3 Card Tarot Reading

The Three Of Swords Tarot Meaning

I have seen this card pop up when a player has been in the house or someone close to you has really messed up and fucked stuff up. Okay, this may look super negative but this is about strength, in the face of challenging heartbreak problems. It is saying to me you have had to survive.

You have had to keep going in the face of everything that has been going on.

When the Three of Swords is present in your reading you are either having major stress at the moment or things you thought were happening did not turn out to how you envisaged them happening. This is a card that is symbolic of heart break, of betrayal and separation when it comes to relationships (sorry to say). There is a level of general upheaval that has been in your experience at this time. This is a challenging time of your life. 

The Three of Swords depicted in my Tarot decks (both Moondust and Flora) is an image of a heart that has been stabbed by three swords. The sky behind it is a melancholic storm and there is a feeling of unrest as a result of an upheaval in your environment. There is a level of argumentativeness in your life both with your friends and also with a romantic partner. Usually this card will present itself if you are in need of learning the lesson of letting go of that which does not serve you.

Ok here is the truth....we all have to deal with a level of heartache in our lives, whether someone has proved to be distrustful or whether you are just growing apart from a longtime friend. Life is nothing if not a cycle, and in this part of your life you are cycling out of something and moving into something else. This change, however, being that we humans tend to be extremely uncomfortable with change causes us to resist. The resistance of a mandatory change in relationship status with someone is inevitable and it is the fight, the resistance to say goodbye that causes the most strive.

Within this card there is wisdom because all things change from birth to death. Consider that your physical self, your internal organs, your skin, your muscles, are all constantly sloughing off and stimulating the new growth of cells in order to form and take the shape of the parts of our body that sustains us. If we had heartache every single time that our body went through this natural cycle, we would constantly be crying. In this, whenever a relationship goes through a big change, one way to think about this is that the change in an interaction or a connection is just as natural as the body’s physical processes. We are rocks, bumping into each other in a tumbler, making it possible for us to develop a shine.

The scratching and cracking against one another may hurt in the process, but in the end you become something deeper, more beautiful, with more sparkle then you would have had you stayed separate and alone in your own little rock garden. In this, the Three of Swords is recognizing the painful situation that you find yourself in and it is also giving you the added perspective that this pain is a natural part of life and you should not allow it to take you over completely. As we all know, the stormy clouds can only thrash about in the sky for so long, inevitably the sun must come out and shine down on us. The rain from the storm, watered the garden enabling more to grow. This is the perspective that must be kept if you feel as though you will never heal from this heart break. This situation is clearing the way for you to allow for bigger and better things. It may be hard for you to acknowledge at this time, so allow yourself to grieve over what you have lost, but come up with a time frame in which you should begin putting yourself back together again and then stick to it. Do not allow yourself to be broken forever.

Now is the time for you to learn how to be receptive to the circumstances that are in existence to change you. While you are in the healing process, you must refrain from participating in anything that makes you feel unhappy or unwell. Negative vibrations will only cause your sorrow to last longer. You must be gentle with yourself right now and do not put yourself in situations that will make you feel worse. Grieving is also a part of life and it is fair and good to honor this process by taking the time that you need to have some time out of your normal every day interactions. You have a strong ability to hone in on creativity at this time. Find a project that makes you feel good, as this will be very therapeutic for you.

The Three of Swords in Love

If you are single there is a possibility that you are still stuck in a perspective regarding a past love, which is making it very difficult for you to move forward into a new relationship. In a love reading the three of swords are associated with fear of loosing a partner, separation, love triangles, jealousy, divorce, arguments, miscarriage, wisdom, conflict and difficulties. As we covered in the paragraphs above the three of swords encompasses the picture of pain and heartbreak, in addition to grief and regret. In the centre of the card we see a beautiful heart which is broken and still pumping blood which implies that the pain of love is alive.

There could be a separation in love or parting of ways if this card is in the future position. Turning back to the image itself we can see the heart suspended in mid air. The rain pouring heavily behind the heart signifies ones tears and destruction. The swords themselves are representations of heartache. But do not lose faith! Even though the three of swords in a love reading is associated with separation and divorce only new beginnings can surface. In regards to love, it is important to analyse the three of swords in the journey of the tarot. Looking back at the two of swords we see either a woman or a man crossing their heart and is blinded to the truth. The two swords is a representation of protecting against heart pain, but in the three of swords we see the perception of pain coming to the surface.

