Three of Swords as Future (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 Future

If you are asking about the future, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that you might face heartache or separation from something you hold dear. This card encourages you to brace yourself for potential emotional turbulence that may come your way, suggesting a time of introspection and healing might follow. However, remember that it is through facing these challenging moments that we often find growth and deeper understanding, laying the foundations for more stable and secure futures.

The Three of Swords as the future can represent a necessary but painful truth emerging. This card signifies a period where you might have to confront realities that are hard to bear but are essential for your personal growth. It is a call to face these truths with courage and the understanding that, even though it is a painful process, it will ultimately lead to a clearer, more authentic pathway forward, where you can build with honesty and clarity.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords in the future position means potential hardships and heartbreak may be ahead. It can indicate a period where the relationship faces trials, perhaps involving disagreements or misunderstandings that test the strength of the bond. It is essential during this time to maintain open communication and to work together to navigate these challenges, seeking understanding and empathy to foster healing and to possibly prevent a deeper heartbreak.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords in the future position means lingering pain and the possible resurfacing of past conflicts. This card warns that old wounds might reopen, bringing with them a wave of sadness and regret. It encourages you to approach this period with wisdom, perhaps seeking closure and healing instead of re-entering a cycle of pain — use this time to reflect on the past with a clear mind and to understand what is best for your emotional wellbeing moving forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords in the future position means a difficult situation or disagreement might arise. This suggests that a sensitive topic or underlying issue could surface, potentially leading to a fallout or strained relations. It will be crucial to approach conversations with compassion and understanding during this period — working through the issue patiently might pave the way for a stronger bond and deeper understanding between you and your loved ones.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords in the future position means possible setbacks or disputes that can lead to distress. This could involve challenges such as workplace conflicts or project setbacks that test your resilience and patience. It encourages you to maintain a level head, navigating these challenges with diplomacy and professionalism — remember that through perseverance and collaboration, it is possible to overcome these hurdles and find a way to succeed.

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Reversed Three of Swords as Future

If you are asking about the future, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that healing and recovery from past hurts is on the horizon. This card comes with a message of hope, signifying that the turbulent times you have been facing are beginning to settle, opening the way for more peaceful and joyous days ahead. It encourages you to embrace this healing energy, to let go of past grievances, and to look forward to a future filled with more understanding and love, as you step into a period where your heart finds the comfort and peace it deserves.

The Three of Swords reversed as the future can represent the easing of pain and the beginning of the healing process. It signals a time when you can breathe a little easier, knowing that the worst is behind you and a period of recuperation and rejuvenation is approaching. The card advises you to take this time to foster self-compassion, allowing yourself the space to heal and to grow from the experiences, building a future grounded in self-understanding and forgiveness.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords reversed in the future position means potential for reconciliation or healing of wounds. This could indicate a period of understanding and forgiveness, where both parties work to rebuild trust and restore the bond that was once broken. It’s a time of coming back together, of open-hearted conversations and a mutual understanding that paves the way for a stronger, more loving relationship, built on the lessons learned from past experiences.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords reversed in the future position means you might find closure and start healing. This card signifies the potential to finally let go of lingering resentments and pains, finding a space of understanding and forgiveness for both yourself and your ex. It is an encouragement to find closure, to understand the lessons that the relationship brought into your life, and to move forward with a heart that is ready to heal and open to new possibilities.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords reversed in the future position means repairing relationships and mending broken bonds. This card comes with a message of renewal, where relationships that have been strained can find a new beginning grounded in understanding and empathy. It is a prompt to reach out, to communicate, and to build bridges of understanding, fostering a relationship that is stronger and more understanding than before, as you work together to heal past wounds and build a future grounded in love and respect.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords reversed in the future position means recovery from setbacks and moving towards harmony. This suggests that after a period of challenges and setbacks, a time of stability and positive developments is on the horizon, where harmony in the workplace is restored. It encourages you to keep pushing forward, to work with others collaboratively, and to embrace the new opportunities that come your way, stepping into a period of growth and success grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

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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.