Understanding the Three of Swords

The three of swords is a troublesome card in any spread. It's a symbol of heartache and pain, and its energy only intensifies when reversed. However, there is a hidden meaning for a student of the esoteric arts. Considering swords are relative to thought and communication, it shows there may be a path forward if one can master their mind.

Generally, this card represents breakups, divorces, painful arguments, and possibly even heart problems. Esoterically, it's telling you to be mindful of how your thoughts and the stories you tell yourself will break your heart.

Key Meanings

  • Heartbreak

  • Separation

  • Grief

  • Pain

Reversed

  • Disorder

  • Hurt

Related Cards

  • All 3’s

  • The Empress

  • The Hanged Man

  • Death

  • The World

Home

  • Arguments

  • Time apart

  • Seperation

Relationships

  • Break-up

  • Divorce

  • Cheating

Career

  • Loss of job

  • Demotion

  • Loss

Timing

  • 3 Weeks

  • 10/1 - 10/10

Astro Connection

Saturn in Libra:

  • Just and fair

  • Disciplined and cautious

  • Obsessed and indecisive

  • Nervous and anxious

Element

Air:

  • Lack of objectivity

  • Indecisive

  • Irrational

  • Lack of knowledge

  • Inexpressive

3 of Swords Numerology

3’s are symbols of communication or progress and Swords represent the mind and communication. Collectively this card shows us the stories we tell and how we think about problems that hurt us more than the events themselves!

3 of Swords Symbolism

The most important aspects of symbolism for this card are as follows:

  • 3 swords: Three people in a relationship, cheating

  • Rain: Emotional pain and tears

  • Grey clouds: Overshadowing everything / distorting clarity

  • Downward swords: Defeat

3 of Swords Meaning

Things aren’t going too well. No matter what area of life this card surfaces in, it doesn’t bode well. Thankfully, any student of the occult arts worth their salt knows that all the wisdom needed to propel you to the next level of development exists in unpleasant parts of life. While it’s still going to sting don’t go numb and miss the message, stay present and soak in the insight.

3 of Swords Reversal Meaning

Things have gone from bad to worse, it’s the end of the relationship, the end of career path, or just the absolute bottom of the barrel. It sucks, I’ve been there. However, you don’t have to lose all hope. Get honest with where you’re at, look at what led you to this series of events, and learn from your mistakes. Don’t waste any more time than necessary on a pity party, you’ve got too much shit to do.

Self Reflection

Three of Swords is asking you to consider the following questions:

  • Is what you're suffering from more imagined than real?

  • How can you constructively deal with your suffering?

  • Can you separate the message from the mess?

  • Do an emotional inventory of your previous relationships.