This is a wake-up call card. If we approach life as a closed person, as depicted in the two of swords we will never be truly happy. We need to undertake the wisdom of the three of swords in order to find the foundation of love. Pain should not be feared, without pain we are not able to focus on the happy and content times in life. The separation highlighted in this card is required, the rain seen in the card can not only represent a difficult and challenging time in love but also the fact that with rain comes the necessary nourishment of change is on the horizon. The three of swords is a card that gets right down to the heart of the matter. Applying the card’s interpretation to love suggests that we need to let pain in our hearts, accept feelings and pull the three swords out of our heart and eventually heal. When this card is drawn in connection to your love life it indicates that you will surface as a stronger person emotionally. When you are in a relationship, then there is a level of upheaval present that you could be feeling, the three of swords has also been connected to possible infidelity of a partner. Are you being cheated on?

The key is to try to move through the pain of separation. If you are in a relationship, make sure that you are vocalizing your needs and boundaries, to you partner. Do not let the strife of a break up (if you are in the middle of one) affect your overall life experience. There is a warning in this card to not allow yourself to sink to low levels because you are feeling unhappy. Often, the pain is based on reality but at times the card can appear when we fear loosing a lover.

Three of Swords as Feelings

This is quite an interesting card when it comes to feelings. This can mean that people feel that they will be heartbroken by you. Maybe even they are out of the others league? This card suggests that this person will be anxious about you hurting them and this means you will hurt them. What you have said may have damaged the relationship. This, in a nutshell, is a card that represents hurting someone in communication.

The Three of Swords in Health

When the Three of Swords presents itself in your reading about Health there is going to be a level of disappointment that you are going to have to work through. This is a result of possible ill health. If you examine your health with care, it can lead to a better approach to get yourself back on track. This could be a challenging time because you really need to feel better, or you would like someone in your life to experience wellness. Unfortunately, this card is saying that there is more time required in order to feel healthy again. You need to get to the heart of the matter! Try to look at this from the perspective of a brief moment of life, everything will eventually pass. You must have faith now.

The Three of Swords in Work, Money and Wealth

When the Three of Swords appears in your reading regarding Work and Wealth you will not be get what you expected. You planned on receiving money or pursuing a business relationship and you are stuck in a cycle of perpetual drama which bears no fruit. Now is the time to grieve over the financial losses and come up with a new plan.

Reversed Meaning - Three Of Swords

When the 3 of Swords can appear in the reversed position, it is time for you to experience what it is like to be the peacemaker. Try not to allow yourself to get too stuck in your pride. If you need to apologize, then do so. Apologizing and righting the wrongs you have inflicted on others is good for your spirit and the 3 of Swords reversed shows that you need to have that experience to better your possibilities for the future.

Upright Three of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Separation
• Heartbreak
• Loneliness
• Feeling betrayed
• Hurting on the inside
• Hurting innocent souls
• Emotional pain

Reversed Three of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Complete mess
• Painful breakup
• Backstabbing
• Broken promise
• Asking for forgiveness
• Accepting the truth
• Overcoming heartbreak

The Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The balancing act of the tarot and the story that it tells is no more apparent than with the Nine of Cups.

Coming from a place of pain and moving on to new yet unsecured horizons seen in the Eight of Cups makes way for a hopeful and positive time in the Nine of Cups. It truly is one of the most positive cards in the deck and a welcome addition to any reading. When you see this card in your reading you can be glad that good things are coming your way.

The yellow background in the background of the Nine of Cups indicates happiness and emotional security. In the center of the card a man sits, arms crossed with satisfaction and before him nine filled cups. This truly is a wish-fulfillment card and it tells you that whatever you put your mind to that you are bound to get. It’s a very positive card in many rights and can influence many aspects of your life. The card is highly emotional and intellectual, showing satisfaction in both of these areas but it is also one of the few cards that are well rounded and reflects physical pleasure as well. Now is the time to act on what you want and keep a positive attitude, knowing that you can find success. You truly have to be able to believe to achieve!

The Nine of Cups in Love

Moving on from a dormant time in love, the Nine of Cups appears and offers you hope for new reunions and rekindling in relationships. Usually appearing during a recent change in a relationship when you are hoping for the best and it’s an excellent card speaking of building on what is already present. With this card showing up for someone who is currently in a relationship it states that now is a good time to show your desires and start to make plans for the future. It may not be time to talk about them yet, but that time will come soon.

For those of you looking for love, this is still a great card. With the possibilities open for you in this card, you should really be on the lookout for a new interest coming your way. The card also has strong indications that now it is a time to put yourself out there and show the world what you have to offer. You are in a good place emotionally but more importantly, a healthy place to be looking for love. You are aware of your own shortcomings as well as knowing your own worth. Luck is a good helper when it comes to finding love, but knowing how to market yourself is also key.

