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Three of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

A painful heartbreak or loss may be on the way, or you might already be going through a phase of sadness and grief if a Three of Swords tarot card appears in your reading. However, all pains fade away sooner or later, and healing appears like the Sun brightening up a dark day. Hence, resilience is also a 3 of Swords’ meaning. 

There may also be some other messages the universe wants to convey about various aspects of your life through this card. Hence, you may go through this detailed Three of Swords tarot guide to decode the divine’s signals, understand them, and apply them to live a better life. 

The Three of Swords Key Facts 

Below are some interesting facts and information about the 3 of Swords tarot card. 

Three of Swords Upright Meaning: Betrayal, heartbreak, absence, loneliness, removal, division, sadness, separation, upheaval, unhappiness, sorrow, heartache, grief, confusion, upset, disorder, loss, distraction, withdrawal, depression, conflict, ill-health, confusion, trauma, disillusion, tears, and misunderstandings 

Three of Swords Reversed Meaning: Overcoming pain, forgiving, optimism, fighting depression, recovery from heartbreak, compromise, reconciliation, sharing of problems, letting go of sadness and sorrow, overcoming the worst, and repressed emotions 


Yes or No No
Element Air 
Numerology 3
Planet Venus 
Zodiac Sign Libra
three of swords tarot card

Three of Swords Description 

The 3 of Swords tarot card shows a big red heart with three swords piercing it. In the background, there are dark clouds accompanied by heavy rainfall. The heart in the picture represents all the noble things you can get in life, such as love, compassion, and warmth. 

Whereas, the swords that pierce the heart represent pain, sorrow, and the feeling of devastation you experience when the universe is not so kind. Like a heavy downpour, the painful and lowest phase of life arrives unexpectedly. 

This unexpected arrival of negativity in your life shocks your emotions to their core. In some cases, the Three of Swords tarot card may indicate the departure of a loved one to a heavenly abode. Another interpretation of this card is deception, discovery, or calling off a meaningful relationship you truly adore. In all cases, the pain may seem too much to bear. 

However, after the dark clouds comes the soulful sunshine. You have the power to sail through these painful days, and they will soon be over. The divine wants you to love and have faith in yourself. Trust that life stops for no one and that the pain, with time, becomes less intense. 

Three of Swords Meaning (Upright)

Deep hurt and disappointment is the 3 of Swords meaning in an upright position. Someone’s bad intentions, bitter words, or actions may have pierced your heart. This immense pain may have been inflicted on you unexpectedly, making it even more unbearable. 

The universe suggests letting your heart out. If you feel like crying, cry to release your feelings. Scream or shout loudly; do whatever you want, but recognize your emotions. Bottled-up feelings do no good, and it is better to let them flow. 

However, do not be too emotional to lose focus on the way ahead. You may become so engrossed in your emotions that you do not realize that moving on is what you should do. Through the Three of Swords tarot card, the divine wants you to chin up and understand that life cannot stop and you have to cope with it.

Sorrow, pain, and grief are unavoidable parts of life. God puts you in difficult situations to make you stronger, help you learn from what has gone wrong, grow, and develop yourself. The pain only makes you stronger and brings clarity to your life for a better future. You should trust the universe’s plan, have faith in your abilities, forgive yourself and others, practice self-love, and give yourself time to heal. These gloomy days are not forever, and they will pass soon.

three of swords tarot card upright

Three of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationships (Upright)

A karmic lesson is on its way if you draw an upright 3 of Swords tarot card in a love reading. Having an astrological connection with Saturn in the zodiac sign of Libra, the card indicates the chances of you being in a karmic relationship. Such relationships are the toughest and need re-evaluation. However, they bring with them important lessons about you and the world. 

Another Three of Swords tarot card meaning for a love relationship is learning from mistakes you have made. Even though it is dissatisfying, your relationship will teach you a lot about what you want and do not want in a partner and connection. No matter what the relationship teaches you, whether it is a lesson about understanding your worth, betrayal, or money’s value, you will turn out to be smarter than ever. 

A difficult relationship is indicated for those wondering about a potential partner. The 3 of Swords love spread shows that your relationship style may not match your partner's. Hence, there may be misunderstandings or happenings that make you feel disrespected. These hurtful actions from your partner can be both intentional and unintentional. 

