Three of Swords as Feelings in Love & Relationships (Upright & Reversed)

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 Feelings

If you are asking about how someone feels about you and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that this person is feeling heartbroken. They are sad, and they are grieving. They are going through a very difficult time right now. They are in the process of releasing the pain that they are still holding onto right now.

This person may also be feeling hurt by a breakup, conflict, or separation. They may be dealing with a third party creating drama in the relationship. They are bound by their pain, and they are grieving, wishing that this pain would stop.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Three of Swords means that this person is feeling heartbroken and in pain. They are still holding onto past baggage, and this is affecting their ability to date. Their past wounds have not yet healed. It’s blocking them from committing fully to your new relationship. Until they choose to let go of the past, they will not be ready to move forward.  

For existing relationships, the Three of Swords indicates that this person feels in pain right now. They may be feeling hurt by a disagreement that the two of you had. This can be mundane, but it can also be more serious, especially if there is an unwanted third party involved in your relationship. To move past this pain, the two of you will need to have an open and honest conversation about what each of you need to move forward. 

If you are asking about an old flame or an ex’s feelings about you, the Three of Swords indicates that they feel heartbroken over you. They are devastated by your breakup, and they are in pain. They are still processing what happened. If you are asking whether reconciliation is a possibility, it can be, but you will need to reach out first.  

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Three of Swords is a sign of holding onto past hurts and resentment. There are still unresolved past issues between the two of you. Without releasing the pain that they are still holding onto, this person will not be able to commit fully to the future. 

Reversed Three of Swords as Feelings

When the Three of Swords is reversed, it means that this person is feeling like they have released their past pain. With the swords reversed, they are now falling out, and the heart has room to heal. This person is moving past the conflicts that have bothered them before, and they are looking toward their future. 

This person may also be feeling generous and forgiving right now. Though they’ve been hurt in the past, they are looking on the bright side. They are feeling optimistic, and they are willing to try again. They want to give things another shot. 

For singles and those in new relationships, the Three of Swords reversed is a sign of feeling optimistic and looking forward in love. This person was previously holding onto their past pain and hurts. However, they have come to the realization that they must let their baggage go. Their heart is healing, and they are ready to stop looking backwards. This is a good sign for a budding relationship, but take it slow and go at their pace. 

For those in committed relationships, the Three of Swords reversed is a sign of feeling forgiving over past hurts. You and your partner have had your fair share of disagreements and arguments in the past. Sometimes, they felt resentful and hurt about this. But recently, they have had a change of heart. They are optimistic and looking forward to the future. They are willing to let the past go, and see where you can go from here. 

If you are asking about an ex’s feelings about you, the Three of Swords reversed means that they are letting go of the pain of your breakup. Though they held in a lot of hurt over the things that happened between you, they have finally decided to let it go so their heart can heal. They are moving past the conflicts between you, and they are looking forward to the future. If you are wondering whether reconciliation is possible, you will have to talk to them and see if they are still willing to give it another shot, or if they feel that it’s best for both of you to move on.  

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Three of Swords reversed means that they are feeling like they are releasing any past hurt that they were holding onto. You two have had your share of disagreements in the past, and this was a major reason as to why they didn’t feel ready to commit just yet. But now, they are ready to look at the future and see where it can lead together.  

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, 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.