The Nine of Cups in Health

The Nine of Cups in health has a positive note, as in all other areas but specific to wellness there is also a warning. Because the card is so positive often there is reasons to celebrate and the card can indicate overindulging can be a health concern at this time. Be sure that while your life may be having turns for the better that you do not take your health for granted.

The Nine of Cups in Work and Wealth

The man on the Nine of Wands is a confident character and you should be too! With this card showing up in your reading there is a hint of smugness, like he knows the secret to success. Wishing and hoping for success is good but it isn’t going to get you all you want. Hard work, diligence, and knowing when to act are all part of good business practices. When the Nine of Cups card comes up it is likely that you are in a place where you can make things happen or yourself financially speaking whether it is finding a job that suits you, advancement, or knowing what to do with your money. Pay attention to remarkable opportunities and pounce! Don’t let a good thing slip through your fingers by being unsure. Go off of your instincts and make your dreams happen!

Nine of Cups Advice

When you draw the Nine of Cups in an advice reading you should take time to reflect on what you have and all that you should be grateful for. This card is often linked to materialism, and it may be suggesting you’ve become overly concerned with the things in your life, rather than the people around you. It can also refer to a state of prosperity and happiness, you likely have a lot to be pleased about right now. This message of advice can be read more as a reminder, sometimes we allow ourselves to enter a state of continual unfulfillment. Make sure you appreciate what you have and don’t wish it away too fast. Practise affirmations of gratitude and revel in your own contentment, you’ll likely find you have everything you need to be happy right at your fingertips, the only thing needed is an adjustment in your perspective.

Nine of Cups Yes Or No

When seeking a yes or no answer in a tarot reading, the Nine of Cups is a big and certain yes! This card is linked with feelings of joy, contentment and general happiness. It often highlights a bright future in which your ambitions are achieved. In this sense, the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the entire deck, and there is no obscurity here; the answer to your question is a definitive yes. Considering the positive prospects that so commonly go along with this card, the outcome of your current situation is likely to be a good one. 

Nine of Cups Past

In the past position, the Nine of Cups usually refers to a previous period of happiness, or more likely a big achievement in your life, one which may still define you to this day. It could be a project which you received great acclaim for, marrying the love of your life or even just a golden chapter of life in which everything seemed to be going right. While we can certainly draw strength and inspiration from past happiness, it is right to be mindful of not becoming stuck in the past. Use your past successes to propel you forward in the present; they should remind you of your strength and capability. Avoid falling into the trap of endless dwelling, remembering the good times is a lovely thing, but letting them overtake your present day entirely only spells disatsafication in your future. 

Nine of Cups Present 

The Nine of Cups is a great card to draw in your present position because it indicates success and happiness coming your way. If you’re currently hard at work on something, or going through a dark period, you can rest easy knowing your endurance will be rewarded. This coming happiness may take many forms, it could be a new lover or friendship, but more likely it will be something you have made happen through hard work and perseverance. The end result will be blissful and worth the wait. If that happiness feels far away right now, don’t give up, you may not be able to see it but this new bright period is just around the corner. If you’re already feeling content and happy, make the most of it! You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now is the time to kick back and enjoy it. 

Nine of Cups Future and Outcome

When the Nine of Cups appears in a reading relating to the future you should feel inspired and relieved; this is a card of hope. No matter how hard, challenging or unsatisfying your life seems right now, good times are on their way. Remember, the only thing that can stop the coming of this happy period is your own self-sabotage. You must preserve in your current situation, and you will reap the rewards in the future. Whether this means remaining kind and helpful, rather than bitter and resentful, in an period of emotional difficulty - or, keeping on with a task or project you are currently failing at, the outcome will be the same: ultimate success. You have lots to look forward to, and many lessons to learn along the way - so keep doing what you’re doing, and enjoy the journey, too.

Nine of Cups Love Reconciliation

In a love and reconciliation reading, the Nine of Cups points to a blossoming relationship that’s going from strength-to-strength. An already stable love will become even more committed and intense. Those in a couple will find their happiness is more blissful and dream-like, as well as passionate and fresh, than ever before. This card sometimes appears after you’ve reconciled with an old flame, you are likely experiencing all the throes of passion you have missed in the time you spent apart. If you’re single, this card doesn’t necessarily mean your soulmate is soon to come round the corner. Instead, it suggests you have reached a place of happiness and self-contentment. You have bettered yourself and so, you will be better prepared to deal with a happy, healthy relationship should one come your way. Your primary focus should be maintaining this best version of yourself, do that and everything else - romantic or otherwise - will fall into place naturally. 

