Tarot Card Combination
Three of Cups+Six of Swords
聖杯三 & 寶劍六
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Three of Cups
Three of Cups
聖杯三
Six of Swords
Six of Swords
寶劍六
This pairing signifies a transition from celebratory community to thoughtful departure. The Three of Cups' communal joy meets the Six of Swords' necessary journey, suggesting a bittersweet farewell within a supportive network. The combination indicates emotional closure (Water) followed by mental processing (Air), where shared experiences provide the foundation for a conscious move toward calmer waters.
The Three of Cups, representing communal celebration and emotional fulfillment in Water, converges with the Six of Swords' Air-driven journey away from turbulence. This juxtaposition suggests a departure from a joyful situation or the need to carry communal support into a transitional phase. In the Rider-Waite tradition, the Three of Cups depicts maidens in festive unity, while the Six of Swords shows a figure moving across water toward distant shores. Together, they indicate that current emotional bonds (Three of Cups) will serve as ballast during an intellectual or physical transition (Six of Swords). The cards propose that community provides the emotional resilience required for navigating change.
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Elemental Analysis
Water (Three of Cups) and Air (Six of Swords) create a dynamic of emotional depth meeting intellectual movement. Water provides the emotional sustenance and communal bonds, while Air facilitates the mental clarity and communication needed to navigate transition. This elemental blend suggests emotions are not abandoned but rather carried thoughtfully into new phases, with Air helping to process Water's depth through reason and perspective.
Numerology Insights
The numbers 3 (creativity, expression) and 6 (harmony, adjustment) sum to 9, the number of completion and wisdom in Pythagorean numerology. This reinforces the theme of concluding a cycle of joyful connection (3) through thoughtful transition (6) to achieve a humanitarian or wise perspective (9). The 9 energy suggests this journey serves a larger purpose beyond personal fulfillment.
Reversal Meanings
Three of Cups Reversed
When the Three of Cups reverses, communal joy turns to exclusion, overindulgence, or fractured alliances. In combination with upright Six of Swords, this suggests leaving a toxic social environment or realizing that supposed support networks lack genuine depth. The transition becomes an escape from unhealthy group dynamics.
Six of Swords Reversed
The Six of Swords reversed indicates resistance to necessary transition, delayed departure, or carrying unresolved turmoil into new situations. Paired with upright Three of Cups, this suggests clinging to celebratory moments to avoid facing inevitable change, potentially stalling growth despite having emotional support available.
Both Cards Reversed
With both cards reversed, the reading indicates being trapped in stagnant social dynamics while resisting necessary change. This suggests unresolved group conflicts preventing forward movement, or indulging in escapist celebrations to avoid confronting difficult transitions. The combination warns of emotional and mental paralysis.
Spiritual Guidance
Spiritually, this pairing represents the integration of communal celebration with solitary transition. It suggests that spiritual growth often requires leaving comfortable group dynamics to undertake individual journeys of understanding. The cards invite reflection on how shared rituals or community support prepare the soul for necessary passages toward higher consciousness.
Yes/No Reading Guide
This combination suggests a qualified 'yes,' but one requiring transition. The answer emerges through moving from celebration to thoughtful action. Positive outcomes depend on carrying communal support into necessary changes rather than remaining stationary in comfortable dynamics.
Historical & Mythological Context
In early tarot, the Three of Cups reflected harvest celebrations and communal rites, while the Six of Swords derived from ferryman imagery representing passage. Their combination historically suggested journeys undertaken after communal gatherings, or carrying festive blessings into travels.
Meditation & Reflection
Visualize yourself at a vibrant celebration, then gradually moving toward a waiting boat. Notice what emotions and connections you choose to carry with you, and what you leave behind as you journey toward distant shores.
Daily Affirmation
"I carry joyful connections with me as I navigate necessary transitions with grace."
Practical Advice
Honor the joy and connections you've cultivated, but recognize when growth requires gentle departure. Carry the emotional wealth of community with you as you navigate toward calmer waters, allowing both celebration and transition to coexist in your journey.
Things to Watch
Beware of using communal joy as an excuse to avoid necessary transitions, or conversely, abandoning emotional bonds too hastily in pursuit of change.
Individual Card Meanings
Three of Cups
聖杯三
The Three of Cups shows three women raising their cups in celebration, representing friendship, community, and joyful gatherings. This card indicates a time of happiness shared with others—parties, reunions, weddings, or any occasion bringing people together in celebration.
View full meaning →Six of Swords
寶劍六
The Six of Swords shows figures being ferried across water from turbulent to calm shores. This card represents transition, moving away from difficulty, and the journey toward peace. It indicates physical or emotional travel away from troubled times.
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