Three of Swords reversed in relationships. Three of Swords: Tarot card meaning

The Three of Swords in the Tarot eloquently depicts a heart pierced by three swords. Behind this picture is a forest on a mountain, above which rain pours from thick clouds. Looking at this image, it is not difficult to guess the main meaning of the “3 of Swords” in the Tarot - a broken heart. However, it may also have other symbolism, most often unfavorable for the questioner.

general characteristics

This card points to the difficult aspects of life and, as a rule, is associated with a difficult, stressful period. It allows the questioner to learn something, to learn something new, but this life lesson cannot be called pleasant. Most likely, there will be disagreements and quarrels ahead, differences of opinions and harsh phrases that people exchange under the power of emotions.

The 3 of Swords features a heart, although this card relates more to the mind than to the feelings. Three swords piercing through him lead to its main meaning: you will have to make a difficult choice, abandoning emotions in favor of practical considerations. When feelings recede and a person can see the situation completely, without the flair of idealization, it may not be easy for him to believe in its reality. However, this must be done in order to move forward.

The interpretation of the meaning of the Three of Swords in the Tarot can be twofold. By abandoning feelings in favor of reason, you can either look at events soberly and make the right choice, or make the biggest mistake in your life. This is a painful and difficult situation, but what it will lead to depends on the other cards in the layout.

It happens that the questioner needs to get rid of an addiction that has a detrimental effect on him and drains his strength. But there may also be the opposite interpretation: without listening to his own heart, a person suppresses his true desires and instead lives as common sense tells him.

One of the old meanings is a long separation from a loved one, but this card should be interpreted this way only in combination with the Eight of Cups or the Six of Swords. Other associations associated with emotional choice are also possible: for example, news of an unpleasant event. Sometimes a card indicates a tragic event, and then the surrounding cards will help you understand how to cope with it.

However, modern interpretations also imply a less dramatic symbolism of the “3 of swords”. Perhaps a person is simply missing something in life - to understand what exactly, one should look at the whole situation.

It is not always possible for a person to understand what his problem is indicated by the three of swords. In this case, you need to pull out three more cards. The answer to this question may be surprising for a person - he does not always feel what exactly is bothering him, since the problem is hidden in the subconscious.

State of personality

This card can have two meanings: a person either suffers himself or makes others suffer. The first situation is quite banal: a broken heart, someone else’s betrayal, thoughts of a difficult conflict. The second one is not so simple. A person may not be cruel or treacherous - he simply acts in the most natural way for himself.

In addition, the “3 of Swords” can symbolize an unwillingness to continue living the way one should for some reason. Circumstances or other people force you to behave differently than you want, but this way of life is disgusting to a person. The only way he sees resistance is lack of movement in any direction. Lock yourself in, isolate yourself from the outside world and never go out anywhere else. Since the situation cannot be changed, you can simply not come into contact with it.

It is possible that the decision has already been made, but it is not yet possible to act in this direction due to fear and uncertainty.

Romance and love

When looking at the “3 of Swords” Tarot card, its meaning in relationships is intuitively clear: the torment associated with love. It could also be simply negative emotions that the questioner experiences: fear, uncertainty, anxiety, disappointment. But they can also be justified, and then the card indicates a cooling of relations, which can lead to an early separation, because it also symbolizes the collapse of the union of two people.

The one to whom it falls is experiencing a breakdown in the relationship caused by the incompatibility of two people. Their different plans and views on life do not allow them to be together, although they previously believed that their union was harmonious. Perhaps both sides of the conflict still believe that everything will work out, but their connection is under threat. Although it is possible to fix the problem, it will not be easy for both partners.

Another variation of interpretation - someone in the couple is unfaithful, there is a third party in the relationship that ruins everything. Having learned about the betrayal, the questioner will experience deep disappointment, and he will have to take off those rose-colored glasses through which he looked at what was happening. Failure of hopes, regret about the past - this card runs through emotions that are difficult to survive. Remaining friends with your ex-love is out of the question.

Perhaps the people involved in the love affair were not initially suitable for each other, and simply turned a blind eye to it. The main meaning of the “3 of Swords” in the Tarot is connected with this - to see the true essence of things, which was previously inaccessible to the mind due to the veil of feelings.

