Oppression, Suffering, Undesirable News, Distance Or Separation
When the 3 of Swords appears in a reading, something is causing mental anguish, misery, or pain. There’s some kind of torment or suffering, most often occurring in the mind.
This affliction might be triggered on account of some unwanted news. There may be a removal of something, an absence of someone, or a delay in obtaining one’s hopes or dreams.
Perhaps someone is feeling distanced from someone they love. The 3 of Swords relates to a breach or a fractured relationship, creating some degree of distress for all parties involved. The separation doesn’t resolve anything, but only delays any possible resolutions, or a worse split down the line.
Whatever the perceivable cause, cynicism is likely at work in this situation, as well as hopelessness, and a subconscious belief that things are going to turn out badly.
![3 of Swords by Minchiate Fiorentine, Mutational Alchemy Tarot, Artist Unknown [If you know the name of this deck, please contact me] and The Darkness of Light Tarot, intuitivefish.com](http://intuitivefish.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/2-13.png)
When The 3 of Swords Shows Up In A Reading
Health and Body Image: The 3 of Swords signifies some type of sickness, whether it’s a mental illness, a physical malady, or an ailment of the soul. This sickness is most likely due to stress or oppressive circumstances. A disorder might involve some type of rupture.
Occupation and Finances: You might feel burdened in your work, or lack thereof. There might be a delay in your hopes and dreams. Perhaps worries are getting the best of you. Or you might be experiencing abuse or oppression in the job place.
Relationships: The 3 of Swords indicates division, distance and a tendency toward separation in a relationship, likely as a result of pressure, or being hurt. Someone might be hyper-focused on menial, minor issues. It can also indicate gossip or a lot of chattering over trivial matters.
Hidden Meaning: Separation is an illusion of the mind, because all is intimately and intricately interconnected. We are each microcosms of the same energy consciousness.
Reversed: The 3 of Swords reversed might indicate someone who goes so far as to escape to a retreat, hideaway, an asylum, or monastery. Or an escape into excessive entertainment. But they don’t seek refuge out of a healthy need for solitude, even if that’s their claim. They might seek isolation out of immature spite, bitterness for not getting their way, or because their lofty ideals weren’t met, or from irritability, revulsion, or outright hatred. There’s a denial of internalized pain or disappointment, preferring not to deal with it. Inside they feel grief, but they pretend to be okay. There’s also an error in thinking – a wrong judgment or opinion, a miscalculation, a delusion, or delirium even. Whatever the situation may be, someone isn’t thinking straight. If feelings can be accepted and felt, clarity will come, and it will be possible to enjoy life again.
Advice: When a schism or maltreatment occurs in human relationships, we have a tendency to walk or run away from the problem. But seclusion doesn’t help us feel any better because it fails to address the problem or heal the hurt. The primary issue is usually a failure of someone or something to live up to expectations, whether expectations are reasonable or not. Take your power back by focusing on hope, and dealing with an issue straight on with a calm, stable and clear mind. If someone decides to walk away, your only choice is to live your best and most fulfilled life without them at this time. Let go of worry which only creates bigger monsters. The situation isn’t as hopeless as it feels.
Astrological Association: Gemini
Element: Earth on the 3rd House
Timing: May 21st to June 21st, or 3 weeks
Reversals: Generally, an obstacle must be overcome before a favorable event can occur
Yes or No: Not likely