart's Desire Number, and Birthday Number. Here’s how to calculate each:

Life Path Number

The Life Path Number is derived from a person’s date of birth and is considered one of the most important numbers in numerology. Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down your full date of birth: For example, if your birthdate is July 19, 1985, write it as 07/19/1985.
2. Reduce each component (month, day, year) to a single digit:
   • Month: 07 -> 0 + 7 = 7
   • Day: 19 -> 1 + 9 = 10 -> 1 + 0 = 1
   • Year: 1985 -> 1 + 9 + 8 + 5 = 23 -> 2 + 3 = 5
3. Add the reduced components together: 7 + 1 + 5 = 13 -> 1 + 3 = 4
4. The Life Path Number: In this example, the Life Path Number is 4.

Expression Number (Destiny Number)

The Expression Number is derived from the full name at birth. Each letter corresponds to a number (A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., I=9, J=1, etc.). Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down your full name.
2. Assign each letter a number according to its position in the alphabet.
3. Sum the numbers for each name (first, middle, last).
4. Reduce each sum to a single digit.
5. Add the single digits together and reduce to a single digit if necessary.

Example:

• Name: John Doe
  • J (1) + O (6) + H (8) + N (5) = 1 + 6 + 8 + 5 = 20 -> 2 + 0 = 2
  • D (4) + O (6) + E (5) = 4 + 6 + 5 = 15 -> 1 + 5 = 6
  • Add the results: 2 + 6 = 8

Heart's Desire Number (Soul Urge Number)

The Heart's Desire Number is derived from the vowels in your full name. Here's how to calculate it:

1. Write down the vowels in your full name.
2. Assign each vowel a number.
3. Sum the numbers.
4. Reduce the sum to a single digit.

Example:

• Name: John Doe
  • Vowels: O (6), O (6), E (5)
  • Sum: 6 + 6 + 5 = 17 -> 1 + 7 = 8

Birthday Number

The Birthday Number is simply the day of the month on which you were born, reduced to a single digit if necessary.

• If you were born on the 19th: 1 + 9 = 10 -> 1 + 0 = 1
• The Birthday Number is 1.

Summary

These calculations reveal different aspects of a person's numerological profile. The Life Path Number gives insight into your life’s journey, the Expression Number relates to your natural abilities and talents, the Heart's Desire Number reflects your inner motivations, and the Birthday Number provides additional detail about your personality.

When the Six of Swords Appears in a Reading

The Six of Swords signifies a deliberate movement of consciousness from turbulence toward equilibrium. This is not dramatic rescue, but intelligent transition. The mind has endured strain and now seeks order.

Upright

• Objective knowledge emerging after confusion
• Justice through clear reasoning rather than emotional reaction
• Balanced understanding
• A comprehensive or higher perspective
• Journey by water (literal or symbolic passage through emotional terrain)
• Success following anxiety or mental strain
• Passage from difficulty into calmer conditions

Here the Soul (Tiphareth) stabilizes the Mind (Swords). Thought becomes measured. What was once reactive becomes reflective. The querent is learning to navigate rather than resist.

This card often marks the moment when clarity replaces agitation — when one chooses reasoned movement over emotional entanglement.

Reversed or Ill-Dignified

• Confusion caused by excessive mental activity
• Conflicting thoughts and scattered focus
• Ambiguity and indecision
• Mistrust or intellectual defensiveness
• Skepticism hardened into prejudice
• Public exposure or unwanted publicity

In its shadow expression, the mind refuses harmonization. Instead of steering toward clarity, thought multiplies itself into contradiction. The waters remain unsettled because the intellect will not relinquish control.

Here, the lesson is not to think more — but to think with alignment.

The Six of Swords ultimately teaches that peace is not found by abandoning thought, but by disciplining it. Passage is achieved through conscious navigation.

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