What Does the 3 of Swords Tarot Card Mean?

Explore what this mystical card reveals about your life

You pull the 3 of Swords during a tarot reading and are taken aback by the image of multiple swords piercing a heart. Surely this can’t be a good omen, can it? While the 3 of Swords does indicate some heartbreak or betrayal, it’s not entirely bad—every setback teaches you a lesson, and this card is also a reminder to learn as you heal. In this article, we’ll explore what both the upright and reversed (upside down) 3 of Swords might mean for your love life, health, career, and more, plus what you can do to take its message to heart.

Things You Should Know

  • Upright, the 3 of Swords represents heartbreak or betrayal. It’s a reminder that some pain is inevitable, but there’s always a lesson to learn from it.
  • Reversed, the 3 of Swords symbolizes healing and moving on from past hurt. You may have forgiven someone, released a grudge, or had a spiritual breakthrough.
  • In a “Yes or No” tarot reading, an upright 3 of Swords typically means “no” while a reversed 3 of Swords means “yes.”
Section 1 of 7:

3 of Swords General Meaning

  1. Unfortunately, this card is a reminder that some pain or setbacks are inevitable in life. You may be reeling from a cheating partner, a betrayal from a friend, or even a snub from a business partner or trusted mentor (and it may hurt even more if you didn’t see it coming). Conversely, the upright 3 of Swords can also mean you yourself are considering doing something treacherous to someone that trusts you. [1]
    • The symbolism on the card—3 swords plunging through a giant heart—illustrates the pain you may feel as a result of the betrayal or broken trust you’ve endured.
    • What to do: This card is a warning of impending sadness, so take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Has someone you care about felt distant lately? Are things “off” between you and your partner? Listen to your intuition and address possible rifts with clear communication and honesty before you’re blindsided.
    • Keywords: Heartbreak, separation, sadness, grief, sorrow, upset, loss, trauma, tears, emotional pain, hurt, betrayal, loneliness, unhappiness, confusion, conflict, misunderstandings.
    • In a “Yes or No” reading, an upright 3 of Swords indicates a “no” answer as the result may cause you pain or heartbreak. [2]
  2. A reversed (upside down) pull of this card means you’re finally feeling recovered or healed from a past trauma or betrayal (or that you’ll soon feel better if you don’t already). You may have forgiven someone who broke your trust, let go of a grudge or other negative attachment, or gotten over a recent or bad breakup. [3] All in all, your emotional future is looking bright.
    • Alternatively, if you haven’t taken the steps to heal yourself, a reversed 3 of Swords can mean that you’re repressing your grief or pain or being too hard on yourself, which holds you back from moving on.
    • What to do: If you’re still suppressing your feelings, begin letting go by journaling or meditating about your emotions, or confiding in a close friend or therapist. Remember, the fastest way to move on is to allow yourself to feel and accept unpleasant emotions as they arise.
    • Keywords: Healing, forgiveness, recovery, reconciliation, repressing emotions, negative self-talk, releasing pain, optimism, overcoming depression, recovering from heartbreak, getting over the worst.
    • In a “Yes or No” reading, a reversed 3 of Swords indicates a “yes” answer. You’re in an emotionally secure and optimistic state of mind to pursue your wants and needs. [4]
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Section 2 of 7:

