Love, loss, and the lingering emotions that follow a breakup can be difficult to unravel. When you seek insight into an ex-partner’s feelings, tarot offers a lens into the emotional undercurrents that words often fail to express. The cards serve as mirrors, reflecting the hidden, unspoken sentiments that still tether you—or them—to the past.
Among the many tarot cards that can appear in matters of the heart, the Six of Swords reversed is particularly revealing when asking about an ex’s emotions. Unlike its upright position, which suggests transition and moving forward, the reversed Six of Swords often signals emotional stagnation, resistance to closure, or an inability to leave the past behind. But what exactly does this mean when trying to understand an ex’s feelings? Let’s explore its significance in depth.

Six of Swords Reversed as Feelings for an Ex: What Does It Indicate?
Regret often accompanies this card. Your ex may be looking back at the relationship with a mixture of sorrow and nostalgia, wondering if they made the right choice in leaving or if things could have played out differently. It also signals emotional turbulence, implying that they might feel stuck between wanting to move on and still feeling emotionally tied to the past.
On the other hand, the Six of Swords reversed can also represent a hope for reconciliation. If your ex is feeling lost or directionless, they may be contemplating whether revisiting the relationship could provide the emotional stability they crave. However, the presence of this card suggests that even if they desire a reunion, they are uncertain about how to navigate the waters of reconciliation.
Emotional Messages Hidden in the Six of Swords Reversed
The Six of Swords reversed carries with it a sense of emotional weight that refuses to be lifted. It speaks of unresolved pain—wounds that have yet to heal, memories that still evoke longing, and emotions that continue to surface despite efforts to suppress them. This card suggests that your ex may be caught in a cycle of dwelling on what was rather than embracing what could be.
Nostalgia is another key theme here. The Six of Swords reversed can reflect a longing for the comfort and familiarity of the past, especially if the breakup left a deep emotional void. However, nostalgia alone is not enough to rebuild a broken relationship—there must be a willingness to address past issues and emotional wounds.
Six of Swords Reversed and the Potential for Renewal or Letting Go
One of the biggest questions that arise when this card appears is whether the person in question is ready for renewal or if they are still trapped in the past. The Six of Swords reversed often suggests a reluctance to let go, but that does not necessarily mean a reunion is on the horizon.
However, if the emotional blockages that the Six of Swords reversed represents can be acknowledged and worked through, there may be a path toward renewal. This could take the form of either reconciliation or finally finding peace and closure. The key lies in understanding whether the emotions surrounding the breakup stem from genuine love or simply from an inability to let go of the past.
How the Six of Swords Reversed Encourages Self-Reflection on Love and Loss
More than anything, the Six of Swords reversed invites deep self-reflection. It asks you—or your ex—to examine what is truly holding you back from moving forward. Is it unresolved pain? A fear of change? Or perhaps a reluctance to admit that the relationship, in its previous form, may not have been healthy?
This card pushes you to confront the emotional baggage that remains. If you are still feeling attached to an ex, it may be time to ask yourself whether these feelings are rooted in love or simply in a fear of the unknown. Similarly, if your ex is still emotionally tied to you, they too may need to explore their own patterns of avoidance or emotional resistance.
Ultimately, the Six of Swords reversed is not about dwelling on the past, but about understanding it. Through reflection, healing, and honest introspection, you can gain clarity about what this connection truly means and whether it is something worth revisiting—or finally letting go of.
What Can You Do to Understand and Work Through These Emotions?
If the Six of Swords reversed has appeared in your reading, it is an invitation to take proactive steps in processing the emotions tied to your past relationship. The first step is acknowledging any lingering pain, regret, or longing and allowing yourself to sit with those feelings rather than suppress them.
Journaling can be an effective way to explore your emotions, helping you uncover patterns or recurring thoughts about your ex. Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help bring clarity, allowing you to separate emotional attachment from true emotional insight.
If you are hoping for reconciliation, consider whether both you and your ex have grown emotionally since the breakup. Without genuine healing, returning to the relationship may only result in repeating the same mistakes. On the other hand, if moving forward is the best path, focus on self-love, personal growth, and opening your heart to new possibilities.
Ultimately, the Six of Swords reversed reminds you that healing is not a linear journey. Whether you choose to let go or revisit the past, the key is to move forward with awareness, wisdom, and emotional authenticity.