Three of Swords as a Woman (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 Woman

If the Three of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is often experiencing or involved in emotional turmoil, heartbreak, or betrayal. Her experiences have often led her down a path of emotional struggles, making her prone to periods of sadness or intense emotional upheaval. Relationships around her may be strained, and she may find it difficult to trust or be trusted in emotional matters.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Swords as a woman represents someone who is pale-skinned with drawn features, eyes that reflect sorrow, a voice tinged with melancholy, hands that tremble slightly, and a scent like wilting flowers. When you look into her eyes, you may feel a deep sense of loss or yearning. Her voice might quiver when she speaks, revealing her inner sorrow, and when she reaches out to touch something or someone, her hands may shake ever so slightly, betraying her emotional instability. Her scent could be reminiscent of a bouquet of flowers past their prime, a poignant aroma that evokes a sense of impermanence and loss.

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Swords as a woman represents someone who is emotionally wounded, often guarded or distanced. Her past hurts have taught her to build emotional walls, making her difficult to reach on a deeper level. Though she might yearn for genuine connection, the pain of previous betrayals makes her approach any form of emotional intimacy with extreme caution.

Astrologically, the Three of Swords as a woman represents someone who is likely to have strong placements or difficult aspects in Water signs, such as Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, or challenging aspects to the Moon. For example, she may have Moon square Pluto, indicating deep emotional scars or the potential for manipulative emotional interactions. Or she might have a Sun-Moon opposition, leading to internal conflicts between her wants and needs, amplifying her emotional struggles.

For careers, the Three of Swords can represent a woman who works as a divorce lawyer, a therapist specializing in grief counseling, or a hospice nurse. These career choices might be a way for her to confront and understand her own emotional turmoil, offering her a framework to understand suffering—both hers and others’. However, these career paths can also further drain her emotionally if not carefully managed.

The Three of Swords as a woman represents someone who makes you feel empathetic yet cautious, as if treading on fragile ground. Being around her might awaken a deep sense of compassion within you, as her emotional intensity is almost palpable. Yet, you may also feel the need to tread lightly, aware that her emotional landscape is fraught with potential landmines that could be set off by the slightest misstep.

Reversed Three of Swords as a Woman

If the Three of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is beginning to heal from past emotional wounds but may still be stuck in some patterns. Although she is taking steps towards healing, the remnants of her past emotional scars occasionally resurface, causing her to backtrack in her progress. You might feel that she is on the cusp of transformation, but some chains from her past still hold her back.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is gradually regaining color and vitality, eyes clearing, a voice that wavers between hope and hesitation, hands that are less shaky, and a scent that’s freshening. Her complexion appears more lively compared to her past paleness, signaling a return to health. Her eyes, once clouded by sorrow, now show flickers of hope, though they can still be tinged with uncertainty. When she speaks, her voice varies—sometimes confident and other times hesitant—as if she’s negotiating between her past and future self. Her hands, once tremulous, are steadier now, though not entirely devoid of tremors. The scent around her is brighter, more like fresh blooms, indicating a shift in her emotional atmosphere.

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is recovering but still vulnerable, possibly prone to emotional relapses. While she has made strides in building emotional resilience, she may still have moments where old wounds reopen, causing her to withdraw or act defensively. It’s as if she’s walking a tightrope between her old and new selves, still susceptible to stumbling back into past emotional patterns.

Astrologically, the Three of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is working on resolving difficult aspects or transits to Water signs or the Moon, seeking emotional balance. She may be experiencing some favorable transits that are helping her resolve these challenges, like Jupiter trine Moon, which could bring emotional growth and optimism. However, she may still have ongoing challenging aspects, such as Moon square Pluto, which she needs to continue to address to achieve emotional stability.

For careers, the Three of Swords reversed can represent a woman who works as a recovering addict counselor, a mediator in family disputes, or a relationship coach. In these roles, she utilizes her own experiences and ongoing healing process as a well of empathy and understanding for those she helps. Her personal journey adds credibility and depth to her professional advice, though she must be cautious not to let her clients’ issues trigger her own vulnerabilities.

The Three of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who makes you feel guarded but hopeful for her recovery. When interacting with her, you might be wary of saying something that could reignite her past emotional wounds. Nonetheless, you can sense a positive change in her energy, leading you to hope that she’s on a steady path towards full emotional recovery.

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.