An insecure partner can subject you to a third-party situation to control you. You deserve a lot better if you feel purposeful manipulation by your partner. 

The Three of Swords tarot card meaning for those in a new relationship can be the need to heal from an old relationship. Either you, your partner, or both of you are required to recover from a past relationship or childhood trauma before jumping into a new relationship. 

Helplessness and loneliness are the meaning of an upright 3 of Swords tarot card for those in separation. Moreover, your ex-partner may be heartbroken about your breakup if you wish to reconcile with them. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Career (Upright)

You can expect a period of stress, depression, and discomfort in your professional life if an upright tarot card of 3 of Swords appears in your reading. It can even mean a business failure or an unexpected layoff. Moreover, the card shows conflicts between clients and coworkers. The advice here is to have meaningful, respectful, and honest conversations with your coworkers to resolve the conflict. You have a lot to learn from each other. 

Furthermore, the Three of Swords tarot card meaning if you are searching for a job, it can be a hopeless feeling. The universe here encourages you to be more optimistic and seize the opportunity to sail through this challenging time. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Health (Upright)

The 3 of Swords tarot card is not a positive sign in a health reading. It indicates surgery, illness, and other issues. There is a high chance that you may feel disappointed as your or your loved one’s health may not be as good as expected. You or the person you care about may be going through physical or emotional problems if this card appears in your reading. 

Moreover, cardiac problems are another Three of Swords meaning in a health reading. Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and trauma are the factors associated with this card, implying that your health problems may be a result of mental or emotional issues. Hence, you should not be harsh on yourself, be optimistic, and take appropriate care of your mental and emotional health. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Finance (Upright)

An upright 3 of Swords tarot card in a financial reading is not a good omen, as it indicates a material loss or some kind of stress. You may have to face the financial consequences of a breakup or divorce, requiring you to divide your belongings, or you may be unable to afford your apartment. The situation may be too much for you to handle. Hence, you can seek help from trusted people to overcome this problem. 

Moreover, the card advises you to formulate a step-by-step plan to tackle your finances and handle a single assignment at a time. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Upright)

The 3 of Swords tarot card in relation to spirituality symbolizes the need for healing. Recent happenings may have made you feel sorrowful. However, sorrow is the biggest growth opportunity. You can use them to learn and be a better person. The divine, through this card, suggests you seek support from trusted people and give yourself time to grieve your loss and heal. Also, listen to your spirit guide’s messages, as they will help you overcome these difficulties. 

Three of Swords Meaning (Reversed)

The Three of Swords tarot card in its reversed form, urges you to talk to yourself and listen to your inner thoughts. It indicates that the words you repeat to yourself each day have immense power. The card shows you may be caught up in negative talk and self-criticism. Moreover, you are constantly telling yourself that you are not good enough. In such a situation, you should try to be positive in your thoughts to regain your lost confidence. 

Furthermore, you should stop being hypersensitive to what others think about you. The universe wants you to let go of the pain their words have caused you. These harsh words are only sabotaging your growth. Also, you should do some introspection and correct any wrong behaviors you may have displayed. 

The 3 of Swords reversed tarot card also signifies that you may be experiencing a period of sadness due to a loss or breakup. In this case, you should let go of the past and focus on the path ahead. The divine wants you to remember that it is not the end, and life has many other joyful things. 

For those finding it too difficult to move on, the universe suggests accepting your situation. Acceptance of reality helps unblock the healing process. Moreover, it opens your heart to new experiences. 

three of swords tarot card reversed

Three of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationships (Reversed)

The energy of 3 of Swords love spread reflects disappointment in a current relationship. You may be disappointed by the way your connection has shaped up. However, all hope is not lost, as you and your partner are willing to make things right in your relationship. Both of you are ready to apologize and forgive each other for past mistakes. Moreover, your person is trying their best to move forward from the earlier painful events and leave behind their unhealthy habits or behavior patterns. 

Moreover, the Three of Swords tarot card meaning in a love relationship also indicates healing. You may heal from a stressful period in your relationship. Furthermore, this card’s association with Saturn brings the energy of responsibility and burden. Your partner may be burdened by their past mistakes. Furthermore, they are willing to take responsibility for repairing your relationship. However, they are worried about you not forgiving them. 

