The Three of Swords reversed tells us that it’s time to stop turning ourselves over and inflicing wounds into the heart. We ultimately have the choice.
The Three of Swords Reversed
Immediately this card feels ‘off’ and of concern. Are you being betrayed by someone? Have you experienced such hardships before? Such events can feel like a sword into the heart – or in this case – 3 of them.
Being the victim of such devastation will undoubltly bring you down. Whether that’s for a moment or a prolonged time in your life, it’s a tough place to be in. Emotions that individuals feel are charactestically of brokenness, regret, anxiety and utter sadness.
With any cards in the Rider Waite series, you really have two ways to view the Three of Swords reversed tarot. One is the present analysis and the other is the optimistic future. Understanding both is important.
Card analysis
When we look at the card, it’s clear what it means. The swords have gone in deep and were targetted. There is no denying that this was a co-ordinated attack.
You can feel lost, helplessness and distraut and indeed, many do. It’s a deep wound from a broken heart. Such negative energy seems over-bearing to handle, but there is light.
“Really? Light?! Among this chaos!” – Yes, there is.
We all have a choice. On the surface it might appear this card is a representation of external attacks, but what if it’s actually internal? What if you brought this upon yourself? What if?
Personal responsibility is a tough and touchy subject. We all want to believe that it was someone else’s fault. That we are merely victims of circumstance. The “woe is me” thought comes to mind.
And it could very well be true. Someone else could have inflicted such wounds. Perhaps that was recently or perhaps years ago in our childhood. For some, it’s even past-life experiences.
The fortunate part of being human though, is that there is always a way forward. We are inheritly creatures of progress. We can continue to keep the swords right there, or take the other option.
Our personal power
We all know that we’re not living up to our true potential. Even if we “give it our all”, we’re often less than 50% of our true maximum. It’s a tough pill to swallow.
Now, we don’t physically have to strive to heal. Instead, we can start with practicing forgiveness to ourselves and those who have impacted us. This is true personal power.
That negative energy is magnified when we hold on to blame. Refusing to forgive those who have wronged us will undoubtly cause us to carry such toxins around our auras and spiritual self for days, months or even years.
Now let’s think about it: Lacking forgiveness leads to world wars and conflict. Nelson Mandela on the other hand chose forgiveness which unified the soul of South Africa, despite having every reason to hate his oppressors.
Essentially, it’s time to let those swords go. As we see on the card, they’re suspended. They can literally fall out as there’s nothing holding them in. The swords are heavier than the heart…and the heart just has to let go.
From here, true healing can begin. In fact, much of it would have already been done.
The new light
Reversing the three of swords tarot card has another meaning that isn’t so obvious. It’s a chance to move into a new light. By being a shining example, we can assist in the healing of others.
This new light is joy, happiness and harmony. Such feelings can be shared with those who have harmed us in the past. In most cases, the harming was our own selves internally.
Our hearts are built to be strong. They’re designed to be hurt and return stronger.
But how do they recover through such adversity? Through unconditional love, forgiveness and harmony with ourselves.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
