Three of Swords as Third Party (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 Third Party

If you are asking about a third-party situation, and you draw the Three of Swords, it means that heartbreak, emotional pain, or betrayal is deeply affecting the situation. This card represents a difficult and painful reality, where one or more people involved are experiencing deep emotional wounds. The presence of the Three of Swords suggests that trust has been broken, and sorrow is playing a major role in how events unfold.

The Three of Swords as third party suggests that the connection between them is full of sorrow, misunderstandings, or emotional wounds that may be difficult to heal. Even if there is a strong bond, this card indicates that the relationship is not free of suffering and may be built on a foundation of pain rather than joy. Conflicts, betrayals, or past heartbreaks could be weighing heavily on the connection, making it difficult for true happiness to exist.

If you are asking about the third party’s intentions, the Three of Swords indicates that they may be dealing with heartbreak themselves or unintentionally causing pain within the situation. They could be experiencing their own suffering, possibly feeling like they are caught in something that is destined to end painfully. Whether they are aware of it or not, their actions may be contributing to emotional distress for everyone involved.

If you are wondering if your person will leave the third party, the Three of Swords suggests that emotional turmoil is present, and a painful separation may be on the horizon. This card often indicates breakups or endings, especially when a relationship is built on deception, betrayal, or unhealed wounds. While the process may be painful, it suggests that someone will eventually have to face the truth and make a difficult choice.

If you are wondering where you stand in this situation, the Three of Swords indicates that you may be feeling hurt, betrayed, or caught in a painful love triangle that is difficult to navigate. It’s a sign that emotions are raw, and healing may take time before clarity and resolution can be found. The best course of action may be to focus on your own emotional well-being rather than staying in a situation that causes suffering.

For the future of this situation, the Three of Swords suggests that the most likely outcome is heartbreak, where emotional pain or separation becomes unavoidable. This card does not suggest an easy resolution, but rather a period of sorrow and disappointment that must be processed before healing can begin. The connection may not last, as deep wounds often lead to endings rather than growth.

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Reversed Three of Swords as Third Party

If you are asking about a third-party situation, and you draw the Three of Swords reversed, it means that healing, acceptance, or the release of pain is beginning to take place. Someone in the situation is starting to process their emotions, making peace with the heartbreak, and seeking a way forward. While the pain is still present, there is a conscious effort to let go and move toward emotional recovery.

The Three of Swords reversed as third party suggests that the connection between them is struggling to heal from past wounds, but there may be an effort to move forward. They could be trying to mend what was broken, but lingering pain and resentment may still be present. The reversal of this card suggests that while healing is possible, the process may be slow and require emotional honesty.

If you are asking about the third party’s intentions, the Three of Swords reversed indicates that they may be trying to let go of past hurt, make amends, or recover from emotional pain. They could be coming to terms with the reality of the situation and attempting to move forward in a healthier way. This could mean releasing resentment, accepting an ending, or working toward forgiveness.

If you are wondering if your person will leave the third party, the Three of Swords reversed suggests that they may be working through heartbreak and seeking closure before making a decision. They could be in the process of emotionally detaching but are not yet ready to take the final step. The reversal suggests that while they are moving in the direction of change, they may still have unresolved emotions holding them back.

If you are wondering where you stand in this situation, the Three of Swords reversed indicates that while pain is still present, healing is possible, and it may be time to release emotional burdens. It’s a sign that you may have the opportunity to move past heartbreak, but doing so will require inner strength and self-care. Choosing to focus on emotional recovery rather than remaining stuck in sorrow will help bring clarity.

For the future of this situation, the Three of Swords reversed suggests that the most likely outcome is gradual emotional recovery, where pain begins to ease, but scars may remain. The hurt from this situation will not disappear overnight, but time and emotional reflection can lead to acceptance and healing. Whether the connection continues or ends, the focus will shift toward finding peace rather than dwelling on heartbreak.

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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.