The Three of Swords tarot card in relation to a potential relationship signifies that you, your partner, or both of you have not completely healed from a past relationship. The healing process is still ongoing. However, the hope is still alive to take this connection to the next level. All you need to do is put aside your fear of being vulnerable with your partner. It will help strengthen your bond. Moreover, you should never compare your partner with your ex. You should remember that they are different individuals with different qualities. 

In an existing relationship, you may have experienced a "tower moment" if you received the 3 of Swords tarot card. It denotes healing from a tough phase in your relationship. Moreover, the guilty party may be regretting or feeling disappointed about their mistakes. 

Healing from shared problems is the indication of a reversed Three of Swords tarot card for those in separation from their partner. Please understand that long-distance relationships are not easy. You and your partner need to move on from the past. Moreover, an effort to heal from the breakup is seen in those considering reconciliation with an earlier partner. However, whether or not they will reconcile with you depends on what they think is better for their lives. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Career (Reversed)

An improvement in workplace conditions is expected if you receive the reversed 3 of Swords tarot card in a career reading. Tensed conflicts are starting to resolve, and your outlook is improving. It appears that your workmates or the aggravating person have left the argument in the past and forgotten about it. 

Moreover, everyone at your workplace is focused on leaving the past behind and collaborating for a better future. You can feel that communication has improved with an effort to prevent earlier mistakes. 

However, the Three of Swords tarot card in its reversed state also indicates an occasional worsening of conditions. It shows that people at your workplace may still have grudges against one another. You should check the accompanying cards to make the situation clear. 

The card also hints at a tense situation at work or in your career and increased optimism. All in all, your work environment is soon going to be compassionate and cooperative. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Health (Reversed)

On the health front, a reversed 3 of Swords tarot card is a good omen. It indicates healing from problems, disease, or surgery. You will feel optimistic about recovering from health issues. 

The card also shows that your anxiety is making the situation worse. Hence, you should not let fear control you. It is suggested that you seek expert help if necessary. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Finance (Reversed)

Financially, a reversed 3 of Swords tarot card shows an improvement in your financial situation. You may begin refilling your savings and realize your financial situation is better than before. The card also shows escalating emotional pain due to financial loss. You may face challenges in coping with a financial loss and changing your lifestyle or spending patterns. Moreover, your unwillingness to accept the truth can make the situation difficult. 

Furthermore, the card shows that you may seek assistance from experts for your financial problems. 

In a nutshell, the card indicates light at the end of a dark night. You and your creditors may agree to settle the debt amicably. Moreover, there may be job or home losses due to the recession. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Reversed)

In a spiritual context, the reversed Three of Swords tarot card depicts forgiveness and healing from heartbreak. The pain from past events is fading away. 

Another 3 of Swords meaning for spirituality is that you are unable to let go of sorrow and grief. In such a situation, you should practice meditation and Reiki or seek expert assistance to help you overcome the pain and hear the spirit’s voice clearly. 

Three of Swords Tarot Card: Yes or No?

A one-card draw gives you concise and direct answers to your questions. It answers your question with a straightforward yes or no to clear up your emotional dilemma. You may select a card after rearranging the deck. Depending on your question, you get an appropriate answer. The following is the result of a one-card pull for both upright and reverse 3 of Swords. 

Upright: An upright Three of Swords tarot card signifies separation and loss. It indicates that you should not make any rash decisions and plan your course of action carefully. Hence, it answers your question with a "No"

Reversed: The 3 of Swords tarot card in a reversed position indicates healing. It hints at renewal and an exciting time ahead in your life. Hence, it answers your question with a "Yes".

Three of Swords Meaning in Numerology 

The number 3 relates to Jupiter, which reminds people of their higher purpose. Traditionally, this number is associated with Saturn, a planet with destructive influence. However, Saturn is also called a “Great Initiator.” When combined, these energies indicate a method to this madness. 

Three of Swords Meaning for Timing 

Whatever you wish for will happen eventually, even if it happens fast or for a short period of time. You should always think about a second later when making time calculations for the Swords tarot cards. The best way to make time predictions is to understand the card's number. 

You can expect your desired event to happen within the next few hours or days. When counted in months, it can occur on or around a month’s 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 31st. 


Let us now conclude this 3 of Swords tarot guide with the hope that it helped you make sense of your tarot card reading and apply it to your current situation. However, our experts are just a click away if you need any help with tarot reading or are stuck with any problem in your life.