The Three of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the third card of the Suit of Swords. It comes after the Two of Swords. It is the embodiment of a sorrow and loss that seems to be without end.
The Symbolism of the Three of Swords Tarot Card
This card is represented by a heart that has been pierced by three swords. There is no landscape present in this card. The background is simply ominous clouds, and it is obvious that the rain is falling heavily.
The General Interpretation of the Three of Swords Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the purest and deepest of sorrows. What form this takes will differ, but it is usually some form of loss. Everyone experiences loss differently, feeling losses in different areas of their life with differing intensities.
For some, this sorrow will come from the loss of a valued career. For others, it might be the loss of material things that have great sentimental value. It could also represent the dissolution of a marriage or longtime relationship and in some instances, it may even indicate loss relating to death or illness.
The Three of Swords is not a card that should induce panic; it is simply a warning that this situation will occur, and that it must be dealt with, not avoided.
The Inner Meaning of the Three of Swords in Tarot
The Three of Swords is the image of the kind of sorrow that tears at the heart, leaves one vulnerable and feeling as if the world will never be put right. It is a card that indicates that this sorrow will leave one in the pits of despair. It may leave the individual feeling as if there is no way out, no relief from the feelings tearing through the heart. The Three of Swords is generally considered a negative card, with its connection to loss.
However, this card is not without hope. The night is darkest before the dawn, and so this sorrow must be felt and experienced for closure to come. The Three of Swords promises that if this unending sorrow is dealt with, if closure can be found, then relief will come. It will not be immediate, for grieving takes time, but the darkness cannot last forever.
The Four of Swords follows this card.
If you are one of the many Tarot readers who chooses to read upside down cards as having their own special meanings, then the Two of Swords in its reversed position indicates a stalemate situation is coming to an end. You'll soon be able to pursue goals and ambitions without immediate problems. In addition, someone may travel away soon, bringing you a feeling a relief and release. Don't feel guilty for feeling this way.
The Two of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the second card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Ace of Swords. It is the embodiment of meditation and intuition.
The Symbolism of the Two of Swords Tarot Card
This card is represented by a woman who is seated by the sea. She is blindfolded, and balances two swords across her shoulders. They are crossed much as they were in the Justice card of the Major Arcana. Above the woman, a crescent moon shines brightly in the sky. Her expression is one of serenity and calmness.
The General Interpretation of the Two of Swords Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a link to the strength of intuition. The blindfold indicates that the woman is not relying any external stimuli, and the sea, representing intuition and emotion, shows exactly what she is relying on. She is connected to the subconscious mind, and to deeper thoughts and feelings than most people experience.
Unlike in the Justice card, the Two of Swords does not indicate retribution or rewards. Rather, it is the seeking of balance, of making decisions that are moral and just. This card suggests that bringing harmony, both within and without, is the ultimate goal.
The Inner Meaning of the Two of Swords in Tarot
The Two of Swords is the image of balance, meditation, and harmony. This woman is in control, and her discipline suggests that she placed the blindfold on herself. This is perhaps done to heighten her other senses, and give her a greater advantage in her task. She may be blind in her current situation, but she is also safe and centered. This woman is unconcerned about her vulnerability.
Though she holds two powerful weapons, this card is not a threatening one. Instead, it is one of calmness and serenity, and of total and complete balance. This is a card of meditation and reflection, not action. The swords point in opposite directions, possibly suggesting that she is holding the power they represent in check until she discovers which direction she should move.
Though the Two of Swords suggests confusion, it also implies that with careful thought, meditation, and reflection, an answer can be found. Immediate action would be a mistake. This is a time of contemplation, a time to find the right path.
The Three of Swords follows this card.
Approximately half of all Tarot readers choose to read any cards appearing upside down in a Tarot spread as having reversed meanings. If you are one of them, then the Ace of Swords in its reversed position is a mild version of the same card in its upright position. The reversed or negative meaning is much the same as its upright meaning, although perhaps milder in its effects. You are advised against going to far or being too critical of others.
