This is a blog post describing the different meanings of the Three of Swords tarot card in the Minor Arcana of the standard Rider-Waite deck. Read on to discover the different meanings of the Three of Swords upright and reversed for money, love, and other situations in your life.
Three of Swords Tarot Card Keywords
Upright: betrayal, loneliness, absence, division, sadness, depression, confusion, alienation, conflict, poor health, disorder, drama, misunderstandings, cheating, lies, disillusion, conning, mental health issues
Reversed: Overcoming depression, the release of pain, optimism, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, second chances, growth, sharing, honesty, coming clean, moving past pain, can’t let go of pain, suppressing memories, not letting go of emotions
Three of Swords as Feelings
The Three of Swords tarot card is the card that represents feelings in a reading. This card can represent many different emotions, but typically signifies sadness, grief, and heartache. If you are experiencing any of these emotions, the Three of Swords can provide some clarity and understanding.
When the Three of Swords appears in a reading, it is often an indication that you are going through a tough time. This may be a difficult break-up, the loss of a loved one, or some other type of heartache. The Three of Swords can represent the pain and suffering that you are currently experiencing.
When this card is reversed, it can take a more positive meaning.
It can represent these negative feelings coming from a false reason or nearing their end.
Three of Swords as How Someone Sees You
The Three of Swords can also represent how someone sees you.
In some cases, it could mean that they see you as a heartbreaker, a player, or someone who they can not trust.
In other cases, it could simply mean that they see you as someone who is going through a lot of pain and suffering.
The meaning of this card will vary depending on the context of the reading.
If you are in a relationship, the Three of Swords can indicate that your partner sees you as someone who is going through a lot of pain. They may feel like they need to protect you from further hurt.
If you are single, the Three of Swords can indicate that someone sees you as unavailable or untrustworthy. They may not want to get involved with you because they think you will just end up hurting them.
Three of Swords as What Someone Wants
The Three of Swords can also represent what someone wants from you.
In some cases, it could mean that they want your attention and your love. They may be going through a tough time and need someone to lean on.
In other cases, it could mean that they see you as someone who brings them pain and they want you to leave them alone.
The meaning of this card will vary depending on the context of the reading.
If you are in a relationship, the Three of Swords can indicate that your partner wants you to be there for them.
They may be going through a tough time and need your support.
If you are single, the Three of Swords can indicate that someone sees you as someone who is going through a lot of pain. They may not want to get involved with you because they think you will just end up hurting them.
Upright Three of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
Generally speaking, the upright Three of Swords brings about feelings of betrayal, guilt, and angst.
This is a difficult card for many to digest as it often signals an expected or unexpected separation from someone you love.
The painful nature of the Three of Swords can be associated with depression, loneliness, loss, heartbreak, mental health issues, addiction concerns (specifically drugs), disorientation/confusion, confusion, and feelings of estrangement.
This card may indicate that you are in the process of overcoming depression or an addiction/bad habit that is causing you to feel disoriented/confused (yet hopeful).
You may already be in the process of releasing pain by reconciling with others after a bad argument, separation or break-up.
The Three of Swords brings about an opportunity to make changes in your life for the better by releasing feelings of guilt and grief (by confronting them head-on) through forgiveness, self-forgiveness, and self-compassion.
People may find themselves outgrowing friendships or relationships that are no longer serving their best interests.
The Three of Swords is also an invitation to share your feelings through honesty and open communication with those you love.
Sometimes the Three of Swords asks that you be honest with yourself about whether or not old relationships are worth mending.
Upright Three of Swords Card Meanings For Relationships
If you’re in a committed relationship and the Three of Swords shows up in your reading, it means that the relationship is at a crossroads.
The relationship may be going through a difficult period caused by feelings of betrayal, separation, or sadness.
In some cases, it can also be an omen that the person you’re involved with is betraying your trust and/or being unfaithful to you.
If you’ve had feelings or suspicion of cheating or dishonesty, you may want to give those some more weight.
In other cases, the Three of Swords may signal that you’re going through a tough time due to a separation from your partner.
In this case, the cause is likely something beyond your control such as one of you traveling for work or taking on a lot of stress at work without sharing it with your partner.
The best thing to do in this circumstance is pay attention to the surrounding cards in your reading.
They can give you further clues as to your exact situation.
Upright Three of Swords Card Meanings For Singles
If you’re single and the Three of Swords appears in your reading, it means that you should pay careful attention to your thoughts and feelings right now.
Your feelings may be dominated by loneliness, alienation, sadness, or heartbreak (caused by a recent break-up/separation).
The Three of Swords may also indicate that you’re feeling conflict about something within yourself or in relation to others.
This could be on an emotional level, but also on a mental or physical level.
This card could be signifying that you’re experiencing confusion/disorientation or feeling ill in some way.
It may be necessary to take some time for yourself to relax and calm your mind so that you can find peace within yourself.
Furthermore, you need to be careful about the dating scene right now.
You should watch out for people who are dishonest and might lie to you about their intentions, only to break your heart later.
When someone tells you who they are – believe them.
If someone has a reputation for behaving a certain way, now is not the time to trick yourself into believing you will be treated any differently.
Upright Three of Swords Meaning For Money & Career
If your main concern is your career path when the Three of Swords shows up, you should know that you can’t go in the wrong direction for too long.
It is time to rethink your strategy and focus on achieving your goals and seeing results in your career or business if you want things to improve.
