Card 52 • swords

Three of Swords

Brief Description

The Three of Swords signifies heartbreak, difficult emotions, and painful news that can affect relationships, friendships, or work. It often points to present or recent wounds and petty squabbles that mask deeper issues, making it hard to move on after a loss. In a future position it can act as a warning to evaluate your behavior to preserve a cherished relationship and may specifically indicate infidelity when paired with certain Swords cards. If the card represents someone else, they may have hurt you; if it represents you, it calls for taking responsibility and processing the hurt you feel.

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Meaning

Introductory Questions

Has your relationship fallen on tough times? Are you in a gray mood these days?

Difficult Emotions

The Three of Swords comes bearing difficult emotions. Petty squabbles under this card's influence are sometimes much deeper than they seem. You might receive unfortunate news, be at your wit's end in a relationship, or find it hard to move on after the loss of a friend.

Timing and Warnings

Usually, the Three of Swords pertains to the present and the recent past. If you pull the Three of Swords in a future position, it can serve as a warning: Evaluate your behavior if you want to preserve a cherished relationship. The Three of Swords can refer to infidelity, especially when it appears with the Five or Seven of Swords. It can also indicate that you don't appreciate—or perhaps don't feel appreciated by—your job. This can lead to the end of the job, voluntarily or summarily; it might be time to proactively look for other work.

Representation and Advice

If the Three of Swords represents someone other than you, they may have hurt your feelings or wounded your pride. If the Three of Swords represents you, it's time to take responsibility and process the hurt you're feeling.

Visual Description

A large red heart sits at the center, pierced by three swords whose blades run vertically and diagonally through it. The heart has a stylized sad face with heavy black lashes and small blue tears on its cheeks. The background is bright blue with white teardrop shapes, a yellow border frames the scene, and three red drops fall from the wounds.

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✍️ Deck author(s): Sonia Lazo, Cyrée Jarelle Johnson

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All card images and descriptions are taken from public sources. They are used for review purposes only. All rights to these images and descriptions belong to their creators. If you believe there is a copyright infringement, please contact us at [email protected].