The Three of Swords is a significant card in the Tarot, representing profound emotional experiences. It is the third card of the suit of swords, which is present in Italian, Spanish, and tarot decks. This card depicts a fundamentally sorrowful experience-tarot readers suggest this may be in the form of a lost relationship, an accidental death, or some other form of not just depression or malaise but deeply emotional sorrow.
This card often signifies a painful experience, but also offers an opportunity for growth and resilience. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of this card, both in its upright and reversed positions, and explore its implications in various aspects of life.
The Three of Swords card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck.
Symbolism of the Three of Swords
One of the most iconic images in the tarot, the Three of Swords displays a floating heart that is pierced by three swords. Above it, there are heavy clouds. There is also a heavy downpour in the background. The symbolism is pretty opaque, and the emotional effect that it has is immediate. The heart is the seat of warmth, affection and spirit, and the three swords indicate the power to harm, cause pain, and create suffering to what it pierces. This is an image of grief, loss and literally heartbreak. The clouds and rain depict the surrounding grimness of the situation.
Like the Eight of Wands, the Three of Swords is one of those rare cards that doesn’t depict a human figure in it. Instead, we get a close up view of the most important part inside a human, the heart. The heart is the center of our emotions. Without it, there is no Tarot. Its gigantic size in the card illustrates the power and authority of the organ. The three swords depicted in the card, pierce the heart without making it bleed. This can be interpreted in a few ways. Positively, it could be interpreted as the union between the intellect and emotions. Negatively, it could be interpreted as the pain one feels when others use their intellect against us. In this interpretation, there is however hope in that the heart remains intact even after being stabbed. Behind the stabbed heart, there are storm clouds and streaks of rain. The melancholy atmosphere reflects the pain of a heart stabbed.
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There are three complete clouds depicted in the image, yet one cloud in the background is incomplete. The three completed clouds could refer to the negative thoughts brought on by the three swords. The incomplete cloud could symbolize future thoughts, still unformed, but potentially influenced by past trauma. Perhaps it’s time to at least think of the possibility of future happiness, instead of being defeated by the same old tragedies of the past. Rain continuously pelts down on the sunken heart. And yet look at the proportions. The floating heart is quite large when compared to the swords. This symbolizes that the heart is stronger and more resilient than any wound to it. It also symbolizes that the wounds can weigh down a normally buoyant heart.
Upright Three of Swords Meaning
When the Three of Swords turns up in a Tarot reading, it signals that you are feeling deeply hurt and disappointed. Your heart has been pierced by the sharp blades of others’ hurtful words, actions and intentions, and they have inflicted intense emotions of pain, sadness, grief, and heartbreak. The Three of Swords depicts the message of rejection, betrayal, hurt and discouragement. In moments like these, we are well served by the mind.
The Three of Swords reminds us that even though “another” may have put a metaphorical sword in our heart through a past betrayal, we perpetually betray ourselves by not letting go and releasing the resentment. Swords represent power. Righteous indignation is seductive and can give a false sense of empowerment. The heart may want to hold onto the swords because it feels that somehow it now possesses more power. Although it gives an immediate illusion of being the moral victor (we are not the bad one after all), it also leaves us feeling hollow and empty. This sense of “power” is held onto for dear life, so that we aren’t suckers caught off guard again!
An Upright Three of Swords indicates that you have experienced a deep hurt recently. Someone or something has pierced your heart and you are grieving. In times like these it is important to express your emotions and to let it out. The pain you are feeling is valid and real.
Here's how the upright Three of Swords can manifest in different aspects of life:
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- Love: Heartbreak is to come with the 3 of Swords tarot love meaning. This is likely to be a time in your life of tears, sadness and heartbreak. If you’re in a relationship, this can sometimes point to a breakup, a conflict, or some kind of separation. In the worst case scenario, since this card is a three, it can also point to a third party creating trouble in your relationship. You and your partner may have to face difficult problems in order to remain together. Without clear and respectful discussions and a willingness to work together, the relationship can reach its end. If you’re single, it may be that past grief and suffering is affecting your ability to date.
- Work: Work can be a great source of stress, frustration and sadness for you right now. At worst, it can point to a sudden job loss, or collapse of a company. More commonly, it can signal some kind of conflict at work amongst clients and colleagues. If you’re dealing with this, make sure that you have honest and open conversations with your coworkers, while keeping things respectful. There’s likely a lot that you all can learn from one another. If you’re looking for work, or you have just lost your job, the search right now can leave you hopeless.
