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A red heart hangs in the air, pierced by three swords, beneath grey clouds and falling rain. Three of Swords
Swords

Three of Swords

heartbreakgriefsorrow

A painful truth or loss may be felt deeply. Allow yourself to grieve; this storm will pass.

Love Hurt or disappointment in love needs honest care.

European sweetbrier (eglantine) · Greenaway 1884: Sweetbrier, European, "I wound to heal."
Symbols in the glass
  • Pierced heart emotional pain or heartbreak
  • Three swords hard truths or painful words
  • Rain grief and cleansing
  • Grey clouds a temporary storm

A red heart hangs in the air, pierced by three swords, beneath grey clouds and falling rain.

Deeper lore
Element
Air
Astrology
Saturn in Libra (decan 10-20°)
Dates
3 Oct to 12 Oct
Golden Dawn title
Lord of Sorrow
Number
Three, expression: a hard truth spoken or felt, pain that brings understanding.
Names
Three of Swords · Trois d'Épées · 宝剑三
Waite, 1911

Waite: "removal, absence, delay, division, rupture, dispersion". Reversed: "mental alienation, error, loss, distraction, disorder, confusion".

What does your heart need to begin healing?

Ask Iris about this card

For reflection and entertainment. Meanings follow the Smith-Waite tradition.