Okay, so today I wanted to get a handle on the “3 of Swords” card in Tarot, specifically how to see it as representing an action. I’ve always struggled with the more, shall we say, intense cards, and the 3 of Swords is definitely up there. It usually screams heartbreak and sorrow, right? But how does that translate into something you do?
My Experiment
I started by just staring at the card. You know, the classic image – a heart pierced by three swords. Ouch. I tried to move past the immediate feeling of “Oh no, bad things!” and think about the action of piercing. What does that imply?
- Penetration: Getting to the heart of a matter, cutting through illusions.
- Sharpness: Could be about using incisive words or making a very direct, perhaps painful, decision.
- Force: There’s a definite energy of pushing through, even if it hurts.
Then I thought about situations where this “piercing” action might be necessary, even if unpleasant. I journaled a bit, free-associating, and came up with a few ideas:
- Having a difficult conversation with someone where you need to be brutally honest.
- Making a decision to end a relationship, even if it’s painful in the short term.
- Confronting a truth about yourself that you’ve been avoiding.
- Getting a diagnosis.
I decided to focus on the “difficult conversation” angle. I’ve been putting off talking to a friend about something that’s been bothering me. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s been creating a little distance between us, and I knew I needed to address it.
Putting it into Practice
I planned out the conversation, then I used that to start to talk with my friend. It took me two days to get this out and talk to my friend. I’m not gonna lie, it was awkward at first. I felt like I was wielding those swords, carefully choosing my words, trying to be both direct and compassionate. I focused on “I” statements, explaining how I was feeling, rather than blaming them.
It wasn’t easy. There were a few moments where I felt that pang of “ouch” – the 3 of Swords energy, for sure. But I pushed through. I said what I needed to say, and they listened. They actually thanked me for being honest.
The Result
The immediate aftermath was a little… raw. Like after a good cry, you know? But underneath that, I felt a sense of relief. A weight had been lifted. The air was clearer. We actually ended up having a really good, in-depth conversation, and I think our friendship is stronger for it.
So, the 3 of Swords as action? It’s not about seeking out pain, but about acknowledging that sometimes, to move forward, you have to go through it. It’s about being brave enough to wield those swords of truth and clarity, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about the sharp, sometimes painful actions that ultimately lead to healing and growth. It’s definitely not a fun card, but I get it now. It’s a card about necessary, albeit difficult, * reminded me of surgery. The process may be painful, but it is necessary to continue living.
