Three of Swords as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that there might have been heartbreaking events or disappointments, a period marked with grief and sorrow. It could indicate times where you felt a deep sense of loss, a mourning for what could have been. Despite the pain, it was also a time for personal growth, where through navigating the rough waters of emotional turmoil, you started building a stronger, more resilient self, prepared to face future challenges with a wiser perspective.

The Three of Swords as the past can represent a time of emotional pain, perhaps betrayal or loss that brought deep learning and understanding through suffering. It was a period that tested your inner strength and possibly pushed you to your limits. Yet, through enduring this difficult time, you acquired a deeper understanding of yourself and the dynamics of relationships, which, while painful, enriched your inner world and equipped you with a newfound wisdom to approach situations with more depth and empathy.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords in the past position means the relationship faced trials and heartaches, possibly separations or betrayals that caused deep wounds. This phase was characterized by deep emotional turmoil, where trust was tested and bonds strained. Through this trying period, the relationship underwent significant transformations, with an opportunity for both partners to grow and learn from the heartaches, potentially building a stronger foundation rooted in understanding and empathy if they navigated the storm successfully.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords in the past position means that the relationship had painful endings or misunderstandings that led to heartbreak and separation. The situations that unfolded might have left scars that took time to heal, with memories that carried both sweetness and bitterness. Through this painful journey, there was also a process of learning and personal development, where you gained a deeper understanding of what you value in relationships, helping to shape your future endeavors in love, bringing with it a deeper understanding of your own needs and boundaries.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords in the past position means the relationship experienced periods of sorrow, possibly due to misunderstandings, conflicts, or separations. These events might have brought about a series of challenging conversations and strained dynamics, pushing the relationship to a point of reevaluation. It was a time where both parties had to work through grievances, perhaps leading to a deeper understanding and a stronger bond if the issues were addressed and worked through with love and understanding.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords in the past position means there were setbacks, perhaps losses or disappointments that brought about deep learning through challenges. This phase might have been marked by strenuous efforts that didn’t yield the expected results, bringing about a sense of disappointment and loss. However, through navigating these challenges, you were offered the opportunity to grow and learn, to build a richer understanding of your career path and to hone your skills and strategies for a more fruitful future, utilizing the lessons derived from past experiences to foster growth and development.

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Reversed Three of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that there was a period of healing and recovery, where you started to mend your heart and move past the pain and disappointments. This period marked a significant shift in your emotional landscape, as you learned to release the heavy burdens that were holding you back, choosing to foster a sense of renewal and hope. With time, you started to see the silver linings, recognizing the growth and strength that emerged from overcoming such a turbulent phase, and embarking on a journey toward a brighter future.

The Three of Swords reversed as the past can represent a time of forgiveness and releasing old wounds, a time where you embarked on a journey of healing, letting go of resentments and heartaches. It was an essential and nourishing period where you gave yourself the gift of forgiveness, possibly rediscovering peace and harmony within yourself. As you released the pains of the past, a new space opened up — one filled with potential for fresh starts and new beginnings, embracing the lessons learned with grace and newfound wisdom.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Three of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a time of healing and reconciliation, where both parties worked to mend the broken bonds and foster a more harmonious connection. It suggests a deep commitment to understanding and nurturing the relationship back to health through open communication and understanding. By actively choosing to heal and come together, you created an environment of trust and mutual respect, fostering a deeper and more enriching connection that could potentially stand the test of time.

If you are asking about an ex, the Three of Swords reversed in the past position means that the painful experiences and heartbreak have started to heal, allowing for personal growth and a better understanding of each other’s boundaries. This period initiated a kind of transformation, where learning and growth took the front seat, guiding you both to develop a more mature perspective on love and relationships. Even though the journey might have been painful, it was an invaluable time of learning to understand oneself and others better, to cultivate self-respect, and to understand the dynamics of a healthy relationship.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Three of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a phase of forgiveness and healing, where relationships started to mend through understanding and compassion. This period bore witness to nurturing conversations and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives, helping to bridge gaps and heal old wounds. It was a precious time where bonds could have strengthened, creating a deeper and more enriching relationship built on mutual respect and understanding, leading to a happier and healthier connection.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Three of Swords reversed in the past position means there was recovery from setbacks and disappointments, a period of healing and regaining stability in your career path. As you navigated this time of recovery, you likely found new ways to approach your work, leveraging the lessons from past experiences to build a more robust and sustainable future. This time would have also fostered a deeper understanding of your professional strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to strategize and plan with a more informed perspective, ready to seize new opportunities with renewed energy and optimism.

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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.