Three of Swords
The Three of Swords symbolizes sharp emotional pain, heartbreak, and the sensation of having one’s heart pierced by rejection or loss. The imagery of a swan wounded by swords captures the brutality of grief while its serene expression hints at an inner resilience and the possibility of solace. Reversed, the card points to the beginning of healing as the swords fall away, indicating forgiveness, catharsis, and moving on. Keywords reflect both the severity of upright emotional distress and the promise of recovery and closure when reversed.
Keywords
Poem
My bleeding heart, my broken wings through the pain, my soul still sings.
Meaning
The bleeding heart, the tortuous love, the Three of Swords harkens times of heartbreak, painful separation, and extreme loss. The innocence and romance of the swan is brutally destroyed as the swords pierce her flesh, in the same way we feel eviscerated after opening our heart only to be rejected. There is hope. Despite her wounds, the swan's face is serene.
Reverse
The reverse of this card signifies the swords falling out as one begins to heal and forgive after times of hardship and heartbreak.
Upright keywords
heartbreak, rejection, painful separation, grief, disillusionment, severe emotional distress
Reversed keywords
overcoming heartbreak, catharsis, optimism, closure, repressed feelings, moving on, forgiveness
Visual Description
Within an oval frame a large white swan is pierced by three ornate swords, blood pooling and trailing into stylized water below. A full moon glows behind the bird against a purple and pink sky with delicate cloud bands. The swords cross through the swan’s body and wings, their hilts visible above and blades protruding below. The scene is decorative and dramatic, emphasizing the wounds and the reflective water.
Children of Litha tarot
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