Three of Swords tarot card from the 1909 Rider–Waite–Smith deck

Three of Swords

Upright
heartbreak, grief, painful truth
Reversed
healing, forgiveness, recovery
Yes or no
No (reversed: not yet clear)

The image

Three swords pierce a red heart against a grey, rainy sky. It is one of the clearest images of sorrow in the deck.

Upright meaning

In general

Pain or a painful truth is present. Allow yourself to feel it; healing begins with honesty.

In love

Heartbreak, separation or hurtful words. Be gentle with yourself.

At work

Disappointment or hurtful criticism.

With money

A painful financial setback.

Reversed meaning

In general

You are healing from past pain. Forgiveness and release are possible.

In love

Recovery after heartbreak.

At work

Moving past a disappointment.

With money

Recovery begins.

Want to see what the cards say for you?