Alright, let’s talk about the 6 of Swords. This card pops up for me sometimes, and honestly, my first reaction used to be a bit of a sigh. It just looks… heavy, right? Someone in a boat, heading away, swords stuck in the bottom. Doesn’t exactly scream ‘party time’.
My First Real Encounter
I remember pulling this card repeatedly a few years back. I was stuck in a job that was just draining the life out of me. Constant low-level conflict, you know? Not huge blow-ups, but that grinding negativity that wears you down day after day. I felt trapped, like I was paddling through mud.
So, I pulled the 6 of Swords during a personal reading. And then again. And maybe a third time over a couple of weeks. It felt less like a prediction and more like a reflection of what I was already feeling – this deep need to just… leave. To get away from the choppy waters of that workplace.
The Slow Paddle Away
Seeing that card didn’t magically fix things. It wasn’t like, boom, new job tomorrow. What it did was make me acknowledge the situation wasn’t going to get better on its own. I had to be the one steering the boat.
Here’s what I actually did, step-by-step:
- Acknowledged the suck: First, I just admitted to myself, “Okay, this place is bad for me. It’s time to go.” Sounds simple, but it took a while to get there.
- Started paddling quietly: I didn’t make a big announcement. I started updating my resume after work. Spent weekends looking at job boards. Reached out to a few old contacts discreetly. It felt exactly like that figure in the boat – head down, focused on moving forward, even if slowly.
- Mentally checked out (partially): This was key. While still physically there, I started mentally distancing myself from the office drama. Tried not to get pulled into the usual arguments or gossip. It was like creating a little mental bubble, preparing for the actual departure. That felt like the real journey the card was showing.
- Navigated the interviews: Went through the whole awkward process of interviews while still employed. Kept things professional at the old place, even when I just wanted to flip a table.
- Made the move: Finally got an offer I liked. Handed in my notice. The departure itself wasn’t dramatic, more of a quiet relief. Like finally reaching that distant shore on the card.
What I Learned
Looking back, the 6 of Swords wasn’t about some grand, exciting escape. It was about a necessary transition. It was about moving away from something painful or difficult, often with sadness or reluctance, but towards something potentially calmer and better. It’s often a mental journey as much as a physical one – leaving behind old ways of thinking or emotional baggage.
It showed me that sometimes progress isn’t loud. It’s the quiet determination to keep rowing, even when the water’s rough and the destination isn’t totally clear. You just know you can’t stay where you are. So yeah, it’s a card about transition, about finding passage away from trouble, even if it takes time and feels heavy. It’s about getting through it.
