Three of Swords
The Three of Swords represents sorrow, heartbreak, and emotional pain resulting from betrayal, loss, or quarrels. It signals deep grief, a troubled mind, and wounds—sometimes physical or traumatic—that require attention. Reversed, the card suggests the beginning of healing, hope that things will improve, and the need to further process trauma before moving forward. It also highlights that the querent's choices can cause sadness to others and recommends ritual or meditative work to help process grief and support recovery.
Keywords
Description
Sorrow; grief; the pain of a broken heart; a breakup; an unsatisfactory match that will only bring trouble; quarrels among lovers; a physical heart condition; an accident, disaster, or tragedy; the querent's actions cause sadness to others; a troubled mind; an emotional breakdown; a love that is not returned; old wounds are ripped open; the present pain or memory of being betrayed or abandoned; deep depression that requires attention.
Reversed
A broken heart begins to mend; sadness and grief but with hope and faith that things will improve; a breakup that is for the best; a tragic or traumatic experience requires further processing and healing before one can move forward; an unexpected sadness has overcome the querent; turning off the emotions; a choice of celibacy over the potential heartache that an intimate relationship could bring.
Magickal Uses
Useful in rituals and meditations aimed at helping you process grief or other forms of emotional trauma, and also good for healing the wounds left behind from a breakup. Allow yourself to experience your sorrow as you gaze at the card, then reverse it when you're ready to begin the process of moving forward.
Visual Description
A realistic anatomically rendered heart hangs suspended and is pierced by three swords, their blades crossing behind it. A white triquetra symbol is painted on the heart's surface and a small flame licks from its base toward a bright golden orb below. The orb emits pronounced yellow rays across a dark, star-speckled sky. Jagged mountain silhouettes frame the scene and a lone wolf-like silhouette stands on a distant ridge; a ribbon at the bottom reads 'Three of Swords.'
Modern Spellcasters tarot
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