3 of Swords for Love & Relationships

  1. Dissatisfying relationships (past or present) serve to teach you what you really need from a partner. Your most recent disappointment is likely from a lack of knowing exactly what you wanted or what those wants mean for your relationship. As low as you may be feeling now, remember that these hard lessons will make your future relationships stronger and more loving than the last! [5]
    • If you’re single: Pulling a 3 of Swords indicates the potential relationship you’re thinking about may be difficult; you might have different relationship styles, which could lead to misunderstandings that leave you feeling disrespected. Be clear about your needs (especially when it comes to communication) from the beginning to make sure you and your potential partner are on the same page.
    • For new or existing relationships: This card might mean one or both of you is still healing from a past relationship or trauma that’s affecting your current relationship. Re-evaluate your connection—are your needs being met, and vice versa? Do you and your partner bring out the best in each other? Are past issues preventing you from connecting on a deep level?
  2. Through patience, self-love, and your emotional intelligence, you’ve finally emerged from post-breakup depression or a rough patch in your relationship and may be ready to move on. Alternatively, your former (or current) partner may have acknowledged their past mistakes and want to take responsibility for repairing the relationship and being fair to you. In either case, a rebuilt relationship or peaceful closure are on the horizon. [6]
    • If you’re single: You or your potential new partner may still be in the healing process; one or both of you has their guard up and may fear being hurt again. If so, take things slow and open up at your own pace. Express your reservations to your potential partner so they don’t feel like you’re keeping them at a distance out of disinterest.
    • For new or existing relationships: You may have started things out on the wrong foot or experienced a rough patch recently because of past relationship anxieties. This card is a reminder that it’s not too late to turn things around—communicate with your partner about your feelings so they understand where you’re coming from. Tell them what you need to feel supported and secure in the relationship.
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Section 3 of 7:

3 of Swords for Career

  1. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by your work or missed out on a milestone like a raise, promotion, or transfer. You may even have lost your job recently or are fearful that you will soon. Since this card has to do with betrayal, there may be conflict between you and a coworker that’s affecting your ability to do your job well. [7]
    • What to do: Stay calm and reassess your situation before taking dramatic action like quitting or arguing with a colleague. Look for practical solutions to your problem; you might open a dialogue with your team about delegating tasks more evenly, propose a more efficient communication system, or schedule a meeting with your boss to ask for a promotion or raise concerns.
    • If you’re out of a job, try to remain optimistic and look at this as an opportunity to find your dream job.
  2. You may be feeling more upbeat and optimistic these days, and your patience and dedication to your work through upheavals, obstacles, and setbacks has positioned you for success going forward. Overall, you can expect a more pleasant work environment and stronger communication in the future. [8]
    • Alternatively, the reversed 3 of Swords could mean that you or your colleagues are holding onto negative feelings or grudges from past clashes. Things might seem tenuously peaceful now, but could break down at a later point if these feelings go unresolved.
    • What to do: If you sense tension between yourself and a coworker, address it sooner than later. Calmly and honestly express your feelings (in whatever way is appropriate for your workplace) and propose solutions that allow both you and your coworkers to do your jobs to the best of your abilities.
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Section 4 of 7:

3 of Swords for Finances

  1. The cause may be from a major, negative change (like a divorce or losing your job) that has thrown you into financial instability, or perhaps you were misled into making unwise spending choices. In any case, take this card as a sign to work toward getting your finances in order. [9]
    • What to do: When it comes to money, make yourself your number one priority right now. Save what you can and spend frugally on your needs rather than your wants . Depending on the cause of your instability, it might be time to search for a new job or financial opportunity, too.
  2. While you may have been dealt a setback, the recovery plan you implemented is paying off (literally). You may have had to change your lifestyle and spending habits or put your pride aside and ask for financial assistance, but these steps have put you on the track to financial stability. Your loved ones notice and admire your effort, so keep up the good work! [10]
    • What to do: Continue saving and spending cautiously, but don’t be afraid to celebrate your progress. Treat yourself to a small reward now and then, like ordering your favorite takeout meal or organizing a low-budget weekend getaway with some friends. These little rewards will motivate you to keep up your impressive new money habits.
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Section 5 of 7:

