Three of Swords -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

THREE OF SWORDS

At a glance:

The Three of Swords signifies deep emotional pain, reminding us to practice self-compassion and recognize that suffering, though difficult, is a natural part of life.

Upright Keywords:
Sadness, grief, trauma, painful experience

Reversed Keywords:
time to move on, forgiveness, releasing pain

Numerology:
3 - creativity, expansion, imagination, communication, and social interactions

Three of Swords: Upright Meaning

The Three of Swords presents a heart pierced by three swords, a striking image that directly translates to heartbreak and anguish. When this card appears, it usually signifies profound sadness or emotional pain in one’s life. It's a reminder to practice self-compassion, recognizing that suffering, though difficult, is a natural part of life and will eventually pass.

The Swords suit highlights both truth and clarity, hammering in the age-old saying of "the truth can hurt". Remember that swords are sharp and wounding as a blade. The Three of Swords urges you to acknowledge and accept this pain, yet despite the hurt, this card encourages optimism as brutal honesty can ultimately set you free and realign you with your true path. Doing so can help open yourself to healing, growth, and resilience. Recognize that the truth, although painful, can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling direction in life.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • In numerology, the number 3 is linked to creativity, expansion, imagination, communication, and social interactions. This energy encourages growth and the blossoming of potential.

  • The suit of swords is connected to concepts of communication, intelligence, ideas, belief, and logic. Many cards of the suit also deal with conflict, both internal and external.

  • Elementally, swords are associated with air. Like thoughts and spoken words, air cannot be seen. Nevertheless, it can still be felt such as when a calming breeze blows or a roaring gale strikes. Wind can also cut through the skin similar to how our words can pierce deeper than any weapon.

Love/Relationships

The Three of Swords love meaning indicates a period of deep emotional turmoil. This might stem from a recent breakup, betrayal, or unresolved issues from a past relationship. The card encourages you to honor your grief and allow yourself the time needed to heal. If you are single, this may be a period of reflecting on past hurts and accepting them. For those in a relationship, it suggests that there might be unresolved conflicts causing distress. It's crucial not to rush the healing process but also to avoid getting stuck in the past. Open communication and seeking support can help you navigate this difficult time.

Money/Career

In the context of money and career, the Three of Swords symbolizes feelings of loss, stress, or disappointment. You might be facing job instability, financial setbacks, or a challenging work environment. This card suggests that you focus on recovery and rebuilding. It may be beneficial to talk to a career coach or financial advisor to gain new perspectives and strategies for moving forward. Accepting the situation, learning from the experience, and gradually planning your next steps can lead back to eventual growth and stability.

Spiritual/Self

On a spiritual and personal level, the Three of Swords signifies deep inner pain and the need for healing. This card encourages you to nurture your emotional well-being so that you can move on. It's a time to confront your pain, understand its origins, and work through it in a healthy manner. Remember, healing does not happen overnight, but it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this process.

Sometimes this card can indicate unresolved conflicts which have not been openly addressed, causing yourself + others to be unwilling to compromise.

Astrology

The Suit of Swords in Tarot is intimately linked to the element of Air, representing intellect, communication, and mental clarity. This connection resonates strongly with the zodiac air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, highlighting their analytical minds, communicative skills, and intellectual pursuits. The air signs are notorious for their curiosity, adaptability, mental agility, and mastery in diplomacy. These characteristics align with the Swords' themes of objectivity, fairness, and progressive thinking. The Swords' and the Air signs are the visionaries of the Zodiac. Together, they remind us of the power of clear thinking, effective communication, and mental agility in navigating life's challenges and achieving harmony.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

The reversed Three of Swords signifies a time of healing and release. The worst part of the pain is over, and you are beginning to move forward. This card is about letting go of past hurts, finding forgiveness for yourself and others, and accepting what has happened. Although the pain may still linger, the focus now is on recovery and progress. It's a reminder that you have the strength to overcome adversity and that brighter days are ahead. Use this period to foster emotional growth and find peace, knowing that you're on the path to healing.

Alternatively, when the Three of Swords appears in a reading, it suggests that you might not be coping with your pain in a healthy way. It’s important to analyze this card alongside all the others in a reading to uncover its true meaning. A reversal could reveal feelings of denial, avoidance, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. As difficult as it seems, this is a call for a conscious effort to move on. If a lot of time has passed and you find yourself reverting to the pain, this is a nudge to seek new counsel through an unbiased third party.

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CARD SUMMARY

Recognize that the truth, although painful, can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling direction in life.

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