Three of Swords: Tarot Card Meaning

Three of Swords tarot card, Rider-Waite-Smith deck

The Three of Swords is the card of heartbreak and painful truth. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a heart is pierced by three swords against a backdrop of grey clouds and falling rain. It is one of the starkest images in the deck, and it does not hide that some experiences hurt.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Three of Swords acknowledges grief, betrayal or a painful truth. It may be a breakup, a loss or something you have discovered that you wish you had not. Let yourself feel it. Pain that is acknowledged tends to move through you, while pain that is avoided lingers. Be gentle with yourself and lean on people who care.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, you are starting to heal. The sharpness of the pain is easing, and you are beginning to forgive, to let go and to move on. It can also mean holding on to hurt or reopening an old wound. Allow the healing to take the time it needs, and try not to rush it or cling to it.

In love

In love, the Three of Swords suggests heartbreak, betrayal or a painful separation. Reversed, it points to recovering, forgiving and slowly opening to love again.

In career

At work, it points to a painful setback, criticism or a disappointing outcome. Learn from it, and look after yourself. Reversed, it suggests recovering from a blow and moving forward with more wisdom.

As a yes or no answer

As a yes or no answer, the Three of Swords leans no, because pain or disappointment is attached to the situation. Reversed, it is also a no for now, though healing has begun.

Advice from this card

Let yourself grieve without hurrying, and tell one person who will listen. Pain that is spoken often loses some of its sharpness.

At a glance

Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Swords
Element: air, linked with thought, truth and communication
Number theme: growth, collaboration and early results
Yes or no reading: No when upright, No when reversed

Explore more cards

Continue with Two of Swords or Four of Swords. You can also compare it with the Three of Wands, Three of Cups and Three of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.