
This post is intended to be a mini Three of Swords Tarot Guide. It is important to mention that the longer you work with the cards the more you will discover how they speak to you. For example, the Three of Swords does have a theme and traditional meaning but I recommend leaving “space” for the card to speak to you. Over time, you may discover that the card represents unique insights or themes for you personally.
Suit of Swords Summary

Numerology of the #3 – Themes
- Fruition and amplification of the status quo
- Optimism, Curious, Unique Thinking, Finding New Solutions
- Communication, Connection, Creativity and Creative Expression
- Magnetic and Attractive
Three of Swords Tarot – Upright Meaning
- Finally getting to the heart of the matter.
- Deep misunderstandings in the current situation.
- Mental sorrow (not emotional heartbreak) so it often connotes death of naivety and loss of innocence (learning the tooth fairy isn’t real).
- Revelations that cause suffering or pain.
- Heartbreak or loss expressed as anger instead of sadness.
- In reality, the situation is not as bad as it appears and it will pass.
- Someone stabbing you in the back.
- A betrayal in love or union.
- Two individuals being disrupted by another’s intrusion. A love triangle.
- Folly happening behind your back.
- May represent lack of communication and momentary inability to find a solution.
- Delay in getting what you want.
- Life experience that shows what it means to be alive
Shadow Side of the Three of Swords
- There is loss and strife but this situation is not as intense as with the upright aspect of this card.
- There has been a quarrel and the querent should initiate the apology.
- A need for reconciliation or reconciliation is possible
- In an attempt to avoid pain, suffering or hurt we may create situations or structures that are out of alignment with our true nature
- Heart break but it lets in the light. Surrender to the present moment.
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Artist Attribute
Featured Photo by Keagan Henman on Unsplash
Where to Find the Tarot Decks In Pinterest Pins Linked to this Post
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Tarot Familiars by Lo Scarabeo
- Oraculum Leviathan: Draconian Tarot Deck & Grimoire by Asenath Mason and Bill Duvendack
- Tarot Apokalypsis Deck by Kim Huggins and Eric C. Dunne
- Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lo Scarabeo
- Light Seer’s Tarot Deck by Chris-Anne
- Tarot of the Ages by Mario Garizio
References
- My own experience
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth by Benebell Wenn
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