Its symbolism also includes the eternal longing for what was lost - it is not without reason that this is a card of widowers who have lost the most important person and have never recovered from this loss. The old life is left behind, and now all a person can do is grieve and remember the past.

Work and finance

As in other life situations, this card indicates sad prospects in connection with professional activities. You will have to work hard to overcome all the problems that will befall a person. Perhaps someone will try to interfere with the business on purpose, or perhaps the failures will be caused by an ordinary combination of circumstances. In any case, you should expect financial losses, bankruptcy, termination of important contracts and severance of business ties.

In addition, “3 of Swords” may indicate disappointment in one’s own profession. Here, as in other areas of life, the questioner experiences a cruel collision with reality that shatters his dreams. It becomes impossible to continue to look at what is happening through rose-colored glasses, and all the accumulated contradictions are released to reveal the truth.

Because of this, a career crisis may occur due to the reluctance to work in this field and the inability to choose with the same ease what you are passionate about. It is not always clear which path to choose, but it will no longer be possible to continue living as before. What once seemed important and valuable can now turn into unpleasant and even disgusting.

If a person does not work yet, but studies and passes exams, then this card predicts failure and low results.

Among other things, the “3 of Swords” symbolizes slander and scandalous publications aimed at ruining someone’s reputation. There may also simply be interference in the form of gossipers and envious people spreading incorrect information.

The predictions of this card regarding the housing situation and material wealth are also not optimistic. It brings with it losses, losses, possible fragmentation of property or its complete loss. If it means improving your financial condition, it is always the hard way.

A figurative meaning is also possible: if a person does not lose his place of residence in the physical plane, then internally he considers it not his own, not belonging to himself. He is uncomfortable where he is, but he doesn’t know where to go. Essentially, he feels homeless, although he has a roof over his head.

In illness scenarios

The Three of Swords indicates health problems - both physical and mental. These are quite serious diseases, although most often not fatal:

cardiac diseases - from minor inconvenience to heart attack;
physical pain in various parts of the body due to injury;
depression caused by a traumatic event;
general weakness, fatigue.

The symptoms of these diseases will be quite vivid if the card falls in a straight position. If it is upside down, then you will have to try to find at least some reasons for poor health: the disease may be asymptomatic. Depression can become an integral part of the personality, without which a person cannot imagine himself.

Values in combinations

When interpreting, it is important to consider not each card individually, but the entire layout, since the Three of Swords in combination with other cards can significantly change its meaning. However, in most cases it will still mean something unfavorable. Variations of combinations with various arcana:

However, there are several combinations in which this card can mean something good. Here are some of them:

The Hierophant - the questioner will be able to gain wisdom.
Peace - acquiring the skill of empathy for others.
Sun - the negative experience gained will help you take a step towards enlightenment.
Judgment - the wound from which a person suffers will be healed.
Moderation - an unpleasant event will lead to a successful outcome.

Yes, it is not always easy to recover from a blow, as evidenced by the “3 of Swords,” but most often it is an inevitability that can lead to a change in life for the better. It's not always easy to face the truth, but it's better to do it sooner rather than later.

Reversed card

The meaning begins to lean in a positive direction if the Three of Swords is reversed. She still predicts not the most positive events, but at least the pain from them is not so strong. Feelings do not manifest themselves because they are “frozen”; a person does not experience them, but is in some kind of suspended animation, does not live, but exists. This is a painful shock in which nothing can be felt - there are no emotions, only apathy and indifference.

But this does not mean that the blow will be painless. On the contrary, it is so strong that a person cannot immediately experience everything that he feels about it. His feelings will return, and he will have to experience everything to the fullest. And perhaps this moment will come when it is not expected.

The absence of emotions turns a person into an empty vessel, unable to live fully. He cannot make decisions and change anything in his life, he will not be able to somehow change the situation. This is a dangerous condition that can last for years and lead to mental disorders.

In the inverted position of the Three of Swords, the ability to think clearly and evaluate one’s actions from the point of view of reason is lost. For this reason, serious mistakes are made, the questioner is plagued by absent-mindedness, and he cannot come to the right conclusions about important issues. He risks getting bogged down in illusions and ruining his life completely. Affective disorders can be associated with this same card meaning.

