Upright
Emotional pain / grief / heartbreak / betrayal / loneliness / separation
The Three of Swords speaks of the things that cause you sorrow and emotional pain. In general, this card represents heartache and betrayal. It indicates a period of emotional hardship. Severe misunderstandings and conflicts are underway, which makes you feel betrayed, lonely, and traumatized. You have suffered or will suffer betrayal, and it won’t be easy to move forward after it. This loss will affect you on a deep emotional level. Allow yourself to grieve and feel the pain to move forward and away from it. Allow time to heal your wounds and give yourself space to process things. Release all your emotions, and the clouds will soon clear. Healing and acceptance will follow.
This card is a reminder that not everything in life comes too easy, and not everything is rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes, life will throw us the most shocking challenges. However, they are necessary for our emotional development. You will learn so much even through bad experiences and grow stronger.
Reverse
Releasing pain / forgiveness / optimism / moving on / overcoming depression
The Three of Swords, in reverse, is generally a card of healing. You are overcoming the heartache and sorrow and are finally on your way to moving on. It symbolizes the suppressed emotions you are not allowing to come through, preventing you from healing. It would help to let things arise, progress to forgive, and move on. You feel optimistic for the future and have begun seeing the light in the tunnel. While upright, the Three of Swords signifies a time of grief; in its reverse, you’ve gone through all of it and finally have begun to feel like yourself again.
The worst part is long behind you; you are building bridges with those who have done you wrong. It always helps to share your emotions on your way to forgiveness, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help, an ear, or a trusted friend.
How do I deal with loss?
How do I process forgiveness?
