The Three of Swords As Feelings in Love (upright & reversed)

Their feelings for you seem to be tangled up with sadness or pain. Since you’re asking about a new connection or crush, it’s quite possible that they’re still carrying heartbreak from something that happened before you even met them. Sometimes those lingering emotions get mixed in with new attraction. At the same time, this card can also point to a moment of disappointment or sadness they’ve already experienced with you. Maybe something small that stung more than you realized, or a misunderstanding that left a trace. Either way, the feelings here are layered, suggesting that what they feel isn’t only about the present but also about what they’ve gone through before.

They feel some kind of pain when it comes to you. This can be the heavy weight of heartbreak when something truly devastating has happened, but it can also point to the everyday disappointments. Moments where someone doesn’t feel fully seen, valued or appreciated. If times have been challenging, this card suggests they are still in the midst of processing what hurts. It’s important to remember, though, that the sadness they feel doesn’t always originate in the relationship itself. Still, the impact is real, and at this point their feelings are so colored by pain that it may be difficult for them to connect with much else.

It seems as though they are still heartbroken about the way things ended. The pain has not been fully processed yet. Thinking of you or your relationship is still tangled up with sadness, loss, betrayal or simply the pain of you leaving or the relationship not working out. Right now it’s hard for them to access any softer emotions underneath the pain. They may still care deeply, but right now the grief overshadows it. When it comes to reconciliation, this card suggests that healing would need to come first. The possibility for a fresh start isn’t ruled out, but it depends on whether both of you are ready to face what still feels unresolved.

Here are some of the traditional interpretations of The Three of Swords in love and relationships when it shows up reversed:

• they are avoiding pain and deny their feelings
• they suppress their emotions and bottle things up
• they are resisting to move on and are clinging to old wounds
• they experience lingering sadness beneath the surface

On a positive note, The Three of Swords reversed can suggest:

• they are healing after heartbreak, recovering from loss or betrayal
• they aim for reconciliation and making amends
• they are in the process of releasing sorrow or grief
• forgiveness is on their mind and they want to let go of resentment

Are you dreading when reversed cards appear in a tarot reading? No need to worry – let me explain: First of all, did you know that many professional tarot readers choose to not work with reversed cards? Read my article about “Why I (almost) never read reversed cards” here. Moreover, read this article on “How To Read Reversed Tarot Cards” like a pro!

There is absolutely no right or wrong way of going about this, and including reversed cards in your readings can absolutely make sense. However, especially if you’re just starting out, know that many well established tarot professionals don’t feel the need to include them or assign special meaning to them.