3 of Swords for Health & Wellness

  1. You may feel betrayed by your own body or mind or feel unable to control your own health. Perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with a condition after an unexplained bout of illness, or suffered an accidental injury that you never saw coming. In any case, you may be feeling lost or pessimistic when it comes to your physical or mental-emotional health. [11]
    • What to do: Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you recover. Listen to what your body or mind needs and communicate with your doctors, caretakers, or therapists to find a treatment plan that’s right for you. To improve your spirits, try mindfulness exercises like meditation or doing breathing exercises.
    • Remember, a tarot card reading is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. If you believe you may have a problem, visit your doctor or healthcare provider right away.
  2. If you’ve been in pain or recovery for a long time, this draw is a good omen that things will get better soon. It’s affirmation that your efforts to prioritize your physical and mental health are paying off, and this positivity is spreading to other areas of your life, too. You may not be totally out of the woods yet, but the light at the end of the tunnel looks closer and brighter each day. [12]
    • What to do: Keep listening to your body, your doctors, and your mental health providers as you continue your recovery. After your ailment is gone, remember the good, self-nurturing habits you learned and continue applying them in the future, whether you’re injured or ill or in excellent health.
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Section 6 of 7:

3 of Swords for Spirituality

  1. If you’re asking your deck for a message about your life path or purpose, an upright draw means you’ll face (or are currently facing) a setback or betrayal that will reveal a valuable, universal truth to aid you in the future. For example, you may learn to listen to your gut when it tells you not to trust someone if you’ve been burned by a bad relationship or business deal. Ultimately, you’re being encouraged to face your setbacks head-on and take their lessons to heart. [13]
    • What to do: You can’t control if or when setbacks come, so acknowledge your emotions as they arise when you feel challenged. Healing and progress are possible, so remember that you’ll emerge from the other side of your obstacle stronger and wiser!
    • If you feel lost, ask for guidance or support from a spiritual adviser, trusted loved one, or a mental health professional. There’s never anything wrong with asking for help.
  2. You’ve emerged (or are about to emerge) from a spiritual setback and are ready to forgive, learn, and move forward. For example, you may have recently forgiven a friend for breaking your trust and are ready to rebuild a stronger, wiser, more nurturing relationship. Take this card as a sign to prioritize your spiritual and emotional well-being and do what makes you happy. [14]
    • What to do: Let yourself be more vulnerable and open to new experiences going forward. You’ve grown from your past challenges and are more capable than ever of overcoming any future adversities that arise. Trust that everything will work out for the highest good!
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Section 7 of 7:

More About the 3 of Swords

  1. The symbolism for heartbreak and pain is clear in this card’s imagery—the multiple swords suggest that pain and betrayal can come from multiple sources, and the rain and clouds in the background create a gloomy, dark feeling. However, storms eventually pass, and the dark clouds hint that a brighter, clearer future awaits. [15]
    • In tarot, the Suit of Swords represents internal and/or external conflicts (like illness, heartbreak, loss, war, or even death) and the lessons learned from them. Swords represent the element of air and bring clarity to your mind, and they’re closely associated with truth, justice, and fairness. [16]
    • The Suit of Swords belongs to the Minor Arcana, or the tarot cards that represent daily struggles, lessons, transactions, and activities.
    • 3 of Swords element: Air
    • 3 of Swords planet: Saturn, the planet of responsibility and structure
    • 3 of Swords zodiac sign: Libra
    • 3 of Swords key dates: October 3–12

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/tarot/card-meanings/three-of-swords
      2. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/three-of-swords-as-yes-or-no-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/tarot/card-meanings/three-of-swords
      4. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/three-of-swords-as-yes-or-no-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/tarot-card-meaning-three-of-swords-as-love-outcome/
      6. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/tarot-card-meaning-three-of-swords-as-love-outcome/
      7. ↑ https://www.astroyogi.com/tarot/minorarcana/three-of-swords.aspx
      8. ↑ https://www.astroyogi.com/tarot/minorarcana/three-of-swords.aspx
      9. ↑ https://www.edelwyn.com/three-of-swords/
      1. ↑ https://www.edelwyn.com/three-of-swords/
      2. ↑ https://www.edelwyn.com/three-of-swords/
      3. ↑ https://www.edelwyn.com/three-of-swords/
      4. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/three-of-swords-as-a-message-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/three-of-swords-as-a-message-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      6. ↑ https://www.edelwyn.com/three-of-swords/
      7. ↑ https://www.tarot.com/tarot/cards/suit-of-swords-meaning

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