Death & 6 of Swords
Death & 6 of Swords
Analysis:
Imagery
One of the clearest visual connections between these two cards is the fact that there is a boat in each. In the 6 of Swords, it is the primary feature, and in Death, it's hidden in the background.
Water is associated with Death via Scorpio. There is also a large amount of water visible in both Death and the 6 of Swords.
Both cards feature a similar grey sky in the background.
In the 6 of Swords, we see 2 adults (perhaps a man and woman) with a child. In Death, we also see various individuals depicted - men and women, and also a child.
Hebrew Letter & Astrological Connection
The number 6 and the suit of Swords are both connected to the Hebrew letter Vau (ו), along with the Hierophant, who makes a cameo appearance on the Death card.
The 6 of Swords is linked to the second decan of Aquarius, which is ruled by Mercury, thus implying some sort of travel or movement, potentially even psychopompic in nature. In both cards, there is a central figure who can be seen as the psychopomp/initiator of movement, and each is carrying a large staff, whether in the form of an oar (6 of Swords) or a flag-bearing pole (Death).
Though Aquarius is an Air sign, water is certainly implied in its name and symbology. The sign of Aquarius is also connected to the Hebrew letter Tzaddi (צ), whose letter name means "fish hook," while Death/Scorpio are linked to Nun (נ), whose name means "fish."
The Tree of Life
On the Tree of Life, the path associated with Death leads from Netzach, the seventh sphere, to Tiphareth, the sixth, which is not only linked to the Sun, but the letter Vav, which is considered the "Son" of the Tetragrammaton, or four-lettered name. The Death card depicts the rising sun in the distance, which may be clever a nod to the position of this path.
The Rose - though not necessarily the white rose depicted on the banner held by the Death rider - is often considered a symbol of Tiphreth as well.
Transitions & Hope
Both Death and the 6 of Swords speak to transitions, change and transformation - shifting from one energy or space to another. We also see that movement going in a forward-right direction in each scene. We would associate this with movement that goes into the future - a progressive rather than regressive energy.
There are also beacons of hope offered in each scene that suggest the individuals involved are moving toward something better. In Death, we see that rising sun on the horizon. In the 6 of Swords, we see calm and still waters. Even if the path is rocky, the destination looks clear.
What do YOU see???
Possible Interpretation:
When these cards appear together in a reading, they seem to be suggesting a kind of "no looking back energy". It's the kind of transition that, despite any challenges, is ultimately leading toward a brighter horizon. It's also something that may be touching on multiple areas of life i.e. both the spiritual as well as the physical. Ultimately, there is a life changing transition underway, one that may even be considered a rite of passage.
There’s also a strong undercurrent of grace in this pairing. Though the imagery might seem somber, both cards suggest a journey that is divinely guided. The grey skies and calm waters imply acceptance - the storm has already passed. In readings, this combination may point to a transition that is necessary and cleansing, rather than tragic. Simply put, every ending is also a crossing, and on the other side of that crossing, the dawn is already on the rise.