Three of Swords as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Swords is the card of heartbreak, grief, sorrow, loss, trauma, and separation. Three swords pierce a heart, while it rains in the background. The three swords represent the pain inflicted by words, actions, and intent on our emotional and physical selves. Though this may seem dreary and dire, the storm will not last forever, and the sun will come out.  

The Three of Swords reminds us that love and pain are often interconnected. Sometimes we have to experience heartbreak in order for us to learn the difficult lessons that we need to succeed in a future relationship. The Three of Swords also reminds us that the pain we experience is not forever. We can take the swords out, and we will heal. 

Upright Three of Swords as a Person

If the Three of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person has either recently been heartbroken, or they leave a trail of broken hearts wherever they go. If you are inquiring about somebody that you’ve just met in your life, drawing this card suggests that you should think twice about being romantically involved with them. It is astrologically associated with Saturn in Libra. Because both Saturn and Libra carry masculine energies, this card carries double the active, assertive energies. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Swords as a person represents someone who feels heartbreak and is/was victimized for the way that they look. This person may have been body shamed all their life. Some Tarot readers will interpret this card as a literal symbol of heart surgery. This energy may manifest in somebody who gets plastic surgery done on their physical body to heal emotional pain that they’ve suffered all their life. Everything they do with their body, from workouts to diets, is motivated by some sort of heartbreak. In some cases, this could be somebody who opts out of eating animal products because they empathize with the suffering of animals.

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Swords as a person represents someone who is going through heartbreak. Because this card was drawn in the reverse, this may unfortunately mean that they haven’t quite healed. In some cases, the heartbreak may have been recent and it’s still very fresh on their minds. Alternatively, this is somebody who may subconsciously refuse to heal. Perhaps they “enjoy” being in a state of victimhood, whether it be because they like to milk their story for attention, or they use past heartbreak as an excuse. If you’re romantically involved with this person, it’s very likely that they are not ready for a new relationship as they haven’t healed from previous heartbreaks.

For careers, the Three of Swords can represent someone who deals with a lot of heartbreak at work. They may be a police officer who has to deliver sad news to families of victims. They might work as a trauma therapist who specializes in loss and grief, a relationship or dating coach, or even a spiritual/energy healer. In some cases, this could literally be interpreted as a heart surgeon. This person could be a divorce lawyer. Alternatively, they may capitalize on a past hurt in some way, for example: by writing a memoir, starting a self-help community, or a YouTube channel. 

The Three of Swords as a person represents someone who makes you feel hurt. Some Three of Swords type people may appear to masochistically relish their own suffering. In most cases, however, they do have legitimate grievances that they’re trying to get over. It could be just that this person is more sensitive and empathetic than the average person. This is a person with a bleeding heart.

Reversed Three of Swords as a Person

If the Three of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is struggling with heartbreak that they just can’t seem to get over. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Swords reversed as a person represents someone whose past suffering is reflected in their physical appearance. However, emotionally, this person has healed from traumatic events of their past. For example, if they were body shamed and bullied when they were younger, this person has learned self love and self acceptance, and now they own who they are. Much like the Ten of Swordsʼ energy, this person may have tattoos that remind them of ones and pets who have passed on. This person may have recently healed from serious illness, and they’re regaining their health and strength. Everything they do from workouts to their diet is focused on one thing: healing. 

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is actively trying to overcome the heartbreak. They don’t want to be seen as a victim. Unfortunately for them, this might hinder them from seeking help, when they really should be seeking assistance from others. Alternatively, they could still be in denial about a traumatic event that happened in their life recently. If you’re inquiring about a loved one, it would be a good idea to check in on them. 

For careers, the Three of Swords reversed can represent someone who works in similar fields and ways that their upright counterpart does. If they are somebody who deals with trauma victims or the breakdown of relationships, they may not have the best bedside manner. For example, they could be impatient or insensitive with their clients and patients. They may also be trying to force an accelerated healing process rather than allowing it to take its time. 

The Three of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who you feel proud of. You know this person has gone through their struggles, and you’ve also likely watched this person overcome them. If you’ve gone through similar struggles, you may be inspired by them. However, be cautious, and ensure that the relationship is healthy and that you’re not just trauma bonding. If you’re romantically involved with this person, drawing this card in the reverse is a good indication that they have moved on from their exes. They may have learned very hard lessons from their previous partnerships, but they haven’t become jaded by their exes. They’re still determined to see and expect the best in people.

Conclusion

For love readings, the Three of Swords represents pain and heartbreak. Though no one wants to go through pain and experience grief, it is often a necessary part of growth. Pain is here to teach us valuable lessons, so that we may be more open to receiving true, healthy love. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.