Three of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Swords tarot card represents heartbreak, grief, and emotional pain.
This card is an encouragement to feel your feelings. The stormclouds in the background of the card are releasing rain. Rain is a natural part of the water cycles of nature, and the storm clears once the rain has finished falling. Let that be a guide for you to let yourself experience your natural emotional cycle.

The suit of Swords represents ideas, words, and thoughts. They swords are dramatically piercing the heart in this image. Words can hurt and your mind may be tormenting you right now. By letting your feelings release and resolve, the pain recedes and the situation can be put into perspective. But as long as you dwell on the thoughts, they will stay intense. Focus instead on your feelings and letting them flow.

If you are having trouble accessing or releasing your feelings, sometimes taking a walk in nature can give you the space you need to get in touch with yourself. Other people find an empathic resonance in listening to sad songs or watching heart-wrenching movies.
Find what works for you, and let yourself have the time and space to grieve your pain and disappointment. This process can’t be rushed.

The heart in the card floats in the air, ungrounded. This can represent a disconnect between you and your body, where your feelings live. This can actually increase their intensity, as your mind spins around in self-defeating cycles. The solution is to get into your body, whether through physical movement or mindfulness of the physical sensations in your body.

Grief isn’t about feeling sad forever. It’s about honoring your feelings and needs, accepting what is, and letting go, so you can move forward. If you feel stuck, seek support to help you process how you feel and find your resilience. You don’t have to suffer alone.