Three of Swords

Card of the week for 8 -15 May 2025

Image courtesy Rider Waite-Smith deck

Suit: Minor Arcana, Pip Cards, Swords

Astrology: Libra, Capricorn, Virgo

Planets: Saturn, Mercury

Decan: 2nd decan Libra (Saturn)

Relates to People Born: 3rd to 8th July

Timing: 3rd to 15th October

Divinatory Message: The gathering storm clouds in the background tells of foreboding and “dark” emotions, threatening a “storm of emotions” and tears to come. The Three of Swords indicates the “seed of life”, results, birth and self-expression.

A few upright keywords (U) - delays, rupture, removal, absence, division, heartache, sorrow, disorder and confusion.

A few upright interpretations (U):

1. The Three of Swords depicts the most violent assault on the ego - one which pierces the heart. It may be indicating an attack on your “feeling center” and can presage a division within a relationship. It may also be implying a separation from loved ones/friends/family due to unfortunate events.

2. When the 3 of Swords appears upright in a spread, it is indicating that it is time to let go of things you know are no longer positively serving you in your life. Whether a business or personal relationship - if it is no longer positive and growing and is causing unhappiness, it must be allowed to die a natural death, regardless of the short-term pain. The Three of Swords - with its sense of vision and understanding, can make the pain easier to bear.

3. Upright in a reading, the III of Swords may be an indication that either yourself or someone very close may be experiencing “second thoughts’ or a change of heart, which in turn will bring about a change in attitudes and/or behavior.

4. III of Swords appearing in a reading upright is a message to feel positive, as bigger and better circumstances are ahead of you. Be careful not to become quarrelsome as this will lead to arguments, upheaval, misunderstandings and upset. You are asked to keep your emotions in check.

5. If you have been waiting on some important mail, information or documents the 3 of Swords may say it is on its way, however the news may not be positive.

A few reversed keywords (R): transition, frustration, difficulties, conflict, sadness, ill- health, emotional upheaval.

A few reversed interpretations (R):

1. Appearing reversed, the Three of Swords has similar meaning when it appears upright, although not as severe.

2. Be careful not to become involved with petty quarrels/arguments as these can be blown out of proportion and can become serious agreements. Reversed, the 3 of Swords ask you to think carefully before you speak and act.

3. A difficult and painful time which has dragged on for far too long is indicated when the III of Swords appears reversed. This has led to destructive practices, emotional upheaval, arguments and conflicts along with a sense of frustration.

4. The reversed 3 of Swords implies that there is a loss of some kind, and that there will be a need for re-organization.

5. Quarrels, arguments and disagreements may erupt at this time so you are asked to remain calm and patient - rather than stubborn, aggressive or hostile as this will only exacerbate the problem. Instead, try to be the “peace-maker”, if at all possible - making a point to dispel any negative feelings.

Note: If you are attempting to read cards for yourself or others, these are just a few interpretations of the card. As you become more secure and proficient at reading cards, you should be able to come up with your own intuitive meanings of this card, but feel free to use these interpretations for your tarot journal.

Until next time.

Be Good to Yourselves.

Tara, xx