Three of Swords as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that you are confronting a period of heartache, betrayal, or loss that, while painful, could lead to important emotional growth and clarity. This card acknowledges the sorrow and challenges you are facing or may soon encounter, but it also suggests that such experiences are integral to your personal development. Through navigating these difficulties, you have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships, fostering resilience and a clearer vision of what you truly value.

The Three of Swords as fears can represent the fear of experiencing deep emotional pain, betrayal, or the harsh truth about a situation. This fear is a natural response to the anticipation of hurt or the unveiling of uncomfortable realities that could challenge your perceptions and emotional stability. It highlights the vulnerability that comes with forming deep connections and the courage required to face potential heartaches, emphasizing the importance of healing and self-care in the aftermath of such revelations.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you may be fearing or experiencing emotional pain, conflict, or betrayal within the relationship. This card points to a critical moment where issues of trust, fidelity, and mutual respect are tested, urging you to confront these challenges with honesty and openness. It serves as a reminder that, while such experiences can be deeply wounding, they also offer opportunities for growth and strengthening the bond if both partners are committed to healing and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are dealing with the painful aftermath of the relationship, fearing further heartache or unresolved issues may still affect you. This reflects the process of grappling with the lingering effects of the breakup, including feelings of loss, regret, and unresolved anger or sadness. It underscores the need for closure and personal healing, suggesting that moving forward requires acknowledging and processing these emotions rather than ignoring them.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords in the hopes and fears position means there is fear or experience of deep hurt, misunderstandings, or betrayals that may be hard to reconcile. This situation calls for open communication and a willingness to address the root causes of the discord, recognizing that the path to healing may be complex and require time and patience. It highlights the delicate nature of trust and the effort needed to rebuild it when it’s been damaged.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you may be experiencing or fearing significant disappointment, setbacks, or conflicts within your professional life. This could manifest as unmet expectations, disagreements with colleagues or superiors, or the realization that your current path is not fulfilling. It encourages a reassessment of your career goals and strategies, advocating for resilience and adaptability in the face of professional challenges, and the pursuit of opportunities that align more closely with your values and aspirations.

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Reversed Three of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that you are beginning the healing process from heartache or betrayal, finding resolution and closure, and moving past pain. This card indicates a shift towards emotional recovery, suggesting that you are ready to address and work through the pain rather than avoiding it. It signifies a time of inner work, where understanding and forgiveness (of self and others) become key to overcoming past hurts and moving forward with a lighter heart.

The Three of Swords reversed as fears can represent the fear of not fully healing from emotional wounds or the possibility of unresolved issues resurfacing and causing further pain. This concern highlights the anxiety that the healing journey might be incomplete or that past traumas could have a lasting impact, undermining current happiness or peace. It underscores the importance of thorough emotional processing and the need for patience with oneself through the healing process, acknowledging that true healing often takes time and may involve revisiting painful memories to truly let them go.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means there is a possibility for healing and reconciliation after a period of pain, though fear of reopening old wounds exists. This card reflects the delicate balance between wanting to mend a relationship and the apprehension that addressing past issues might reignite past conflicts. It encourages careful navigation of the healing process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to healing and growth.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are on the path to healing from past hurt and moving on, but you fear the process might uncover more pain. This indicates a readiness to leave the past behind and focus on personal growth, yet there’s concern that delving into past emotions could reveal deeper wounds. It suggests that healing is indeed possible, but it may require confronting uncomfortable truths and emotions to truly free oneself from the past’s hold.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are working towards forgiveness and healing from past conflicts, with an underlying fear that the relationship may never fully recover. This card points to efforts made to mend fences and rebuild trust, yet there’s an awareness that some scars may remain visible, affecting the relationship’s dynamics. It highlights the value of forgiveness and open-hearted communication in healing relationships, while acknowledging the complexity of fully overcoming past hurts.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are starting to recover from professional setbacks or disappointments, though you may fear the impact of these issues on your future career trajectory. This signifies a period of reflection and rebuilding, where lessons learned from past challenges inform future decisions and strategies. However, there’s apprehension about whether past difficulties might have long-term consequences, underscoring the need for resilience, adaptability, and a forward-looking perspective to navigate the path ahead successfully.

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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.