As you might imagine, the Three of Swords symbolizes the wounded heart.
Everyone experiences betrayals, cruelty, unkindness, and even abuse to varying degrees. These traumatic events can feel like swords driven into the heart. Like any penetrating trauma, the shrapnel must be extracted for the injury to heal. Likewise, the swords pictured on this card need to be drawn out and released from the heart so that it can heal. Sounds easy, right? Well it’s not! This is because the only thing that can give you the power to release the sword from the wound is forgiveness. What?! Forgive that bastard?! Never!
Are you unable to forgive individuals from the past who betrayed you?
Do you still get angry and feel victimized? What emotions do you feel when you conjure the image of this person up… Hatred, revenge, rage, sadness?
The heart on the card is the victim of a devastating injury. Three large swords symbolize wounds inflicted by three past traumatic events. The swords are weighing the heart down beneath grey clouds. There are three complete clouds depicted in the image, yet one cloud in the background is incomplete. The three completed clouds could refer to the negative thoughts brought on by the three swords. The incomplete cloud could symbolize future thoughts, still unformed, but potentially influenced by past trauma. Perhaps it’s time to at least think of the possibility of future happiness, instead of being defeated by the same old tragedies of the past.
Rain continuously pelts down on the sunken heart. And yet look at the proportions. The floating heart is quite large when compared to the swords. This symbolizes that the heart is stronger and more resilient than any wound to it. It also symbolizes that the wounds can weigh down a normally buoyant heart. This negative energy prevents the heart from rising above the clouds, to bask in joyful sunlight.
The Three of Swords reminds us that even though “another” may have put a metaphorical sword in our heart through a past betrayal, we perpetually betray ourselves by not letting go and releasing the resentment. So, if the only thing that will unburden the heart is forgiveness, then why is there such resistance to letting the swords go?
Swords represent power. Righteous indignation is seductive and can give a false sense of empowerment. The heart may want to hold onto the swords because it feels that somehow it now possesses more power. Although it gives an immediate illusion of being the moral victor (we are not the bad one after all), it also leaves us feeling hollow and empty. This sense of “power” is held onto for dear life, so that we aren’t suckers caught off guard again! And yet, the heart remains heavy and isolated, and we miss the joy of the sunlight above the clouds.
Practicing forgiveness allows for releasing the negative energy within, so that you are not carrying it with you everywhere.
Each day you refuse to forgive, you are deciding to continue carrying all that toxic poison within you for another day. There is an anonymous quote that says, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to drop dead!” Think about our world affairs, and how lack of forgiveness perpetuates war, hatred, and conflict.
Forgiveness does not mean “condoning” the reprehensible behavior of another. It doesn’t mean you need to call your abuser over for tea and pretend nothing happened. Forgiveness is less about them, and more about you. The wound happened, but it’s not still happening today unless we choose to hurt ourselves with it. This means that you also must forgive yourself for holding onto this garbage for so long. Forgiveness gives you the power to let the painful past go, allowing you to move on with your life unencumbered and free.
The Three of Swords indicates that it’s time to let go of any painful people or things that are weighing your heart down. Forgiveness often doesn’t come overnight! It takes time and continual affirmation before the swords are released. An opportunity for major healing is being presented to you now. Like the rising phoenix, let your heart ascend above the rain clouds, and into the realm of light.
Three of Swords in a Love Reading
New Relationship
This card can signify that another person, interest, or thing is pulling your love interest’s attention away from fully investing in a partnership with you. This card can also warn of beginning a “rebound” relationship, where one partner’s heart has not completely recovered from a past breakup or emotional betrayal before rushing into their next relationship.
Long Term Partnership
The Three of Swords can represent a partner that consistently leaves you for an “other love.” However, sometimes the other love isn’t a paramour, but rather a family obligation, friendship, career, creative pursuit, or ambition. You will have to decide if you are willing to share your partner with this other obligation.
Intimacy
The Three of Swords can represent deception, lies, or even cheating from your partner. If you ask your cards the direct question “Is he cheating on me?” and this card appears, the answer is most likely “yes.” If you even need to ask that question about your partner, then this should serve as a huge red flag that the relationship is not rooted in transparency or trust.
Seeking Romance
If you are single, it’s time to release old wounds and make some room in your life for a new love. However, you may have to let go of an old, emotional attachment that is still hurting you. It’s time to allow for new beginnings and healing. Before beginning the next chapter, the baggage of the past must be released.
