THE BLUES RECOVERY TRAVEL
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FEELING THE BLUES experiencing a low-level sadness just keeping your head above water working to get through the day feeling somewhat depressed avoiding the lows, but also the highs feeling listless functioning, but not much more Reversed Early Phase: You may become depressed. You may be heading toward a low period. Life may begin losing its sparkle. You may need to face your sadness. Late Phase: You're no longer sad. The mood of depression is lifting. You're putting the blues behind you. Your energy is returning. You're no longer discouraged. |
RECOVERING dealing with the effects of trauma getting over a tough time picking up the pieces starting to cope beginning to get your health back heading toward a more positive place feeling hope again Reversed Early Phase: A time of healing may be approaching. You may have to focus on recovery. The after effects may become noticeable. You may begin mending. Late Phase: The recovery period is ending. The healing process is behind you. The shock of the trauma is no longer as severe. Your convalescence is coming to an end. |
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changing location moving from one place to another taking a trip experiencing a change of scene being uprooted going on a journey entering into a new frame of mind |
Reversed Early Phase: You may have to leave on a trip. Someone may be planning a move. A change of scene may be coming up. An opportunity to travel may materialize. An inner journey may start. Late Phase: You're returning from a trip. A move is behind you. You've taken an inner journey. A change of scene has been nearly completed. Travel is less likely now. |
Description
At one point in The Pilgrim's Progress, the hero Christian (who is also on a Fool's Journey) becomes mired in the Slough of Despond. He struggles for a time until drawn out by Help. Help tells him that … “many fears, and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions … settle in this place.”8
The Slough of Despond is a good name for the Six of Swords. Sometimes this card represents a dull, listless state. Nothing is seriously wrong, but nothing is really right either. You're getting by, but not thriving. In the picture, the figures in the boat seem sad and disengaged. Life is indeed uninteresting when we feel the blues.
In a more positive vein, the Six of Swords can indicate recovery. This is especially true when you have just experienced a tough time or psychological blow. During the crisis, you felt numb and disconnected; nothing mattered at all. Now you are beginning to heal and pick up the pieces of your life. The travelers in our boat are at least moving forward. They are headed toward a new place, even if they are not yet ready to eagerly embrace those shores.
In fact, the Six of Swords can indicate travel and moves of all kinds. This could mean an actual change of scene, relocation, or trip, but not necessarily. A journey can also take place on the inner planes as we move from one frame of mind to another.
Although the Six of Swords does not promise great joy, it also avoids the depths of despair. A slough is not a bottomless pit, but simply a hollow or depression. When you see this card, know that even though the situation is not ideal, you are moving toward a more positive place. Change is in the air, and new, more hopeful conditions lie ahead.
Strength—having heart, unshakable resolve
Sun—vitality, enthusiasm
Four of Wands—excitement, celebration
Three of Cups—high spirits, exuberance
Two of Pentacles—fun
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Ten of Wands—getting by, struggling along
Four of Cups—feeling listless, depressed, uncaring
Five of Cups—sadness
Eight of Cups—moving on, going on a trip
Four of Swords—rest, recovery
Nine of Swords—depression, sadness