Nine of Cups As Feelings

If you are trying to understand how another person feels about you then the Nine of Cups is generally associated with presence and affection. That means, in this context, the person’s feelings you are trying to understand are very much positive. This person is certainly aware of you and you are likely important to them. In fact, you may make them feel positively about themselves and they enjoy your company. While this card doesn’t explicitly suggest a romantic side to their feelings towards you, it forcefully implies positive emotions and the potential for a prosperous relationship (platonic or otherwise) between you and this other person. 

Nine of Cups As Friendship

In a friendship reading, the Nine of Cups is a very positive omen. You are surrounded by loving, supportive and genuine friends - this card suggests relationships are reciprocal and fulfilling. You should certainly feel grateful for those around you, and know that they are grateful for you, too. Now may also be a good time for you to meet new people and connect with others. Overall, this card is a sign of happiness, the kind that celebrates the beauty of human friendships.

Nine of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

When the Nine of Cups appears reversed in a love and romance reading it can indicate trouble in paradise. Often this comes after a particular event or rocky patch, you or your partner have been left feeling disappointed. Sometimes this happens after a relationship’s initial flame goes out; it’s easy to feel caught up in the passion at the start, but if nothing remains once that period has fizzled out, it might be time to call it quits. While the upright version of this card indicates prosperity and happiness, reversed it suggests things have gone stale, you might not be outrightly sad, but you’re certainly not happy, either. If you are single or dating, this card reversed indicates an imbalance in your romantic life. Perhaps you have been meeting the wrong kind of people or dating too much. It’s important to remember that fulfillment first and foremost comes from within. You must focus on loving yourself before you try and build a meaningful relationship with anyone else.  

Reversed Nine of Cups in a Reading

With the Nine of Cups in the reversed position, there is even more positive energy around than in the normal position… almost too much. This card in this position can be cautious of being too overconfident or conceited in your endeavors. Be careful about putting yourself on display or taking on too much. You will wind up not being able to complete tasks, falling behind, and ruining your reputation. Consider ways in which you are reaching too far and falling short.

Nine of Cups reversed - Family and Home

In reading about family and home, the reversed Nine of Cups suggests you have become overly concerned with the material world. You are letting money and objects take priority over your family. Oftentimes, people feel they are doing this for the good of their family - for example, working extra hours for a nice holiday or new car. But ultimately, happiness in the home comes from the strength of personal relationships. Now is the time to take stock and figure out what really matters most to you. 

It’s okay to strive for success so long as this reflects your own wishes and those of your loved ones; don’t let yourself fall into the trap of prioritizing things that project the best image to others.

Upright Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Happy romance
• Prosperity and bliss
• Well deserved holiday
• Getting what you want
• Wishes coming true
• Satisfaction

Reversed Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Superficiality
• Not getting what you want
• Cannot handle problems 
• Stinginess
• Too Materialistic 

When you have received the Six of Swords, this is a sign that the difficult cycle that you have been experiencing is now ending.

You must allow yourself to flow with the phase so that it can completely eliminate itself from your experience. Now is the time for you to investigate the possibilities at your disposal. You have been experiencing unpleasant times, therefore to fully get rid of the frustration you have to completely separate yourself from all energy that is even remotely similar so that you may find peace of mind and harmony. This is very similar to the sunshine after a storm that was mentioned in the Three of Swords. You have gotten through the worst of. Now, full of ammunition as a result of all that you have learned you begin to take strong steps out into the sun to celebrate. Make sure that you realize that everything is relative to the viewpoint that it is perceived and try your hardest to communicate in a non-combative way with others so that you appear to be a receptive person. When listening to what others have to say, you will learn different perspectives that you had not considered prior to this moment.

The image of the card in the Rider Waite deck is that of a woman who has clearly been through something difficult. She and her child are taken across the waters to calmer shores. This is a time when are going to be blessed with a better future; you will have success over your anxieties. Often times this card is symbolic of a physical move in addition to an emotional transition. This card describes what it feels like to have gotten through a difficult period. You have basically escaped with your metaphorical life and now you are heading to territories that will be healthier for you and for any that come with you. You no longer fill your life with confusion or frustration.

You do not start painstaking and pointless battles with others and you have begun to understand that an attachment to an internal fantasy world where you are paranoid about what others think about is not going to benefit you and in fact, never has. This card is applauding you for making positive choices for yourself because, through this motion that you have decided to take, you will be able to be free and contented. Starting over is the absolute best way sometimes, to come to a refreshed state in your existence. Your burden is made lighter and you have much to rejoice in.

