Three of Swords
Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.
What we explore in this episode:
What the Three of Swords teaches about heartbreak, grief, and emotional release
Symbolism across decks: stabbed hearts, sorrowful skies, birds pierced by blades, and archetypes of sorrow
How this card represents disillusionment, painful realizations, and the collapse of expectations
The invitation to learn from sorrow, tend to our wounds, and reclaim strength and boundaries through healing
Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:
Anima Mundi Tarot Deck by Megan Wyreweden
Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom
The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu
In this episode, we explore the Three of Swords as a card of grief, but also of clarity. While it’s often known as the heartbreak card, there is power in naming our grief, choosing to feel it fully, and deciding how we want to move forward, especially when our expectations have been shattered.
Whether it’s the quiet ache of unmet needs, the sharp sting of betrayal, or the slow burn of disillusionment, the Three of Swords challenges us to reclaim our energy from those who cannot or will not meet us. It reminds us that releasing pain is not about rushing to “get over it,” but about honoring what we feel and tending to our emotional landscape with honesty and care.
This card asks us to find the courage to sit with discomfort and to gently ask, “What is this pain trying to teach me?”
Check out my other seasons!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Patron (upright). This card signals that a period of mentorship or supportive alliance is beginning.
You might be stepping into the role of mentor or guide for someone else, or perhaps someone is about to enter your life to help nurture your potential. The Patron reminds us that we don’t have to move through hard times alone. Healing and creative growth often thrive when we are lovingly witnessed and supported.
Reflective prompts on this card:
Who in your life has supported your growth through challenging emotional times?
Where might you be called to step into the role of patron or mentor for someone else?
How does it feel to receive care when your heart is tender or guarded?
Ways to Connect &a
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