Three of Swords

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mars/Moon as a symbol of wounded feelings. In aspect with Mercury — a decision made contrary to feelings.

THREE OF SWORDS Because of its imagery, this card is often regarded as a symbol of sorrows, chiefly those of unhappy love. It does, of course, have such an aspect, but its content is by no means exhausted by this. The principal meaning of the Three of Swords is a choice made contrary to feeling. Whether this is faintheartedness or, on the contrary, a step toward liberation can only be understood by knowing the background of the question posed and by examining the other cards that have fallen. In situations where feelings are cruelly suppressed by reason, this card, of course, has a negative character. But if it shows that, through the power of reason, we have managed to break free from the captivity of some dependency or to liberate ourselves from dubious habits, then this is a step that, though painful, is necessary.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

THREE OF SWORDS Sorrow, Grief. Second decan of Libra, from October 3 to October 12. Astrological equivalents: Neptune in Libra, Aquarius, and the Seventh House. The second decan of Libra expresses the idea of defining the boundaries of thought: the discovery of logical regularities that allow the mind to arrive at a clear judgment on any question. This decan is governed by Saturn, reflecting such qualities as patience and tolerance, as well as the ability to abide by established rules for the sake of general harmony. This same decan symbolizes the definition of oneself, the striving for inner completeness and perfection of image. However, the constant measuring of one's steps hinders forward movement, and so this decan is marked by a fear of novelty and of all uncertainty. It is also characterized by excessive self-restraint and distrust of the outer world and of other people as potential sources of disharmony. For this reason, those born in this decan must be able to shift in good time from the search for static harmony within themselves to the perception of harmony in the dynamic connections of the world. Thought, as it develops, is in motion, just as life is in constant change. Their correspondence to one another is harmony in a higher sense than the dead canons of the past. The TAROT card depicts a heart pierced by three swords. Mirroring its grief, rain falls from the clouds in the background. This image seems to remind us that the world is founded on contradictions, and that its rational comprehension — like cognition in general — is bound up with sorrow: every law, even the law of being, is severe and lays responsibility upon a person. But the rain is about to end: the sun is peering out from behind the clouds. And in this lies the assurance that sadness and grief will disperse, like clouds after the rain. Human thought must humble itself before the rational laws of the world — and then, with a light heart, one will be able to accept what previously could not be contained within one's consciousness.

UPRIGHT POSITION In the upright position the card signifies: aversion, sorrow, incompatibility, opposition, parting, unattainability. The THREE OF SWORDS always symbolizes a striving toward an unattainable ideal, a rejection of reality and, at the same time, an inability to escape from this reality. Or, in other words, an attempt to solve a problem by unsuitable means. At the level of the THREE OF SWORDS a choice of direction takes place, perhaps for the self-realization of force. In addition, the card may symbolize an attempt to attain the unearthly harmony of the triad on the level of matter, which usually ends in failure. The SWORDS always act only when necessary, but farewells and separation are a frequent necessity that causes the heart to suffer — alas, this is yet another meaning of this card, as is the bitter truth that causes pain. In the THREE OF SWORDS the motif of disagreement with (non-acceptance of) reality also sounds, so the card may also symbolize opposition, unsociability, antipathy, reclusiveness, and discord (the Neptunian notes of the melody).

REVERSED POSITION In the reversed position the action of the negative aspects is intensified, giving illusions, delusions, hallucinations, distraction, and incorrigible errors. The THREE OF SWORDS is a symbol of ideals being tested for their strength. Therefore one can say that it is somewhat consonant with Scorpio.