Ace of Swords image

Three of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

One of the Minor Arcana tarot cards, Three of Swords, revolves around pain, sorrow and emotional suffering. It suggests that the person is dealing with heartbreak, loss or betrayal in relationships, leaving him deeply hurt and helpless. However, at the same time, the energies of the 3 of Swords tarot card encourage him to process this emotional pain and work towards his healing and growth.

Main Features of Three of Swords

Understanding the main features of 3 of Swords, such as its elements, associated planets, or zodiac signs, can help to learn its influence on the tarot readings. So, let us look at the main features of the Three of Swords tarot card!

  • Parts of Three of Swords Card- Upright and Reversed
  • Element- Air
  • Planet- Venus
  • Zodiac Signs- Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
  • Yes or No Card- No
  • Crystal- Clear Quartz

Connect with an astrologer for accurate predictions via Call or Chat

Three of Swords Card Symbol Meaning

Looking at the pictorial representation of the Three of Swords card, we see a red heart pierced with the three swords in a downward direction. Above the heart, we see stormy clouds pouring heavily into the sky. Combining all these elements together, we look at the scene of emotional pain, sadness, and heartbreak a person seems to be suffering from currently. Below is the meaning and representation of each element in the appearance of the 3 of Swords tarot card:

  • Three Swords: The number of swords shown in the picture, which is three, represents the intensity of the pain a person experiences. These three swords symbolise the emotional hurt and pain caused by their own loved ones.
  • Heart with Swords Piercing: A red heart pierced with swords indicates pain, betrayal, or loss in relationships. If looking closely, we find that the heart is not bleeding, which means that maybe the wound is not deadly and there is a chance for healing.
  • Storm Clouds and Sky: The stormy sky or weather indicates a difficult situation or a phase a person is going through currently. Moreover, the problems or challenges he is facing right now are not his own; in fact, they are caused by the people around him.
  • Rain: The raindrops in the picture showcase the physical or emotional pain of the person, resulting in teardrops. However, in tarot reading, the rain also signifies the cleansing or removal of negativity.

Three of Swords Tarot Card- Upright

Also known as the ‘Heartbreak’ tarot card, the three of swords feelings deal with separation, loss, cheating and, of course, heartbreak. Getting this card in an upright position indicates the possibility of losing someone very close, betrayal, separation or divorce.

But as sad and hurtful as this card may seem, there is always a possibility of getting everything better. Soon, the clouds of hurt and pain will fade away, and you will gain strength to deal with the emotional suffering.

3 of Swords AspectsThree of Swords Keywords (Upright)
CareerDifficulties and challenges in career
LoveBetrayal, loss and heartbreak
HealthEmotional pain and stress
FinanceFinancial losses due to separation
SpiritualityNeed for healing

Three of Swords Upright Meaning in Love

Whenever the Three of Swords appears in a tarot reading, it talks about the chances of separation, grief, loss and arguments. It means that your relationship is currently going through a difficult phase and is on the verge of ending. However, this card does not always hint towards separation or split up. Maybe your partner’s actions or words are the reason behind your pain and hurt.

If you are single, then the Three of Swords love reveals that you feel afraid or hesitant to take a chance on love once again due to past cheating or a breakup. The card reveals that you are still in the process of moving on and healing, and beginning a relationship might not be your priority at the moment.

Three of Swords Upright Meaning in Career

On the professional side, the Three of Swords meaning is all about difficulties, conflicts, challenges and disappointments. The card reveals that you are dealing with conflicts or arguments with your clients, teammates or even superiors at the workplace. So, 3 of Swords tarot guide you to establish open communication with your colleagues at the workplace to overcome this.

However, the other meaning of the Three of Swords tarot card in a career is the loss of a job or business. The feelings of uncertainty in your career and hopelessness surround you and make you anxious. The advice from the card is first to adopt a positive approach and then start looking for another job.

Three of Swords Upright Meaning in Health

When it comes to health and well-being, the 3 of Swords tarot card revolves around emotional stress and health issues. Whether you are dealing with physical health issues, such as chronic illness, injury, or surgery, or your current emotional state is affecting your mental health. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to deal with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.

If it is not you, then the health issues of your loved ones are giving you emotional stress. But at the same time, the 3 of Swords tarot guide you to overcome these challenges by seeking professional medical help and treatment and focusing on growth and healing.

Three of Swords Upright Meaning in Finance

Just like the other aspects, your finances also do not seem to be in good condition. The Three of Swords in your finances reveals that you are currently dealing with a financial crisis. Maybe a recent divorce, separation or job loss is the reason behind your suffering. Due to this, you have to deal with emotional distress as well as sudden expenses or financial emergencies.

Thoughts about how to pay your bills, loans or debts concern you. Luckily, the 3 of Swords tarot cards also come with the advice of preparing a foolproof financial plan to overcome this situation. Instead of handling different problems at once, your approach should be to deal with them one by one.

Three of Swords Upright Meaning in Spirituality

The 3 of Swords tarot card highlights the need for recovery, transformation and spiritual growth. In the past, your patience and strength were put to the test, but now is the time to overcome those situations. It is you who needs to take steps for a better future where you will finally be healed and grow. So, trusting your inner circle or loved ones is one of the first steps in doing that.

Another Three of Swords meaning is that it gives you a chance to acknowledge your inner thoughts and emotions and use them for your transformation. Moreover, in your journey of healing and transformation, spiritual practices or professional help could be of great help.

Three of Swords Tarot Card- Reversed

The 3 of Swords Reversed means the appearance of the Three of Swords card in an inverted position in a tarot reading. This card brings a tiny ray of hope for recovery and a promise that soon everything will get better. Although the person is in the middle of healing and recovery, the wounds of loss and separation remain fresh.

