The three swords piercing the heart may be one of the most iconic images in the tarot. Quite often, the background is a dark and stormy sky.
The Three of Swords is a warning that heartache is very likely. There may be an impending separation. More than a few tears will be shed before it's all over. A less ominous interpretation of this card is simply being under the weather.
3 of Swords Upright Keywords: heartache, loss, separation, sickness
Seeing the Three of Swords reversed can indicate that things have already gotten as bad as they are going to get—so the only place to go from here is up. You are at a place where healing can start. Take time to acknowledge where you’ve been hurt. It’s the best way to move on.
3 of Swords Reversed Keywords: stopping the bleeding, darkest before the dawn, acknowledge the pain, begin healing
