Three of Swords
Three of Swords signifies sorrow, heartbreak, and the painful consolidation that follows the meeting of opposites inherent in the 3s. Aligned with Saturn in Libra, it highlights limitations, endings, boundaries, and the hard lessons of time. In the realm of air and intellect this card points to mental pain, confusion, betrayal, and the destruction of comforting beliefs by harsh truth. Although the process can be destructive and leave one grieving, confronting these realities ultimately frees one from illusion and allows necessary growth.
Keywords
Correspondences
Saturn in Libra
Keywords
Sorrow, tears, hurt, helplessness, weakness, pain, disappointment, self-torture
Meaning
As the four elements move into the 3s, we see the results of the 2s meeting and interacting. There is a sense of consolidation of opposites and a sense of now being able to "get on with it". The 3s also are aligned with the planet Saturn, the planet the ancients associated with time, with limitations, endings and the boundaries of the solar system. If you connect three points for the first time you have a figure where a boundary encloses a finite space. So the association is very appropriate.
Meaning (continued)
Air and the Intellect do not fare so well at being tripled up. The clash of two conflicting ideas has left us confused and we feel pain at having to overcome old and comfortable attitudes or having them destroyed for us. The card may also signify a betrayal that leaves us helpless and in pain; there may be a broken trust or a painful truth to face. The traditional card shows a thrice-stabbed heart...
Exploring the Card
The card shows the sharp daggers of the dissecting mind going to work on something beautiful (but ephemeral) and just leaving destruction in their path. Moonflowers are some of the most stunningly beautiful but also transitory flowers; they bloom for only one night, their scent reminiscent of cucumber, limes and jasmine, and the plant that bears them is poisonous, inducing hallucinations.
Exploring the Card (Conclusion)
Cutting through beautiful and intoxicating beliefs may be painful and leave nothing much to look at in its path, but ultimately the card teaches a thing beyond grief: the truth will set you free!
Visual Description
A monochrome, pencil-style image shows a horizontal dagger or sword near the top and stylized blade-like motifs along the bottom. In the center is a round plate or disk containing torn paper parasols, folded fragments, and a dried flower or leaf, arranged like broken objects. Decorative flourishes frame the scene and the printed title "3 Grief" appears at the bottom edge of the card.
Harry Potter tarot
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