- Finances: You may be dealing with a material loss right now, or at least something in your financial life causing you a lot of stress. A breakup has both emotional and financial consequences; you may no longer be able to afford your apartment alone, or you may have to split your assets in a divorce. All these things can be overwhelming now. Make sure to be gentle with yourself, but also remember not to avoid taking care of these things.
Upright Three of Swords as Feelings
The upright Three of Swords reveals a profound heartache and emotional turmoil. This person is likely wrestling with feelings of betrayal or sadness, shaped by past experiences that taint their view of your relationship. They feel torn between their affection for you and the lingering pain that clouds their judgment.In terms of your own emotions, this card indicates you're facing a similar struggle. You may be hurt or disappointed by the circumstances surrounding this connection, leading to confusion and sorrow. Acknowledge these feelings instead of pushing them aside; doing so will open the door to healing and clarity as you move forward.
Upright Three of Swords as Actions
When you draw the upright Three of Swords, it’s time to face your emotional pain head-on and embrace the healing process. This card encourages you to acknowledge any heartbreak or disappointment, transforming it into a catalyst for growth. Start by journaling your feelings, giving voice to what hurts; this will help clarify your emotions. Reach out to trusted friends or a therapist who can provide support and perspective. Consider engaging in creative outlets like art or music as a way to express and process your sorrow.
Questions for the Seer:
- Beautiful seer, it’s time to purge those emotions. Drum. Dance. Scream. Write. Burn. What will you do to make sure these feelings move through your body and that they don’t settle in for the long haul?
- Painful punches to the gut can have you blaming everyone and everything else for what happened. How have you contributed to your situation? Even a teeny little bit?
- How will you remain open for connection as you knit together those wounds?
- Have you been responsible for someone else’s three of swords moment? Maybe it’s time to send out an apology.
The Three of Swords often signifies a painful experience, but also offers an opportunity for growth and resilience.
Learn the Three of Swords Tarot Card
Reversed Three of Swords Meaning
When the card appears "reversed" in a spread, this is not usually read as meaning the "opposite" of sorrow, but rather a sorrow that is somehow mitigated by its circumstances or that is not as bad as it could have been. The Three of Swords reversed indicates that have faced a recent loss, a break-up or a moment of grief. You may be still recovering from this, and your emotions have not completely calmed, making it difficult to move on. Many don’t see this, and they end up being immersed in their own pain for too long, delaying their own recovery process. Don’t focus too much on what happened, renew your emotions and gather your courage.
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A Reverse Three of Swords suggests that you are the one stabbing your own heart. Perhaps you are plagued with a hypercritical nature and self-worth issues. While self-criticism can be valuable in become conscious of your surroundings, too much of it can lead to alienation and arrested development. A Reverse Three of Swords encourages you to take care of yourself. Spend some time every day to recite affirmation.
Here's how the reversed Three of Swords can manifest in different aspects of life:
- Love: With the reversed 3 of Swords tarot love meaning, lovers may find themselves settling their conflicts and forgiving one another. There is a desire here to heal, and move past old wounds, while looking forwards towards the future. For singles, this often means finally getting over past heartbreak, in order to be fully present in your dating life again. However, this card can also sometimes instead suggest the very opposite. Wounds may not be healing, but they may be repressed, so they fester and create resentment. Partners may not be able to forgive one another for past hurts.
- Work: Things at work are starting to become bright again. Stressful conflicts are beginning to resolve, and your outlook and general happiness are improving as well. Your colleagues may have moved on from the conflict, or the person that was causing frustration has left. Everyone at work may instead be focusing on forgiving past mistakes, and working together on the future. Communication has improved, and there may be new processes in place to avoid the mistakes of the past. Sometimes though, this card can also point towards a worsening of circumstances, where instead of putting issues behind them, they can hold grudges and remain negative.
- Finances: If you’ve been suffering from financial setbacks, the reversed 3 of Swords can signal that improvement is coming. You can be rebuilding your savings, or finding yourself in a better, more stable financial position than you were in before. Alternatively, this card can also indicate that the level of emotional grief after a financial loss is getting worse. If you’ve gone through a big loss, you may find it very difficult to adjust your spending habits, or give up your past living standards. Not accepting the truth of your position often makes a tough situation more difficult.
