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• Society at large— the greater social context.
• Cultural influences, contexts, pressures.
• Cultural events like concerts, book releases, movies.
• Cultural knowledge which helps a person to connect with others.
• Societal traditions.
• Prevailing norms and standards.
• Etiquette and taboos.
• Trends in fashion, media, etc.
• Drawing on cultural stock for inspiration.

The Six of Swords is Air (knowledge, concepts, decisions) related to the element Water (connections, mood, art). It can represent culture and cultural knowledge. It is not limited to the realms of "high" culture or pop culture. Occasions like pubic competitions or a performances, visiting museums or receptions, or the release of a highly anticipated book are can all be symbolized in this card.

It may also represent the kind of cultural knowledge which helps people to connect with one another, or etiquette and taboos to keep in mind to get along with others.

Abstract

(Reversed)

• Being guarded and cautious in expressing emotions— being secretive regarding one's true emotions and believing the outcome will be better for it.
• Hesitancy to explore emotions on their own level; more comfort in exploring emotions on the conceptual, albeit hypothetical level.
• Rationalization of one's emotional landscape, denying its true nature.
• Not allowing certain emotions to hold the reins.
• Thinking that one's emotional state is, or should be, different from what it actually is.
• Being in denial about how one truly feels.
• Interpersonal barriers, lack of honesty.
• Sensing that there will be consequences for honest expression.
• Suspecting the worst about others' intentions.
• Perceiving ill will.
• Keeping a safe distance from potential harm.

The Abstract Six of Swords is abstract Air (understanding, certainty, belief, personal distance) related to the element Water (mood, emotion, connection, love). This card can represent being emotionally guarded or repressed, or emotionally secretive, out of a sense that there could be consequences for indicating how one truly feels. Alternatively it could mean suppressing certain emotions in order to keep them from being in control.

It may also be indicative of interpersonal barriers, and the inability for people to be fully honest about themselves. It could indicate that there may be consequences for honesty, or perceptions of ill will.

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