The Six of Swords and Aquarius II
A Journey Toward Understanding
Just after the New Moon in Aquarius at 9°51' on January 29th, the Sun emerges from the turbulent skies of the Five of Swords and sails into the calmer, transitional waters of the Six of Swords and the second decan of Aquarius (10°00–19°59).
From January 29th through February 8th, our Bright Luminary will journey in the airspace ruled by Mercury, the Lord of Science and Logic. This period invites reflection, logical problem-solving, and the application of lessons learned. The Six of Swords becomes our guide—a reminder that healing often begins with distance, insight, and a willingness to move forward.
Leaving the Chaos Behind
The Six of Swords traditionally depicts a somber yet determined departure—a woman and child in a small boat, guided by a ferryman, leaving behind choppy waters for more welcoming shores. The card speaks to a journey of transition, both physical and mental. The swords in the boat symbolize the burdens and lessons we carry, suggesting that while the past remains with us, we must leave the storm behind to heal and grow.
Similarly, as the Sun exits the Five of Swords’ battlefield, it enters a decan where the stars seem to quiet the noise. Here, the air clears, inviting us to process the mental fallout of the Five and navigate toward a future that—though uncertain—holds the promise of respite. Illuminated by reason and science, the next ten days can help chart a course forward.
Mercury's Influence: Science, Navigation, and a Trine to Jupiter
Mercury rules Aquarius II, and its influence sharpens our intellectual and social acuity. Currently, in the early degrees of Aquarius, the Cosmic Messenger enters his decanic rulership in Aquarius II on February 3rd, forming an exact trine to Jupiter in Gemini.
Activate this powerful alignment to expand your thinking, revisit past ideas, and apply wisdom to a current situation. With Jupiter in retrograde motion, reflect on your communication style, lean into curiosity, and connect with others. Together, Mercury and Jupiter create a bridge of knowledge, enabling greater understanding, innovation, and vision.
In the context of the Six of Swords, this celestial dynamic encourages us to use logic and intellectual resources to navigate transitions. What tools of science, communication, or reason might help you make decisions about your future? Are there lessons from your past that can serve as guideposts for your next steps?
The Calm After the Storm
After the chaos and conflicts symbolized by the Five of Swords, the Six brings a sense of relief—not because all wounds are healed, but because the decision to leave has been made. The journey is underway.
Situated between the defeat of the Five and the looming futility of the Seven, the Six represents a pause, a chance to catch our breath and recalibrate before confronting the next challenge. In this sense, the Six of Swords offers a moment of grace—a time to set our course and prepare for what lies ahead.
Lessons in Transition
The Sun and Mercury’s journey through Aquarius II encourages us to reflect on what we’re leaving behind and where we’re headed. The Six of Swords reminds us that forging ahead often requires letting go, even when it’s painful. It’s a card of acceptance, suggesting that while we can’t change the past, we can choose how we carry it with us.
Here are some key points to consider during this time:
Clarity Comes with Distance: Just as the woman and child in the Six of Swords leave turbulent waters behind, sometimes we must step away from situations or environments that perpetually reopen old wounds. This isn’t an act of avoidance; it’s an act of self-preservation and healing.
Logic over Emotion: The swords in this card symbolize the rational mind. Pursue new pathways from a place of rational ideas and objectivity. While emotions may guide us, this is a time to lean on reason and practicality.
Embrace the Transition: The Six of Swords is a reminder that healing and growth are often found in the in-between spaces. This is a liminal card, symbolizing the journey rather than the destination. Trust the process.
Tarot Activity: Reflect and Draw
Take out your Six of Swords card and use it as the focal point for a reflective reading. Spend time observing its imagery, colors, and symbols in your specific deck—what stands out to you? Shuffle your deck as you prefer and draw cards to explore these questions:
As you reflect on these prompts, remember the trine between Mercury and Jupiter on February 3rd. It’s a highlight of this period. Amplifying the energy of the Six of Swords, this celestial alignment is an opportunity to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. What ideas, insights, or knowledge might help you navigate your journey? Are there new tools or strategies you can adopt to ease the transition? Use Mercury’s strong position in Aquarius II to invite innovation and forward-thinking solutions.
Moving Toward the Light
As the Sun journeys through Aquarius II, it illuminates the lessons of the Six of Swords: transition, understanding, and forward movement. This is a time to trust the process, even if the waters feel uncertain. The stars remind us that the journey itself is valuable and that even in moments of loss or sadness, there is an opportunity to grow.
We may decide to leave a person, place, or thing because we cannot heal in a place that reopens our wounds. As the Sun illuminates Aquarius II, may you find the courage to navigate your journey with grace and trust in the cosmic omens.
Heather Marie Morse is an esoteric writer and yoga teacher who blends the wisdom of lunar astrology with the practice of yoga through her Substack newsletter, The Light Today. Her work mainly focuses on the subtle influences of light and the moon's phases on our daily lives, aiming to harmonize our inner rhythms with the universe's natural cycles.