The Three of Swords wants you to reflect on decisions, actions, and behaviors that might be holding you back from progressing forward towards your goals.
If you’re working on a big project, the Three of Swords can be a sign that it may take longer than expected to show progress.
Be patient and pay attention to your intuition about any problems or obstacles you might experience before they turn into major issues.
And, as always, ask for help if you need it.
You should know that the Three of Swords is not your enemy (it’s just delivering some bad news right now) and you can figure out a way to overcome any problems if you pay attention to what it has to say.
If you have something related to your career that you really want right now, be aware that you may not get it.
But don’t let this failure set you back for too long!
You must move through this disappointment but not lose faith in yourself.
Just because you don’t win this one doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in the future.
All good things come to those who wait.
Reversed Three of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
When the Three of Swords appears reversed, it represents bad news, loss, or regret that is coming your way.
It can signify a separation – either in the sense of something being taken away from you or someone leaving.
This card reversed could also mean that it’s time to say goodbye to an old relationship pattern, because if it keeps repeating itself, it will only lead to more pain.
You must face the truth to move forward, even if it’s hard to admit or accept.
If you don’t, you might end up chasing false hopes forever and getting nowhere.
In a more general sense, the three of swords reversed also means that you are suppressing your emotions.
You may not know what you want or how to express yourself, so you avoid difficult conversations and situations.
Don’t run away from the situation; instead, confront it in a calm manner.
It’s important that you talk about any problems that might be causing sadness or loneliness in your life.
On a more positive note, the three of swords reversed could mean that you are actually moving through the negative phase and it’s turning itself around!
Maybe the disappointing event has already passed and now it’s time to move forward.
You’ll have to pay attention to your unique circumstances and the surrounding cards in your spread for more clarity.
Reversed Three of Swords Card Meanings For Relationships
If you are in a committed relationship and the Three of Swords shows in a reversed position, it likely means that you have gone through the storm and are considering giving things another go.
But be careful because it could also mean that you’re still hiding your emotions.
You might be avoiding conflict and not talking about what isn’t working in your relationship, just for the sake of sticking together and avoiding being alone.
The three of swords reversed could also suggest that you need to let go of the past and form new memories together so you can move forward.
You might be emotionally attached to the person who hurt you and, even if it’s not healthy, your current relationship is preventing you from moving on.
If this sounds like you, consider taking some time to yourself to assess what it is that you want in life and whether or not this relationship fits into that plan.
As a final note, if you are looking for a fresh start and you feel that your relationship is going nowhere, the Three of Swords reversed could suggest that it’s time to end things – but carefully.
You don’t want to hurt anybody or make them bitter towards you by giving no explanation for why your feelings have changed.
Reversed Three of Swords Card Meanings For Singles
If you’re single and the Three of Swords shows reversed, it means that your struggle is almost over!
The three of swords reversed suggests that you’re coming out of a dark period and, as such, it’s time to look forward.
You might have been recently hurt by someone close to you and now it’s time for you to move on.
You will be able to enjoy love and companionship again, but first, you need to take care of yourself and grieve whatever pain you’ve experienced.
If you’re looking for a new beginning with another person, the three of swords reversed can indicate that someone is just on the horizon.
But again, it’s important to recognize what brought you here so if those feelings come up again in a relationship, you can take precautions.
The three of swords reversed could also mean that it’s time to change your routine and try something new – whether it’s going out more, meeting new people, or traveling to a new place!
You’ve been feeling sluggish lately and might benefit from a change of scenery.
Plus, there might be someone waiting for you out there just for the chance to meet you.
You will need to trust that they’re coming, but be sure to open your eyes and look around!
The Three of Swords also represents self-love and learning what is best for yourself.
Even if it means letting go of a person or situation, removing the toxicity from your life will make you stronger and happier.
But be careful not to overdo it, as that could end up hurting you in the long run as well.
Reversed Three of Swords Meaning For Money & Career
The Three of Swords reversed in a career reading means that you are in for a tough ride.
You might be in pain or your work is in jeopardy because of the choices you’ve made.
It might seem like things are never going to get better, but it’s important not to let go just yet!
The Three of Swords reversed implies that once you’re past the darkest point in the tunnel, you’ll be able to breathe again.
That means that if you are working through your problems, friends or family members will try to help in any way they can.
This rebirth symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
It’s hard not to have mixed feelings about this card considering it represents loss and pain, but in a reversed position it also means that the worst is likely to present soon so you can get better.
Final Thoughts On The Three of Swords Card
Congrats on taking the first step to work with the tarot and learning to read for yourself and those you love!
The Three of Swords is a great card because even though it brings a message of pain, it quickly transitions into a new chapter of life.
If you find yourself dealing with a painful breakup or experiencing a loss, have hope that things will get better soon!
Stay strong and know that everything happens at the right time and for the right reason.
And know that you are going to be okay.
Now that you’ve already begun your journey, the next natural step is to make sure you receive your free numerology reading.
Few things are as powerful as numerology for helping you improve your tarot readings.
But I’m not going to tell you that the information you’ll uncover will make you a better tarot reader.
It’s better for you to get your reading and find that out for yourself.
That way, it’ll be a much more personal, special, and beautiful experience.
More The Three’s Tarot Cards
- The Three of Cups Tarot Card Guide For Beginners
- The Three of Wands Tarot Card Guide For Beginners
- The Three of Pentacles Tarot Card Guide For Beginners