Three of Swords Reversed Tarot Card Meaning
General Interpretation
Getting Three of Swords reversed in a reading hints at you healing from profound heartbreak, but with scars lingering in the aftermath. Where the upright version suggests acute emotional pain and grief, the reversed position hints at recovery, although the process may be messy, slow or incomplete for a while. The Three of Swords reversed can also hint at avoidance of a situation because you want to avoid pain, delay grief, or refusing to acknowledge hurt that someone has afflicted on you.
Here we explore what Three of Swords reversed means in specific contexts.
3 of Swords Reversed Love and Relationships
Getting the Three of Swords reversed when asking about your love life as a single person suggests that a painful chapter in your life is fading into the past, but your healing is still in progress. Old wounds may resurface as you navigate your love life as a single person. Or, you may be reluctant to fully let go of someone from the past. Past breakups and betrayals could be casting a lingering shadow on you today.
When asking about a new or potential relationship as a single person, the Three of Swords reversed warns of emotional walls from one or both of you. Pain from the past may be rearing its ugly hand and it could be affecting your willingness to be vulnerable in this connection. An honest conversation with your partner is key to breaking down these barriers.
When asking about your current relationship, the Three of Swords reversed indicates lingering resentment or wounds that have yet to heal from past conflict. You may also be avoiding tough conversations with your partner in order to avoid potential fallout. This card is a gentle reminder to address issues head on with compassion in order to maintain the relationship into the future.
When asking about your ex partner, the Three of Swords reversed suggests that while the worst of the grief is over from the breakup, you may still be sad, angry and clinging to potential “what ifs”. Three of Swords reversed suggests it’s time to accept the end of this relationship instead of holding out for reconciliation, which will likely not happen at this point in time.
When asking about your crush, the Three of Swords reversed suggests that your feelings for this person may currently be unreciprocated. Or, one or both of you may be afraid of making a move out of a fear of rejection due to past experiences. Protecting your heart too tightly may prevent something that you truly value from flourishing with this person. It’s okay to let your guard down. If they’re not interested? No problem, someone else is.
When asking about your child, the Three of Swords reversed suggests they may be struggling with emotional pain. This could be due to a friendship fallout, family drama, or bullying in academic settings. They may be hiding their pain from you, so it might not be immediately obvious. You’re being advised to create a safe space for them to process their feelings and open up to you.
Getting Three of Swords reversed when asking about your current friendship indicates a slow recovery from a prior falling out or betrayal. Trust may be rebuilding, but it’s a slow, arduous process. The friendship is currently in a fragile state, where one small thing can shatter the whole thing. Alternatively, you may be suppressing hurt from this person in order to keep the peace. This will only lead to resentment on your part in the long-term.
Getting Three of Swords reversed when asking about a former friend suggests the pain from the fallout with this person has dulled, but it’s not been fully resolved. You’re being asked to forgive, either yourself of them, as the final step in finally moving on. If you’re wanting to rekindle, it’s unlikely to happen as scars from pain have coalesced on your heart, which will lead to issues down the line.
Getting Three of Swords reversed when asking about your enemy suggests the power this person has over your emotional state is waning. You’re moving past the impact this person has on you, even though you may still be feeling the sting of their actions. Three of Swords reversed is a gentle reminder not to give this person space in your head.
3 of Swords Career and Money
When asking about a potential job or career, Three of Swords reversed suggests that past career-related failures or rejections may be holding you back from pursuing this path. Three of Swords reversed is a gentle reminder not to let past hurts and rejections mar your ability to chase your dreams in the present. The only thing worse than disappointment is the fear of disappointment.
Getting Three of Swords reversed when asking about your current job or career suggests you’re currently in the recovery phase after a professional setback. You may have faced harsh criticism, workplace drama, a missed opportunity for promotion, or were recently let go from a position. You’ve learned your lessons, but you may still need some time to rebuild your self-confidence.
Looking to start a new business? Three of Swords reversed in a reading about a possible business idea is a warning against letting past failures define your future going forward. You’re being asked to analyze what went wrong before, and correct your mistakes. It’s imperative you don’t let your fear paralyze your ambition. This business idea can work, but not if your mental is blocking the way forward.
Getting Three of Swords reversed when asking about your current business suggests you’re currently in the recovery phase following a reputational or other business blow. Perhaps you had gotten poor reviews, or market forces were dragging your financials down. Whatever it was, you’re moving past that phase now, and adaptability will help you bounce back stronger and quicker.
When asking about your money and finances, the Three of Swords reversed suggests financial stress from past mistakes may still be weighing on you heavily today. You may be in the recovery phase from significant debt or a bad investment you had made. Whatever it was, it’s important for you to focus on rebuilding in the present, rather than dwelling on what was lost.
3 of Swords Pregnancy
When asking about a possible pregnant, the Three of Swords reversed indicates healing from a past loss. or a fear of that same loss repeating itself in the present. Emotional readiness is just as important as physical readiness when it comes to pregnancy. If you’re asking whether you’re currently pregnant, the answer is likely no. Emotional recovery should take precedence right now.