In the Thoth Tarot, this card is given the meaning of a hopeless situation or a wrong action committed. This is a personal mistake that will have serious consequences.

Sometimes the Three of Swords is interpreted as the presence of pain in the past, but its absence in the present. The traumatic situation has already passed, and now only the memory of past experiences remains.

Three of Swords in combination with other Tarot cards

With the “Jester” card - suffering associated with the child.
With the “Magician” card - losses associated with profession or endeavors.
With the “High Priestess” card - a painful blow due to receiving information.
With the “Empress” card - miscarriage; material damage.
With the “Emperor” card it’s a scam.
With the “Hierophant” card - the motif of wisdom.
With the “Lovers” card - the collapse of the alliance.
With the Chariot card there are losses.
With the “Strength” card - lack of will; lose control of yourself.
With the Hermit card - isolation.
Times are tough with the Wheel of Fortune card.
With the “Justice” card - unpleasant opinions and facts.
With the Hanged Man card - a blow that knocked the ground out from under your feet.
With the “Death” card - parting.
With the “Moderation” card - a blow that will be beneficial.
With the “Devil” card - damage; blow, the cause of which was the indulgence of intemperance.
With the “Tower” card - a heart attack; divorce; causing injury.
With the “Star” card - a blow that will be healed over time.
With the Moon card - a blow due to deception.
With the “Sun” card - a sad experience that served as enlightenment and creative comprehension.
With the “Judgment” card - healing from a wound.
With the “Peace” card - gaining experience and sympathy.

From other sources:

V. Sklyarov "The Great Book of Combinations".

Three of Swords in an upright position with the Major Arcana

Mag pr and per - Possible divorce
Priestess - Monasticism
Empress - Departure, separation
Emperor - Counteraction of Greater Forces
Priest - Celibacy
Lovers - Painful step, event. Painful choice
The Chariot - Overcoming Hostility
Justice - Misconception in Personal Relationships
Hermit pr i per - Escape from yourself
Wheel of Fortune - Lack of Money
Strength - Counteraction, an antidote must be found
Hanged Man - Bitter Remorse
Death - Contagious disease, all kinds of infections. Changes in opinion
Moderation - Humility in the face of failure, a straitjacket. Humility
Devil - Loss of happiness is final and irrevocable. Loss of happiness
Tower - The collapse of the love tower
Star - Weak consolations
Luna (transl.) - Death in the water
Moon - Visible and tangible evil, struggle
Sun - Calm
Court - Change for the better
Peace - Reconciliation
Jester - Madness, abyss, madhouse

Three of Swords upright with the Minor Arcana

Queen of Swords + 8 of Cups - A blonde widow, a neighbor at work or at home, bewitched and made a spell for her husband to leave the family

The Three of Swords card drawn in a Tarot layout symbolizes the desire to achieve an ideal, an escape from reality and at the same time the inability to make a choice. This dooms a person to disappointment in life and personal relationships.

The Three of Swords symbolizes disappointment in relationships

General value

The Three of Swords Tarot is interpreted as a symbol of grief, the cause of which is unhappy love. But the main meaning of the card is the choice and it was made contrary to one’s feelings. You can find out whether this cowardice has taken possession of a person, or whether this is the path to a free life, by examining this card in combination with others.

Job

The dropped Arcanum 3 of Swords in a work scenario means that:

a person must do unwanted and hated work;
there will be a difficult and tedious conversation with colleagues;
if you are a manager, then the card predicts an aggravation of relations with an employee valuable to you, and even a reprimand to a subordinate is possible;
Troubles are coming at work, which could lead to loss of your job.

The 3 of Swords card warns that failure in exams is possible.

The most negative meaning of the card in the career field is bankruptcy and the unsuccessful outcome of all plans. The implementation of the plan will be postponed indefinitely. This may also be affected by your financial situation.

This Arcanum speaks of dissatisfaction with the chosen profession, and even rejection of it. An inverted Three indicates a lack of mutual understanding between colleagues in the team. This is not the fault of the person himself, but of the people who planned this situation.