Reversed Three of Swords as Feelings
The arrival of the reversed Three of Swords suggests a powerful moment of healing and release from past pain. This person may be moving beyond heartbreak or disappointment, allowing themselves to open up emotionally. They feel a growing sense of hope and are beginning to see the potential for connection with you, as if they are shedding old wounds that once held them back. In terms of your own feelings, this card invites reflection on how you might also be experiencing a shift away from sorrow or resentment. You could be finding clarity and understanding within yourself, recognizing that it's time to let go of negative emotions. Embracing forgiveness; both for yourself and others - can lead you toward emotional freedom and renewed optimism in your relationship journey.
Reversed Three of Swords as Actions
In the realm of emotional healing, drawing the Three of Swords reversed suggests that now is the time to heal and release past emotional pain. You should focus on forgiveness, both for yourself and others, allowing you to let go of burdens that weigh you down. This may involve having open conversations with those who have hurt you or seeking closure in unresolved situations. Additionally, consider engaging in activities that promote self-care and emotional well-being, such as journaling your feelings or practicing mindfulness.
The Necessity of Pain and Healing
But remember too, that pain and grief are a normal part of life, because they make us appreciate what joy and happiness we have, as well as teaching us. It is through pain that we learn to be avoid mistakes that could lead us into danger and grief. It is therefore a necessity in the journey of life. Sometimes life gives us no choice - we are knocked down. But what determines one's future is the choice of whether to remain knocked down, or rise again. Each little piece of suffering you encounter serves as a stepping stone to find a deeper meaning in this world. This card comes at a time when you need to prepare yourself for this next stage in life. While the grief may be extremely hurtful, it enables you to forget your past and focus on your future knowing that you have control of what actions you take afterwards. Don’t dwell so much on what is troubling you but instead, focus on what is approaching, because you determine your fate.
The Three of Swords is also about an emotional release. When you have suffered a major setback or loss, now is an excellent time to have a good cry. Expressing your sadness is part of the cleansing process and letting it all out will help you move on to better times. Allow yourself the opportunity to experience these emotions, no matter how painful. Cry, shout, or scream at the top of your lungs. However, it is also essential that you continue to focus on the path ahead. You may run the risk of becoming so absorbed in the emotions swirling around you that you lose sight of the need to just let go and move on. Your focus stays locked on the damage when it should be on the recovery.
The Three of Swords comes as a reminder that pain, sorrow and grief are a necessary part of life. Without pain, you would never experience the challenges you need to grow and develop as a person. Every hardship creates discomfort, which inevitably turns into an opportunity to become stronger, learn from your mistakes, and change the course of your life for the better. While the pain may cloud your vision for a time, it will eventually bring clarity and enable you to put the past behind you. The good news is that this painful season will pass. While the Three of Swords brings hurt and sadness, it is only temporary. You will bounce back. The clouds will dissipate, and soon you will have a better perspective on what you can learn from the experience.
| Card Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright | Heartbreak, sorrow, grief, rejection, betrayal |
| Reversed | Healing, release of pain, forgiveness, moving on |
Forgiveness and Letting Go
Everyone experiences betrayals, cruelty, unkindness, and even abuse to varying degrees. These traumatic events can feel like swords driven into the heart. Like any penetrating trauma, the shrapnel must be extracted for the injury to heal. Likewise, the swords pictured on this card need to be drawn out and released from the heart so that it can heal. Sounds easy, right? Well it’s not! This is because the only thing that can give you the power to release the sword from the wound is forgiveness.
The Three of Swords indicates that it’s time to let go of any painful people or things that are weighing your heart down. Forgiveness often doesn’t come overnight! It takes time and continual affirmation before the swords are released. An opportunity for major healing is being presented to you now. Like the rising phoenix, let your heart ascend above the rain clouds, and into the realm of light.
Each day you refuse to forgive, you are deciding to continue carrying all that toxic poison within you for another day. Forgiveness does not mean “condoning” the reprehensible behavior of another. It doesn’t mean you need to call your abuser over for tea and pretend nothing happened. Forgiveness is less about them, and more about you. The wound happened, but it’s not still happening today unless we choose to hurt ourselves with it. This means that you also must forgive yourself for holding onto this garbage for so long.