Three of Swords as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that heartbreak, emotional pain, or disappointment may be causing difficulties. This card symbolizes emotional turmoil, suggesting that you might be struggling with feelings of sorrow, disappointment, or heartache. Overcoming these emotional hurdles will require acknowledging this pain and seeking ways to heal and move forward.

The Three of Swords as an obstacle or challenge can represent confronting emotional turmoil or working through past hurts. This card signals that you may need to face past disappointments or emotional wounds head-on. By doing so, you can begin to process these emotions, learn from them, and eventually find the strength to overcome these challenges.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Three of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that emotional baggage or unresolved feelings may create hurdles in forming a connection. If you’re considering a new relationship, this card suggests that unresolved emotional issues from the past could interfere with your ability to forge a new bond. Addressing these feelings and working towards emotional healing will be crucial for the potential partnership to succeed.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Three of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that addressing emotional pain and fostering open communication will be vital for the relationship to heal and grow. This card suggests that the relationship may be experiencing a period of heartache or disappointment. Open communication about these feelings, along with efforts towards mutual understanding and healing, will be necessary for the relationship’s growth and recovery.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that reflecting on the emotional pain caused by the past relationship can provide valuable insights for future relationships. This card encourages you to examine the emotional distress linked to the previous relationship, as these reflections can offer important lessons. Understanding and learning from these experiences can help you navigate future relationships more effectively.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that managing emotions and overcoming disappointments will be essential for success. This card indicates that you may be experiencing disappointments or setbacks in your professional or financial life. However, learning to manage these emotional responses and finding ways to bounce back from these disappointments will be key to achieving success.

Reversed Three of Swords as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that healing, forgiveness, or moving on from past emotional pain is needed. This card in its reversed position implies that there may be unresolved emotional issues that need to be addressed. The process of healing may involve accepting past pain, forgiving oneself or others, and taking steps to move beyond these emotional wounds.

The Three of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent the process of emotional recovery or finding closure. This card suggests that you may be in the midst of healing from past emotional distress, and part of this journey involves seeking closure. Acknowledging your feelings and allowing yourself to fully process and learn from them can aid in your emotional recovery.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Three of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that healing past emotional wounds and learning to trust again will be important in forming a strong connection. This card suggests that unresolved emotions from past relationships might interfere with forming a new bond. Therefore, addressing these issues and working towards emotional healing and trust will be significant steps in establishing a successful relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Three of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that working together to overcome emotional pain and practicing forgiveness will be crucial for the relationship to flourish. This card indicates that there may be lingering emotional distress within the relationship. By addressing these issues together, practicing forgiveness, and focusing on healing, the relationship can move towards a healthier dynamic.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that focusing on personal growth and healing from past emotional wounds can provide valuable insights for future relationships. Reflecting on and healing from past emotional pain can lead to personal growth and valuable lessons for the future. Understanding these experiences can provide important insights for navigating future relationships more effectively.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that resilience and emotional healing will be key to overcoming setbacks and achieving success. This card suggests that you may have faced disappointments or setbacks, but it also indicates that resilience and healing from these experiences will be crucial. By focusing on emotional recovery, learning from these setbacks, and maintaining resilience, you can navigate towards success in your career or financial endeavors.

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.