TarotCraft Lesson 204.03: The 3 of Swords

The 3 of Swords Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

You have been dealt heartache or illness.  This does not necessarily mean the end, but things do need to change.  When the 3 of Swords appears in a reading, it’s letting you know that something isn’t working, usually through experiencing blocks and delays. 

Image Description

Rain pours from gray storm clouds, against a gray sky. A red heart is pierced by three silver swords, points facing down.
 
Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: No
 
Amplified by: The Queen of Swords, Justice
Amplifier for: The Queen of Swords, Justice
 
Zodiac/Element: Saturn in Libra
Dates: 3 October to 12 October
 
Traditional Name: Sorrow
Traditional Meaning: Removal, absence, delay, division, rupture, dispersion, and all that the design signifies naturally, being too simple and obvious to call for specific enumeration. Reversed: Mental alienation, error, loss, distraction, disorder, confusion.  
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

You have been dealt heartache or illness.  This does not necessarily mean the end, but things do need to change.  When the 3 of Swords appears in a reading, it’s letting you know that something isn’t working, usually through experiencing blocks and delays.
 
Keep the lines of communication open. You don’t have to agree with your opponents (nor they with you), but treat them honestly and kindly for the best outcome.
 
In a relationship reading, it’s likely to mean divorce or a severe setback.  Healing is possible, but it will be a long and painful road to get there with the end result not guaranteed. This is an opportunity to get to know the other more deeply, and build bridges to understanding.
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

When reversed, difficulties are receeding.  There is still a long way to go to either get over what has happened or learn to manage with the new normal.
 
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge
 
Gift 
 
The Gift of the 3 of Swords is that this is a lesson that never needs to be repeated. This is a profound lesson that can be mastered, leading to personal evolution. 
 
Invitation 
 
The Invitation of the 3 of Swords is growth through pain. This is the time to find a good therapist, a support group or just start journaling your feelings and thoughts.  
 
Challenge 
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The Challenge of the 3 of Swords is to let go. You are holding onto the blade of the sword in your refusal to let go and move, therefore being the instrument of your own pain. What are you holding onto that is causing pain and needs to be released? 
 
Click here for the next lesson 204.04 The 4 of Swords
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Click here for the previous lesson 204.02 The 2 of Swords