Now that you have been blessed with the support that is provided to you after having terrible adversity, you are able to maintain the perspective of someone who is tranquil in times of turmoil. If you have already been through it, then you won’t feel as afraid as you did originally. You will get better at taking things in stride. Just as the woman is doing in the image on the card, you are willing to take you across the metaphorical waters. This willingness shows strength in character that will only bring you greatness in the future. You do not waste your energy on pointless drama, for you have learned your lesson.

The number six throughout the suits stands for expansive lessons, currently, boundaries of self do not stop at the surface of your body and your goals begin to take on the air of your extended self. You begin to help others, you feel expansive and enlightened.

The Six of Swords in Love

When the Six of Swords appears in your reading about love and relationships, you can expect to find new love in your new environment. You have decided to get rid of everything that makes you unhappy and you no longer perpetuate negativity by holding onto baggage. Therefore, this card shows you putting your past behind you and going to a whole world of new opportunities. In love, after you have had time to settle into your new situation, you will feel that everything is sparkling and new in your home, and in this there will definitely be someone who is going to sparkle their way right into your world. You no longer have to worry about being abused, for you look forward to your future and nothing can hurt you right now.

The first assumption when looking at the ferryman is the fact he is taking the women and child away on his boat. Is she leaving a lover? This card indicates that there is an end or new relationship beginning and calmer waters are on the horizon. There is a feeling that trauma has taken place in love. The child and mother are moving away to a new start via the waters of emotion. We often overlook the third person in the picture, the child sits helplessly next to his Mother and it was most probably the mother who decided to leave. Is she removing herself from abuse? Is the child removed from love and friendships due to her fleeing? Is this "you" as a child? It could simply be that your parents have controlled your love life to the point of this being intolerable. I do feel in love this card means “think about the child” this could be your inner child - or a child (born or unborn) in real life. The child is being held closely by the mother for comfort, this card can also mean possible children from love. In my experience, this card often comes up when the relationship is challenging or that there is a new start of two lovers. It could simply be that a partner has just stopped listening to you and walked away. This indicates two people who were in love but that this relationship is just gone - vanished without conflict. If you are asking about a "future love outcome" the six of swords in a spread can often indicate that you are moving away from a difficult past and to the future. As their backs are turned to the past this indicates a better, more happy future in love.

The Six of Swords in Health

The Six of Swords in Health refers to all of the changes that you have and are going to make for your body. You are getting out of a phase of stagnation or dormancy with your physical body and must continue building the momentum by pursuing cardio as well as perhaps yoga or anything that is going to stretch your body out so that it continues the momentum of restretching itself into the body that is healthy and no longer full of emotional or physical baggage.

The Six of Swords in Work and Wealth

The Six of Swords only appears in a work or wealth reading to point out the passing phase of a job that was extremely frustrating for you. If you are in a bad job situation right now that is making you miserable and you are trying to decide if you should leave, the Six of Swords supports you in your decision to make the change. As of now you feel abused, exhausted and you need to make the change. Now is the time to do so.

The Six Of Swords Reversed

There is either too much or too little happening for you right now and you feel as if you need a mental retreat but have absolutely no desire to make it happen for yourself. You are distracted from all of your projects and you are experiencing a level of neurosis that is hard to control. With this information overload, the best thing to do is to practice clearing your mind and putting your thoughts in order. When there is a situation of physical or mental abuse you need support. This should either be from a professional if the situation is severe, or through the help of a friend or loved one who has the additional perspective that you need to get out of this negative time in your life. The more distance you have from this abusive pattern in your life, the easier it will be for you to rise above it. Make the changes; get across the river to safety as fast as you can.

Six of swords reversed love

In the Waite tarot deck, the six of swords reversed means that someone will declare love to you. It can imply that you have come to a stalemate in a relationship. The rough waters mean you are not balanced. You do feel now the time is to give up "come what may." There is a time of transition romantically, maybe obsessing over a relationship and also a lack of action. It is a card to say that you are sick of trying to make someone happy and you will go it alone if needs be. The good thing about this card appearing in the spread is that you are ready to work on problems and mend strained relationships. Battles are ahead I am afraid and tenacity is needed. The future does look quite rough but you can overcome any problems. Don’t lose any hope at the moment. 

Upright Six of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Don't rock the boat
• Physical travel
• Changing location/moving
• Moving from one path to another
• Leaving 
• Holidays
• Running from something

Reversed Six of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Being ruled by your heart
• Dealing with trauma
• Post-traumatic disorder
• Healing your heart
• Building yourself up
• Taking care of yourself
• A fresh start