Three of Swords as External Influences (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 External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that pain, loss, or betrayal, possibly stemming from actions or decisions of those close to you, is shaping your experience. This card suggests a period of emotional turmoil that may be caused by unexpected news or events that challenge your sense of security and trust. It could be related to a friend or family member’s actions that have a direct impact on you, revealing truths that are difficult to accept and forcing you to confront painful realities.

The Three of Swords as external influences can represent people such as adversaries, or those whose actions inadvertently cause emotional distress, impacting your emotional well-being. This influence might be a colleague whose competitive behavior at work undermines your efforts and causes professional setbacks, or it could be someone within your social circle whose gossip or betrayal disrupts the harmony of your relationships. These individuals, whether acting with intention or not, contribute to a landscape of emotional challenges that you must navigate.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords as external influences means that heartache or betrayal, potentially from external sources or situations, is putting strain on the relationship. This could manifest as interference from others who disapprove of the relationship, causing conflict between partners, or external temptations that test loyalty and trust. Such pressures can intensify existing tensions or create new fractures within the relationship, requiring both partners to confront these challenges head-on to preserve their bond.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords in the external influences position means that lingering hurt or unresolved issues from the relationship are continuing to cause pain. This might be due to mutual friends who keep bringing up the past, preventing wounds from healing, or it could be the discovery of previously unknown information about the relationship that opens old wounds. These external factors serve to prolong the emotional pain associated with the breakup, complicating the process of moving on.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords in the external influences position means that their actions or choices have led to disappointment or a sense of betrayal, affecting your connection. Perhaps a family member made a decision without considering its impact on you, or a friend shared something in confidence that was then betrayed. Such actions can fracture trust and create emotional distance, challenging the foundation of your relationship and requiring time and effort to rebuild.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords in the external influences position means that setbacks or betrayals in the workplace or in financial dealings are leading to stress and disappointment. This could be the result of a trusted colleague taking credit for your work, a business partnership falling through due to dishonesty, or unexpected financial losses that jeopardize your stability. These situations test your resilience and force you to reevaluate your strategies and relationships in professional and financial contexts.

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Reversed Three of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that healing from past heartbreak or overcoming betrayal is becoming a significant factor in your current situation. This shift may be due to your own internal work, like therapy or self-reflection, which helps you process and move beyond the pain. It might also indicate the presence of supportive individuals in your life who provide the empathy and understanding necessary for you to heal, suggesting a transition from a period of sorrow to one of acceptance and growth.

The Three of Swords reversed as external influences can represent people such as individuals who are facilitating your healing process or those who are making amends for past hurts. This could be a friend or family member who stands by you, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on, or even someone from your past who seeks to rectify their wrongs, acknowledging their part in your pain and helping to mend the rift between you. These influences are crucial in transforming your experience from one of suffering to one of healing.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords reversed as external influences means that the relationship is beginning to recover from previous misunderstandings or pains, moving towards reconciliation and healing. This recovery might be prompted by mutual efforts to communicate more openly and honestly, or by seeking external help such as couples therapy. It indicates a pivotal moment where both partners are willing to work through their issues, prioritizing the health and future of their relationship over the scars of the past.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that both parties are starting to heal from the pain of the breakup, potentially leading to forgiveness and closure. This healing process could be facilitated by an honest conversation that allows both individuals to express their feelings and grievances, or it could be a more personal journey where each person comes to terms with the end of the relationship on their own. Either way, this card signifies a movement towards letting go of bitterness and embracing peace.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that resolving past conflicts and healing old wounds are improving your relationship. This improvement could stem from an apology or a series of discussions that address the root causes of your issues, allowing both sides to understand and forgive. It highlights the importance of facing difficult emotions and taking responsibility for one’s actions as steps towards reconciliation and a stronger bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that recovery from professional setbacks or financial losses is underway, indicating a period of healing and rebuilding. This could be the result of adopting new strategies, learning from past mistakes, or receiving support from mentors or colleagues who offer guidance and encouragement. It signifies a turning point where you are able to leave behind the challenges that once seemed insurmountable, moving forward with greater wisdom and resilience.

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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.