#tarotthothqabalahmagickelitarotstrickingly.com

Above all things, know thyself!

#6. In all things great and small, I see the beauty of the Divine Expression.

The Mundane Interpretation

The 6 of Swords represents the perfect balance of all mental and moral faculties — a harmony that is hard-won and difficult to maintain in an ever-shifting world.

This is equilibrium after anxiety.
Success after mental conflict.
Peace after intellectual warfare.

The swords that once clashed in the 5 of Swords (Geburah’s severity) now converge into ordered unity. Conflict becomes clarity.

The Title: Science

Crowley names this card Science because it represents:

• The objective, fair-witnessing mind

• Rational and intuitional intelligence functioning together

• Knowledge gained through experience becoming wisdom

This is not cold rationalism.
It is integrated intellect — the Spirit-Mind-Body collective operating in equilibrium.

The six swords form a holy hexagram, converging in the Rosy Cross, the universal symbol of synthesis and blessing. Crowley calls it:

“The Rose Cross at the central secret of Scientific Truth.”

The Rosy Cross here represents the integrative mind that receives inspiration from unseen sources and communicates it clearly.

Symbolism of the Card

• Circle → Holistic mind

• Crystalline diamond → Clear imaginative intelligence

• Pinwheel forms → Multiple thought-streams integrated into unified clarity

• Hexagram geometry → Macrocosm and Microcosm reconciled

• Metatron’s Cube patterning → The architecture of creation

This is a mind that works on both sides of the Mirror — rational and intuitive — bridging the Universal Collective Unconscious and personal consciousness.

Astrological Influence: Mercury in Aquarius

• Mercury → Clear communication, message, intellect

• Aquarius → Innovation, humanitarianism, future vision

• Saturn (traditional ruler of Aquarius) → Stabilizes Mercury’s quicksilver quality

Here thought becomes structured innovation.
Ideas are communicated with clarity and objectivity.

Thus, earned success through disciplined intelligence.

The Sixes are governed by Tiphareth, the Solar Sephirah — Beauty.

In the world of Yetzirah (Formation), this means:

Form is harmonized through the Solar Self.

Tiphareth represents:

• The harmonized Ruach (rational soul)

• The Solar Self

• The Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel

• The bridge between Higher Self and personality

Here, the ego yields to the Greater Will.

Not “my will be done.”
But “Thy Will be done.”

This is the first Greater Initiation — the scarification of the indoctrinated ego and alignment with the True Self.

.

Mithras

The Dying and Resurrected Principle

The number 6 is attributed to the Solar Hero and the Dying Gods:

• Osiris

• Jesus Christ

• Mithras

Each myth encodes the same initiation:

• Ego death

• Sacrifice of lesser identity

• Resurrection into Solar Consciousness

Thus, the 6 of Swords signifies:

Success after anxiety and trouble.

The Rose resurrects after war.

Psychological Meaning

This card places consciousness within the subconscious — aligning with Eheieh (“I Will Be”), the Divine impulse of becoming.

It elevates the aspirant beyond:

• Emotional reactivity

• Survival-based conditioning

• Media-induced word hypnosis

• False ego identities

The subconscious becomes servant to awakened consciousness.

The Solar I AM begins to radiate through the personality.

Divinatory Meaning 

When the Thoth 6 of Swords appears:

• Mental clarity after difficulty

• Success earned through disciplined thought

• Transition into a calmer phase

• Objective communication

• Integration of intuition and reason

• A necessary change of perspective

• Troubles receding into the past

• Planning or undertaking a journey

It often indicates that a situation has stabilized intellectually, even if emotions are still adjusting.

Shadow or Imbalance-Ill Defined by surrounding cards.

If poorly supported:

• Over-intellectualization

• Fear of new ideas

• Resistance to change

• Conservative rigidity

• Mental detachment from feeling

Balance is achieved — but must be consciously maintained.

Hermetic Synthesis

The 6 of Swords is the Science of the Soul.

It is the moment when Spirit-Mind-Body align in Solar equilibrium.
The swords no longer wound — they reveal.

Here the Rose Cross stands restored.

Mental warfare becomes wisdom.

The Arcane Tarot- Six of Swords displays none of the Western Hermetic science of the Thoth 6 of Swords. Here six swords are lined up in a stairway configuration with a background of a red cape and a flowering rose at the upper right-hand corner of the card. The stairway suggests transition, moving on, and journeying.

Upright meaning: Only after acceptance can you be free of the past. This is a period towards transition, so chart out a logical path towards success.

Relationships: Identify any toxic relationships and behaviors (and also consider your relationship to yourself). Cut out whatever is hurting you.

Career: Check your financial health. Should you update your revenue streams? Increase your safety net. Or maybe it's time to go for that promotion.

Reversed: You may be falling back onto old habits. This could indicate you need a better transition plan or haven't yet resolved and accepted your truth.

Both cards are ruled by Mercury in Aquarius which 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 are often accepting of 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.

When the 6 of Swords is Thrown in a Reading

Upright Meaning

The querent is:

• Objective, logical, and mentally balanced

• Demonstrating strong analytical and scientific thinking

• Communicating clearly and reliably

• Approaching problems with reason rather than emotion

• Viewing situations from a new and more detached perspective

This card often indicates that within 6 weeks or 6 months, difficulties will resolve because the correct, rational actions are being taken.

Here the mind observes itself.
Thought becomes self-aware.
Perspective shifts from reactive to reflective.

It suggests:

• Justice through clear reasoning

• Logical communication that promotes problem-solving

• Acceptance of attitudes and belief systems that create rhythmic, cyclical balance

• Innovative ideas expressed in a non-threatening, intelligent manner

This is a rare mental clarity — free of “should have been” regrets and “what if” fantasies.

The querent is encouraged to:

• See things as they truly are

• Maintain intellectual honesty

• Communicate innovative decisions carefully and calmly

• Be especially clear when dealing with Aquarian personalities or forward-thinking individuals

It may also indicate:

• Travel by water

• A mental transition from one phase of life to another

• Moving away from previous conflict into calmer intellectual waters

Ill-Dignified / Poorly Supported

If negatively influenced by surrounding cards, the 6 of Swords can indicate:

• Mental overload producing confusion

• Conflicting thoughts and internal argument

• Ambiguity and indecision

• Excessive skepticism

• Mistrust

• Over-intellectualization that disconnects from intuition

In such cases, the mind is active but not integrated.
The swords no longer converge — they scatter.

Hermetic Key

The 6 of Swords represents the disciplined Solar mind under Tiphareth, where reason and intuition cooperate.

When balanced, it is earned clarity.
When distorted, it is scattered intellect.

The lesson is simple:

Integrate — do not fragment

If this Hermetic study of the Thoth 6 of Swords has brought you clarity, insight, or renewed equilibrium, consider supporting this work with a donation. Your generosity sustains the unfolding of deeper Qabalistic wisdom, Tarot science, and Solar consciousness for all who seek to move from confusion into earned success. Every contribution helps keep this current of Hermetic light flowing so that together we may restore the Rose after the war, align with the Greater Will, and embody the radiant harmony of the Whole Self. May your mind remain clear, your Soul steadfast, and your path illuminated by the Sun within.

For information on a Western Hermetic Tarot Reading, or for Thoth Hermetic Tarot Classes, go to Tarot Price page @ elitarotstrickingly.com

Thank you, may your travels be prosperous and healthy.

Traditional Tarot Card Blog and tarot layout store.

Western Hermetic magick ritual and invocation website and blog.