The Three of Swords is the card of heartbreak, grief, sorrow, loss, trauma, and separation. Three swords pierce a heart, while it rains in the background. The three swords represent the pain inflicted by words, actions, and intent on our emotional and physical selves. Though this may seem dreary and dire, the storm will not last forever, and the sun will come out.
The Three of Swords reminds us that love and pain are often interconnected. Sometimes we have to experience heartbreak in order for us to learn the difficult lessons that we need to succeed in a future relationship. The Three of Swords also reminds us that the pain we experience is not forever. We can take the swords out, and we will heal.
Upright Meaning:
If you are asking a yes or no question, and you draw the Three of Swords, it indicates a no. You are going through a tough time right now. Things just aren’t going your way and your heart is heavy with the grief, heartbreak, and losses that you’re incurring. This is not the right time to make any major decisions as you may be leaning too much into your emotions over logic.
For love questions where you want a yes or no answer, the Three of Swords indicates a hopeful yes. You’ve suffered through a lot of heartbreak, but you need to remember that the sun will come out soon. Even though when it rains it pours, the rain doesn’t last forever. This may be the time to let go of any hurt that you’ve been holding onto. Remember that love can set you free.
For career questions where you are looking for a yes or no, the Three of Swords indicates a not yet. You are on the path to finding the professional success that you’ve been looking for, but as you’re still in the process of releasing your pain, it will not come now. You are being blinded by your pain. Once you’re able to pull out the swords that pierced you, you finally find healing and everything else you’ve been searching for.
For new and potential relationships, the Three of Swords is a no. Your potential partner is still heartbroken and in anguish from their previous relationship. They are still carrying baggage from the past, which is impacting their ability to date. Their old scars have yet to heal. That prevents them from totally committing to your new relationship. They will not be able to move forward until they choose to let go of the past.
For existing relationships, the Three of Swords is a no. Your partner may be hurt by a quarrel between the two of you. This can be trivial, but it can also be significant, particularly if an unwelcome third party is involved in your relationship. To get past this suffering, you and your partner must have an open and honest discussion about what each of you require to move forward. Things can definitely work out, but only if both parties are willing to put in the effort for it.
If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Three of Swords is a no. Your ex is heartbroken because of you. They are distraught and in anguish as a result of your split. They are still trying to make sense of what unfolded. If you’re wondering if reconciliation is possible, the answer is yes, but you must be the one to reach out to them.
Reversed Meaning:
If you are asking a yes or no question, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it indicates a strong yes. You have finally let go of your former anguish. With the reversal of the blades, you are now departing and allowing your heart to mend from previous grievances. You are progressing beyond the troubles that have been a source of difficulty for you in the past and are looking forward to a brighter future.
For love questions where you want a yes or no answer, the Three of Swords reversed indicates yes. You may be in a giving and understanding mood at the moment. Despite having been hurt in the past, you are choosing to focus on the positive. You are feeling hopeful and prepared to give love a second chance.
For career questions where you are looking for a yes or no, the Three of Swords reversed indicates yes. You have released yourself from the pain of the past. The turning of the tide has signified your departure, offering your heart the opportunity to heal from past sorrows. You are now moving away from the difficulties in your life and are welcoming new opportunities that will set you off in the right direction.
For new and potential relationships, the Three of Swords reversed is a yes. Having previously been weighed down by past pain and hurts, you have now come to the realization that you must move on and have become filled with optimism and anticipation as you look forward to the exciting prospect of a new love. This is a great sign for a new relationship, just remember to take it slow and not to rush things.
For existing relationships, the Three of Swords reversed as is a yes. Recently, you and your partner have shifted from feeling resentful and hurt about past disagreements and arguments to being more forgiving. The future is looking very hopeful for you both. Keep going down this path of compassion and love for each other and find amazing things along the way.
If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Three of Swords reversed is a yes. Your ex has decided to move on from the anguish of your separation. Even though they had been harboring a lot of hurt due to the circumstances, they have now made the choice to release it in order for their heart to mend. They are no longer dwelling on the quarrels that occurred and are ready to move forward with you.