Minor Arcana · Swords · 3
Three of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana
- Suit
- Swords
- Rank
- Three
- Element
- Air
- Yes or no
- No
Upright meaning
Heartbreak · separation · grief
Hurtful words or a parting. Don't suppress the sadness; you have to feel it to heal.
Reversed meaning
Recovery · forgiveness · healing wounds
The pain is slowly subsiding. Let go of old hurts and you'll feel lighter.
In a yes-or-no reading
- UprightNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.
- ReversedNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.
What the suit means — Swords
Swords are the suit of air. They stand for thoughts and words, judgment, conflict and decisions.
What the number means — Three
Three is the number of growth and expression, when something first takes shape.
The 14 Swords
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
Draw your own
Now that you know the card, think of one question and shuffle the deck yourself. Which of the 78 cards comes up is decided the moment you shuffle.
Meanings follow the widely used Rider–Waite tradition, and the pictures are simple designs drawn for this site. Please treat tarot as a light-hearted aid to reflection.