The Three of Swords can mean a boring job and a failed exam.

Personal relationships

In a personal relationship scenario, the card is interpreted as an unhappy love. Partners will face a number of negative events, including disappointment and resentment. The relationship may end in complete breakdown.

The meaning of the Three of Swords in this scenario means that:

you have to hear unpleasant news;
all previously existing illusions will be lost;
a person has to get rid of habitual thinking;
a person will have to perform actions that until now seemed impossible;
the card warns of the need for drastic measures to improve the situation, such as timely surgery.

But this card also has a positive meaning here. The partners will be able to break off the union that has become unnecessary for both of them. Even the pain and suffering brought will benefit everyone.

Tarot spread with the Three of Swords can mean different life situations

Combinations

If we consider the meaning of the Three of Swords in a layout with other Tarot cards, then the following options are possible with the card:

The jester predicts great suffering associated with the illness of children;
A magician expects losses and troubles;
The Empress alignment warns of impending damage that will affect the financial situation;
The High Priestess speaks of a threatening informational unpleasant message;
The Emperor threatens about the impending divorce and loss of relationships;
The Hierophant says that a person has a motive of wisdom;
Lovers are predicted to break up their marriage;
The chariot indicates approaching losses;
Strength - this indicates lack of will;
Hermit people face complete isolation in relationships.

It is also necessary to consider the combination of the Three of Swords card with the card:

With the Wheel of Fortune, difficult times await a person.
Justice, then we should expect bad facts.
The Hanged Man predicts upcoming news and information that can unsettle a person from his usual rut.
Death speaks of an impending separation.
Moderation a person will have to withstand a blow that can bring more benefit than trouble.
The devil testifies to the troubles that a person will get due to his intemperance.
Tower, a person is at risk of injury or a heart attack, and divorce is possible in personal relationships.
The star is expecting a number of unpleasant events that will not be significant in the near future.
Moon, then the alignment says that the person will be deceived, as a result of which he will receive a lot of negative emotions and experiences.
The Sun predicts a sad experience that will cause enlightenment.
Court, the interpretation of this situation comes down to a cure for the disease. But with the World card, a person will have to accumulate the necessary experience.

Justice, Temperance and the Hermit influence the meaning of the Three of Swords

Wands

If the Wands fall out in the reading, then in combination with the Jester their meaning is as follows:

The Ace of Wands suggests that a person is broken by some unpleasant event;
The Two of Wands indicates an impending separation;
The Three of Wands is interpreted as a breakdown in relations between partners, a loss of protection;
The Four of Wands predicts a future divorce;
The Five of Wands speaks of deceit between partners and the presence of difficult showdowns;
The Six of Wands indicates that a person will be betrayed;
The Seven of Wands foretells a future violent confrontation;
The Eight of Wands indicates disturbing news;
The Nine of Wands speaks of anticipation of bad news and events;
The Ten of Wands is interpreted as betrayal, which takes away strength and deprives a person of confidence.

You should also know that in combination with the card:

The Page of Wands says that bad news awaits a person;
The Knight of Wands indicates an upcoming breakup, which will be very stormy and conflicting;
The Queen of Wands indicates that an unsuccessful relationship awaits the person;
The King of Wands predicts an unsuccessful and unhappy marriage for a person.

The Eight of Wands in combination with the Three of Swords is alarming news

Inverted position

If the Three of Swords appears in an inverted position in the layout, then this indicates a cooling of feelings and a loss of the possibility of their restoration. The reverse position of the card indicates a lack of harmony between partners and the presence of revealed betrayal. All hidden secrets of the previous life will become known to the partner.

Another interpretation of the reversed position of the 3 of Swords is that there is an unstable alliance between the partners. This relationship is doomed to break in advance. If the card is combined with:

Arcanum Death, then this predicts an inevitable separation.
Moon, then this indicates the presence of lies in the relationship.
In the world, the meaning of the card comes down to the positive experience that a person will receive through difficult relationships.
Seven of Cups, this indicates the presence of disagreements with colleagues, their negative attitude. This situation is caused by envy and negative emotions.