Now, you have reached a stage where negative thoughts and emotions don’t affect you anymore. Overall, the card gives you an opportunity to remove the burdens of past sufferings from your shoulders.

3 of Swords AspectsThree of Swords Keywords (Reversed)
CareerImproved Communication, Growth and Resolved disputes at work
LoveMoving on, Separation
HealthEmotional Healing
FinanceSavings, Financial Stability
SpiritualityRenewal and Spiritual Growth

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning in Love

The appearance of Reversed Three of Swords love in a tarot reading suggests the possibility of you getting back together with your partner after a painful breakup or betrayal. Finally, your partner has realised their past mistakes and the damage they have done to the relationship. Now, through transparency, open and honest communication, they want to gain your trust back.

So, both you and your partner have decided mutually to leave the past problems behind and focus on healing and recovery. But at the same time, the 3 of Swords reveal that the journey of healing will not be as easy as it seems. Despite several efforts to make your relationship as it was before, you still will not be able to forget the betrayal you experienced.

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning in Career

On the professional front, the Three of Swords tarot card provides an opportunity for you to resolve all past issues or conflicts at work. The card reveals that instead of making a positive impression on your colleagues, you may have indulged in conflicts and arguments. But things are changing positively as both you and your colleagues have decided to let go of the past issues.

As a result, the energies of collaboration, teamwork and improved communication become evident. Now, with the full support of your teammates, you will work towards growth and development easily. However, sometimes, instead of improvement, things may take a completely different turn and result in tense situations at work.

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning in Health

Health-wise, the 3 of Swords tarot card in a reversed position brings the chances of health improvements for you after a long period of health issues. It seems that you have suffered a lot ( physically and mentally) in the past due to health disorders. But now the period of suffering is gone as you feel determined and energetic to bring changes in health and well-being.

This could be done by seeking professional medical help or even better health treatments. However, the 3 of Swords reversed tarot card advises you to shed fears and leave the emotional trauma behind that affected your mental health. Not taking the necessary steps could lead to severe damage to your health.

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning in Finance

Financially, when the 3 of Swords card appears in a reversed position, it brings a promise of a better financial future and a period of stability. In the past, you had to go through lots of financial ups and downs. But with this card, luckily, all your financial sufferings come to an end. However, at the same time, your past struggles stop you from moving forward.

On one hand, you try hard to make your financial future better by making savings and investments, but on the other hand, the thought of failing again stays. So, in this case, the 3 of Swords as feelings card advises you not to make the situation more complicated and to accept the reality.

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning in Spirituality

Spiritually, the appearance of the 3 of Swords reversed card indicates the energies of healing, comfort and peace. After dealing with emotional pain and hurt, you now seem ready to let go of the pain and feel prepared to forgive and forget what happened in the past.

The reversed 3 of swords tarot guide you to focus on your own emotional well-being and try the measures through which you can heal and grow. Along with this, the 3 of Swords clearly promises a period of peace and harmony. All in all, it is better for you to leave behind all the sorrow and take the help of spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, chanting or prayer.

Three of Swords Yes or No Meaning

In a Yes or No Tarot reading, the individual asks for a straightforward and quick answer from the tarot cards in the form of yes or no. In this regard, the 3 of Swords tarot card is a negative card with a ‘no’ answer. However, this meaning may change in the upright and reversed positions. The individual has the liberty to ask any question based on his current situation. So, let us see how quickly the 3 of Swords yes or no solve the query of a person in a yes or no setting.

  • Upright: No- If the reader pulls the 3 of Swords in an upright position in a yes or no tarot reading, then the answer is a ‘clear no’. This is because a person is currently dealing with lots of emotional pain and is not in a healthy mental state to make an important decision. Therefore, he must wait for a while and then prepare for his actions further.
  • Reversed: Yes- Pulling Three of Swords yes or no in a reversed position here means a green sign or ‘yes’ from the card. Whatever the individual dealt with in the past, now is the time for healing and progress. The appearance of 3 of Swords reversed yes or no in a tarot reading strongly hints towards a positive future with new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the Minor Arcana cards, Three of Swords, indicates feelings of grief, sadness, heartbreak, and hurt. Whenever this card appears in a tarot card reading, it hints towards painful situations such as breakup, separation, death of someone close, or depression.
Though the 3 of Swords tarot card is not positive in nature, it gives hope for a positive and peaceful future after heartbreak, loss and separation. Along with this, it encourages a person to make peace with his suffering and focus on the betterment.
In a yes or no tarot reading, the 3 of Swords card is a ‘no’ card. The appearance of this card strongly points out the energies of loss or separation. At the time of decision-making, this card encourages the individual to stop for a while and take a thoughtful and rightful decision without letting their emotions come in between.
In the upright position, the 3 of swords talk about financial instability and several ups and downs. At the same time, it encourages the individual to work hard to overcome these obstacles. In the reversed position, the three swords promise a better financial future and an end to financial ups and downs.
Along with the energies of separation and heartbreak, the tarot card Three of Swords comes with a piece of advice that talks about accepting the painful present and letting go of the pain. Instead of getting hurt or angry, it advises a person to learn from the past and move on to a better future.
The Three of Swords as feelings revolve around separation, deep hurt, betrayal, pain and heartbreak. The appearance of this card in a tarot card reading indicates that the person is currently dealing with emotional pain and heartbreak.
Karishma tanna image
close button

Karishma Tanna believes in InstaAstro

Karishma tanna image
close button

Urmila Matondkar Trusts InstaAstro