Three of Swords
Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords:
Heartbreak, Sorrow, Emotional Pain, Grief, Separation, Loss, Betrayal
Reversed Keywords:
Healing, Recovery, Moving On, Release, Forgiveness, Resilience, Reconciliation
Summary:
The Three of Swords is about releasing intense emotions. It calls to face difficult feelings to start your journey of personal growth. After facing challenging times, you have an opportunity to come out of this period stronger and more courageous.
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The 3 of Swords is probably one of the most recognizable cards in tarot and is often represented by three swords piercing a heart against a stormy sky. The imagery in this card is very intense; often, this card pertains to heartbreak, sorrow, and emotional challenges. Yet, though at face value this card may seem so daunting, it does bring critical lessons about growth, healing, and resilience after the worst times.
The Three of Swords Meaning of a Challenging Period
The 3 of Swords meaning represents heartbreak, betrayal, or deep emotional pain. It often appears at a time of loss, or conflict, or when some painful truth has come to light. This card reminds us that pain is part of the human experience and that healing can be found on the other side of it.
The 3 of Swords tarot card meaning shows that while heartache may hurt, it is very valuable. It calls for introspection, honesty, and, ultimately, personal growth. The only way to confront sadness is head-on to attain resilience and a keener sense of self-awareness.
The 3 of Swords Love and Relationships Interpretation
In a love reading, the Three of Swords tarot meaning can signify heartbreak, separation, or disappointment. Whether in or out of a relationship, this could mean conflicts, feelings of betrayal, or emotional distance between you and your partner. This card encourages open and honest communication, even when it may be difficult, as unresolved issues can lead to greater hurt down the road.
It can show the singles that Three of Swords tarot card depicts pain from relationships of the past, still hanging around. Perhaps you are still in recovery from some old hurt, and this card gives you the right to feel this sorrow. It encourages you to take your sweet time to process and let go of the past before moving forward.
The 3 of Swords Advice for Facing Tough Times
As advice, the Three of Swords pushes you to be brave and to head into your emotions. If you have been avoiding or suppressing pain, this card advises you to let the pain flow through you, allowing it to get processed. Healing happens when we acknowledge what hurts us, and facing those feelings can bring a sense of release and peace.
The Three of Swords tarot card meaning suggests honesty is also a good policy, both with oneself and others. Any place in your life where difficult conversations need to be held, and which you have been avoiding, may be a good time to do it. Being forthright about how you feel can bring understanding and perhaps reconciliation.
The Three of Swords Reversed: The Opposite Meaning
The 3 of Swords reversed signals to clear out this time of heartache and pain so healing can begin. This card in the reversed position suggests that the worst is over, and you are ready to move on from your pain. The reversal portends forgiveness, being compassionate to oneself, and letting go of negative feelings.
The reversed Three of Swords can indicate resistance to letting go of hurt from the past. Hurt is healing, yet sadness or resentment remains and isn't quite letting go. This position urges you to keep working through these feelings and that it's okay to seek support from others.
Generally, the Three of Swords in the reversed position is a good omen. While it does acknowledge that you have been through a tough time, it shows that you are on the road to getting better. This is the card of resilience: showing that even though the pain was quite great, you are coming out with more strength, wiser, and ready to start a new chapter.
The Three of Swords Upright: Is It Only About a Challenge?
The Three of Swords stands upright, directly facing heartbreak, sorrow, and heart wounds. This card does not sidestep the reality of pain but rather urges one to take it head-on. Upright, the Three of Swords invites one to be upfront about what ails them, whether it be a relationship issue, personal disappointment, or internal strife.
When this card comes upright, it is an indication that avoiding pain prolongs it, and one can only begin to understand and work through their feelings if one confronts them directly. Also, the upright Three of Swords allows taking note that pain is inevitable, though temporary. This card is a sign that healing is possible through acceptance and processing of feelings to move ahead with increased strength.
The 3 of Swords Yes or No Question Answered
The Three of Swords reversed yes or no is generally about "no." Often, this card indicates a conflict, disappointment, or underlying issue that makes going forward unwise at this period in time.
The "no" of the Three of Swords is not absolute but more of a "not yet." This card advises you to first resolve emotional and relational issues. If you are asking if now is a good time to effect change or pursue another direction, this card would advise waiting until you are completely healed or clearer about the situation.
The 3 of Swords as Feelings of Intense Emotions
The Three of Swords as feelings might represent then sadness, disappointment, or emotional turmoil. That would mean this card can point to someone who is feeling hurt or conflicted because of a recent argument, separation, or unresolved issue. The card can also mean that they feel a deep sense of loss or betrayal that may color their emotional outlook.
The Three of Swords as feelings, in a romantic context, might insinuate that this person is still nursing his heartbreak-whether it's from the present or the past relationship. They are most likely to feel vulnerable and may struggle to open up fully until they have had time to heal.
Three of Swords Tarot Guide
Read About Other Tarot Cards
- King of Wands
- Suit of Wands
- Suit of Swords
- Suit of Pentacles
- Suit of Cups
- The Minor Arcana
- The Major Arcana
- Queen of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Page of Wands
- ten of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Five of Wands
- four of Wands
- three of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Ace of Wands
- ...
- ...
- ...
- ...
- King of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Page of Swords
- ten of Swords
- nine of Swords
- eight of Swords
- seven of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Ace of Swords
- King of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Ace of Pentacles
- King of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Five of Cups
- four of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Ace of Cups
- The World
- The Judgment
- The Sun
- The Moon
- The Star
- The Tower
- The Devil
- The Temperance
- The Death
- The Hanged Man
- The Justice
- The Wheel Of Fortune
- The Hermit
- The Strength
- The Chariot
- The Lovers
- The Hierophant
- The Emperor
- The Empress
- The High Priestess
- The Magician
- The Fool