The Six of Swords symbolises moving forward from difficult situations into a clearer,
More hopeful state.
This card highlights the importance of open communication,
Learning and the harnessing of skills and expertise.
While it suggests advancement and intellectual growth,
It also cautions against attachment and intellectual arrogance.
In this Active Imagination exercise,
We will navigate these themes,
Seeking to balance our quest for knowledge and progress with empathy and connection.
Just making sure you are seated or lying down comfortably.
Closing your eyes.
And just taking a couple of deep breaths.
Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Just going to clear out the mind a little with some basic meditation.
Just allowing the breath to return to normal.
And keeping your attention on the sensation of the breath for now.
It's possible your mind will wander at some point during this exercise.
No problem,
Just bring your attention back to the exercise.
And now imagine yourself at the edge of a wide river or a lake.
And next to this body of water,
You notice the figure of a ferryman or woman.
Who embodies the qualities of the Six of Swords.
And next to them is their boat.
First just take a moment to examine this figure more closely.
Do they embody the wholesome aspects of the Six of Swords?
Such as a positive,
Clear attitude.
Possibly some of the negative aspects.
Whether it's coldness or recklessness.
And now just allow the figure to speak.
There's no right way for the unconscious to speak to you.
Just allow it to say whatever it needs to say.
And having let the figure speak,
You're now going to ask them a series of questions.
Ask the figure,
What do you represent in my life?
What insights am I gaining about myself as I leave behind past struggles?
Where do I need to improve my communication and technical skill?
How can I ensure my future actions are informed by both intellectual and emotional intelligence?
You're now going to engage in a free-form dialogue with this figure.
Exchange words and actions.
And just say to them whatever you feel the need to say,
Maintaining respect and non-judgment.
So in order to cross this body of water,
You're first going to make a gesture of reconciliation or affirmation to this figure.
This could be a giving of a gift.
Perhaps a comment.
Or any other action that feels appropriate to you.
As you begin to cross the water,
Notice how the figure changes.
The change might be subtle.
It might be in their demeanor.
Or it could be a complete transformation.
Notice how the environment around you changes.
And as you approach the other side,
Take notes of how it appears.
As you dock at the other side,
Take a moment,
Thank the figure now for their guidance,
Disembark,
And take in this new space around you.
It's just allowing the scene to fade now.
And it can be a good idea to journal this experience after the exercise.
So just bringing your attention back to the space around you.
Just noticing any physical sensations or sounds.
Taking a deep breath.
And in your own time,
Opening your eyes again.