The inverted Arcana of the 3 of Swords indicates the presence of scandals in a relationship. It may be that there will be negative information about a person, even defamatory articles in the media.

A person is warned that he has dubious business partners. The implementation of his plans is impossible, since his imaginary colleagues oppose it.

Among the events in the near future, the reversed Three of Swords Tarot card predicts that:

Possible heart disease, heart attack or surgery. The spine may be damaged. People need psychological help from specialists.
Relationships can be complicated, including love triangles and unrequited love.
The card warns that hopeless situations should be avoided.

If fortune telling is performed to receive an answer, then the answer is “no”.

The advice of this Arcana: due to the fact that circumstances are not always positive, you should simply take this into account. All further actions and events should be considered based on this provision. The best recommendations would be control of actions, endurance and moral fortitude.

The card is an indicator of whether a person has constant irritation. They say that these are 3 problems that should be solved simultaneously. If the Three of Swords appears in the layout, then to fully explain it you should take 3 additional cards.

The Three of Swords Tarot card shows a red heart symbol in the center, which is pierced by three swords. Against this backdrop are threatening clouds and heavy rain. In some variations, the map also shows a person lying below on the ground. He covers his pained face with his hands. The Three of Swords is one of the most negative Tarot cards. Even in an upright position, it carries a negative meaning for the fortuneteller. Most often she talks about a bad period in a person’s life, the so-called “black streak”. This means that the fortuneteller is destined to go through the difficulties and trials prepared for him by fate.

In the upright position, the card indicates a person who has suffered misfortune and is in a stressful state - his significant other has abandoned him, his friends have left, there has been a decline in his career, etc.

In an inverted position, the card does not lose its negative meaning; in this case, it means a person who has experienced a breakup.

Health fortune telling

In the upright position, the card promises depression, deterioration in overall health, as well as heart disease.

In the opposite position, the card predicts possible diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as unsuccessful operations.

An inverted lasso, as well as being in combination with negative cards, has the meaning of heart problems, and also indicates high blood pressure. In addition, the Three of Swords can mean various wounds and damage.

Fortune telling for love relationships

The upright position of the Three of Swords indicates an unhappy relationship, most often a love triangle. Based on this, there is torment and suffering, resentment, reproaches, quarrels, often ending in loud separations. Here there are betrayals, betrayals, and dishonesty. Sometimes the card symbolizes the fortuneteller's fear of losing his love, jealousy and mental suffering. It also means that what was planned, unfortunately, was not destined to come true.

A straight card means mental anguish, unrealistic hopes, fears that are not always justified, which can be confirmed by combinations of the lasso with other cards in the layout. Most often, the Three of Swords means a break in relationships after a major quarrel, the cause of which may be a significant difference in views and characters. Also, the Three of Swords has such an interpretation as despondency, a desire to return what was lost. In some readings, the Three of Swords, meaning a person, can indicate a widower or widower.

An inverted position characterizes a relationship that was initially doomed to break and is no longer possible to save. Most often this is a cooling of the partner’s feelings and a quick separation. In some cases, the card indicates betrayal or unpleasant events that are carefully hidden, but which are destined to soon become apparent to the other half.

The inverted lasso symbolizes the gradual separation of partners from each other. Also, this card means betrayal, revealed unpleasant secrets. However, combinations with other cards in the layout that carry a favorable meaning can soften the main interpretation of this card.

Career fortune telling

In this area, the Three of Swords also does not bode well. Most often, it predicts troubles at work - demotion, bad relationships with colleagues, loss of additional sources of income. This Arcanum also warns of failure in passing exams, and that now you should not start any business related to money, otherwise you will fail. There will be stagnation in the implementation of plans, the cause of which will be unpleasant circumstances, delays, and refusals. The worst option for a card is the loss of all funds and the complete failure of the plan.

In the upright position, this lasso means shaky balance, mistakes, wrong actions, and the likelihood of losing a job. The Three of Swords also reports obstacles to the implementation of the idea and possible financial difficulties.

In an inverted position, the Three of Swords promises inevitable scandals in the team, very serious ones at that, which can significantly worsen the conditions in the work team. As a result of this, you can become an outcast in the team, someone with whom no one wants to contact. In combination with the Seven of Cups, the card indicates that the claims are unfounded, but are the result of the envy of your colleagues. For more influential individuals, this means scandals at a higher level - on television, in Internet sources. Or it could be serious misconceptions in their business partners. This card also indicates that you are dissatisfied with your job and your chosen field of activity.

The reversed Three of Swords in a work scenario means scandalous events, an erroneous opinion about your colleagues or partners. Another interpretation of this card is dislike for one’s work, disappointment, and lack of team cohesion.

Tarot card Three of Swords combined with the Major Arcana

With “The Jester” - worry about the children;

With “Magician” - an intriguer; in work - losses;

With the “High Priestess” - receive difficult information;

With “Empress” - financial losses;

With the “Emperor” - there is a break in relations;

With “Papa” - a wise decision;

With “Lovers” - in love - discord, tension of feelings;

With “Chariot” - losses;

With “Strength” - lack of will, weakness;

With “The Hermit” - loneliness;

It’s not an easy period with the “Wheel of Fortune”;

With “Justice” - unpleasant information;

With “The Hanged Man” - emotional shock;

With “Death” - a break in relations;

With “Moderation” - an unpleasant event that has a useful meaning;

With the “Devil” - negative magical effects;

With “Tower” - trauma; divorce;

With “Star” - heart wounds will gradually heal;

With “Moon” - deception, negative, painful experiences;

With the “Sun” - unpleasant events will bring the necessary experience; clarification;

With “Judgment” - healing of the soul;

With “Mir” - getting support.

Life is not always painted in bright and positive colors; there are often “black streaks” that you need to learn to endure with steadfastness and courage. Therefore, it is important to accept the fact that things will not always work out the way you want, and it is important to learn to survive these unpleasant moments without giving up.

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The meaning of the Three of Swords in an upright position

Great grief, sorrow, emotional crisis, vicissitudes of fate, heartache. Love triangle, breakup with a loved one. But the clouds will definitely clear and your wound will heal.

lack of something, painful loss
broken heart, absence, discord, having to let go of the past, heartbreak
separation, unhappiness, new opportunities

The Three of Swords Tarot is an unlucky card that speaks of deep grief. There is a conflict in the Client’s life that causes mental pain. The reason for it is a break with a business or personal partner. Like Death in the Major Arcana, the Three of Swords shows that the end of one event can mean the beginning of something new, especially if the Client soberly assesses his problems. Change will undoubtedly bring resentment and feelings of alienation.

The meaning of the tarot card three swords: parting, separation, rupture, divorce. Severance of personal and business relationships. Fragmentation of property and power. Quarreling. Infidelity. Sorrow. A “love triangle” is possible - a third party (or a new event or interest) appeared on the scene and caused a breakup. The separation will not be amicable; be prepared for quarrels, anger, even hatred.

The meaning of the Three of Swords in reversed position

All the negative experiences inherent in the upright Three of Swords are experienced much more acutely and painfully in the case of an inverted position. The effects of a breakup are felt much longer. Don't lose your head, time heals everything.

disorder in business, mistakes, mental disorder, delusion
loss, alienation, disorder
pain, bitterness, prolonged mental anguish

If the tarot card three swords is in an inverted position, it means strengthening the negative qualities of the correct Three. The Client feels the mental anguish more deeply, the separation is more painful and bitter, and this whole gloomy situation drags on for a long time.

The meaning of the reversed tarot card Three of Swords: confusion, mental distress. Mistakes, absent-mindedness. You may find it difficult to imagine what to do; in this case the loss will be even greater. This is a break in partnerships; remember this, otherwise you will lose too much.

Inner meaning. Given to understand the straight position of the map

The Three of Swords tarot is a card of rupture, separation. Alliances, previously formed, fall apart due to discord, opposing interests, and conflicts between parts. From the very beginning, the alliance was fragile and based on the self-interest of at least one of the parties. Now they are splitting up. In this downfall, protect your interests because that is what your former partner is doing. You must stay at the top; it will be a stressful and unpleasant time, and as a result of this derailment, things may go wrong if you do not look straight ahead.