Two cards

The Three Of Swords Tarot Meaning

When the Three of Swords is present in your reading you are either experiencing or entering into a transit of difficulties in relation with the heart.

This is a card that is symbolic of heart break, of betrayal and separation. There is a level of quarreling or a general upheaval present in your experience at this time. This is a challenging time of your life.

The Three of Swords depicted in the Rider Waite deck 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. 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 Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning

The Hierophant expresses that life is your teacher, providing you with lessons to learn for growth opportunities and the understanding that conflicting issues exist for the purpose of bringing new growth into your life. When you start to feel pressed down by the ‘shoulds’ in life, remember to listen to that higher source energy, or teacher that will show you the way. The Hierophant provides a way to gather conscious thoughts into your minds that are fed into the subconscious which assimilates and then provides you flashes of intuition. This intuition actually stretches forth from our human desire to participate in religious beliefs, which require that overarching hierarchy.

Making a wish for another person puts divine power into action. This is why prayer is so important in most religions. The act of being compassionate, of giving over your faith to a higher power to help those we love or those we don’t know provides a reverence and humbleness that is important to improve one’s character. The Hierophant’s message is for you to take your concern to God and to pray, and to allow the stillness and peace of your prayers to bring calmness to your heart and intuition to your mind. The triple cross designs on the robes of the Hierophant represent spiritual respiration. The love of nature, love of God and the love of one’s neighbors are a part of the hierarchies housed within higher source energy. Reflecting on new interests, decisions, excitement and provide a development of self. Share wisdom with others – you are a teacher.

The Hierophant in Love

The Hierophant teaches a different kind of love in reference to relationships. This is a reverent love, almost sacred. That of doing “unto others what you would have them do unto you.” This is the love of charity, of helping your fellow man. If you have received this card for a love reading then there is something that you need to learn from giving up some of your time and energy to a charity. This could also apply to friend relationships that are close enough in spirituality that you would almost call them your sister or brother. This card will usually come up when it is time for you to focus on helping one another. There is a lack of a sense of self and an emphasis on charity. When you give of yourself in this way you are creating a cycle of love that is going to be gifted back to you, because what you say is true to the Universe is true. And if you love enough to give love, then you will receive more in return. To get this card for a "love outcome" can indicate that things are supposed to be the way they are. It can mean that nothing seems to happen. It can mean that he or she sees you as the type of “marriage” person or that the other partner is married. 

The Hierophant As Feelings

If you asked about someone’s feelings the Hierophant tarot card can mean that they are "deep" and "traditional feelings" of love. It can mean that the other partner wants you to follow the rules of love and possibly they have conservative beliefs. This means there will be a traditional approach to a relationship and it can mean that they think you are the “one.” It can also mean that this person is thinking that the other is more than just a fun time!

When the Hierophant appears for feelings --- it may suggest that this person is looking for a deeper level of understanding and connection with you. It may be an indication that they are looking beyond the physical realm and exploring emotional and spiritual depths to this connection. This card can also encourage us to create a strong foundation based on shared values and beliefs, while still having enough room to grow as individuals and as a couple.

The Hierophant can also suggest that this person is letting go of any rigid beliefs or expectations, and instead focus on opening up the heart to unconditional love. It might be an invitation to trust in the power of cosmic love and its ability to heal from past toxic relationships. Pulling this card as feelings encourages us to vibrate at higher frequencies of understanding and compassion with others, and to recognize the beauty in all forms of relationship. Ultimately, when the Hierophant appears in a tarot reading, it is a reminder to embrace love in all its myriad forms, and to trust that deeper wisdom lies within us all. By paying attention to the feelings that someone has when pulling this card, we can open our hearts to a greater sense of understanding and marriage. With the Hierophant’s guidance, we can embark on a journey discovering the depths of our own spiritual truths, guided by its deep wisdom and cosmic light. 

The Hierophant As Love Reconciliation

When the Hierophant appears in a tarot spread for love reconciliation, it often suggests that old systems are coming into play, I always see this card as the “I will marry you” tarot card. To fully reconcile with a loved one, it may be necessary to “let go of old ways of thinking”, and I also feel embrace those new possibilities. The word 'Hierophant' itself is derived from the Greek words for 'sacred bearer of knowledge', suggesting inner wisdom has a strong role in this process. The tarot card also brings ideas about how we navigate relationships: if you look at the sphere he is holding up on my tarot card it speaks to us of holding onto what is golden in life - not just material possessions, but valuable beliefs that are timeless. Essentially, if the Hierophant shows up in a tarot reading for love reconciliation, it indicates the need to rise above our individual materialistic aspirations and seek out deeper meaning in life, it also shows that love is likely to reconcile and end up in possibly marriage. 

The Hierophant In Work, Money, Business, Career, and Wealth

In careers, the Hierophant indicates a mentor or someone that is able to provide “inside” information in a company. This card can imply that you are networking or that you will soon meet someone that can guide you through the tradition of a company. As an outcome position, the Hierophant indicates a position of authority in an organization will help you. In some cases, this card could represent a company as a whole but more likely a particular male in a father, priest or mentor capacity. The Hierophant in a business venture states clearly that your focus needs to be on spiritual endeavors instead of monetary ones. If you find that work and the acquisition of wealth are not working out the way that you would prefer, then the Hierophant says to take a break out of your normal routine and examine what necessities you have and need, and which are luxuries that are actually weighing you down. Consider giving up something of yours to help someone else, or just get rid of negative emotions around work - to lighten your personal load. But, overall I will say that this card is all about being guided by a male figure.

In finances, the card indicates the need for guidance in a similar way as with health. Often it is a note that you need to contact some sort of financial advisor. In readings, it can indicate debt reduction skills are needed or even issues concerning the court systems. It is less about paying solicitor fees and more about having to give money to government or charity. As a note: The Hierophant card can indicate tax issues as well as a contract of employment.

In business, readings drawing this card can mean a trade or business that indicates traditional techniques will win over clients. The Hierophant is a “mentor” is traditional and old school. In business, this could represent you. Skilled in your trade and across the next few years you will learn to allot. The Hierophant is a father/minister or a work mentor. This card is also about rules and obeying them. Maybe you have broken the rules in business in the past and this is saying that you need to act more in line with tradition. As he holds the key, this implies that “tradition” will enable success. Additionally, he is quite rigid in his approach and can come across as being pragmatic. Additionally, in the readings I have carried out for people in business - I see this card as “big business” it normally represents a corporation. This card can mean that you may achieve great things.

The Hierophant For Action/Advice

Generally, if you pull this card for advice means that tradition and blessings will be yours. There is a focus on being taught and teaching. What do you need to learn? There is also personal power and the need to figure things out yourself. There is also a focus on marriage and meeting people. In advice position for love, the hierophant means that you need to stick to tradition and high standards. Be ladylike is your advice or a gentleman.

Try to be old fashioned, do the honorable thing like you would with traditional dating. This card is also connected to finding someone you can have a laugh with and stimulate each other and develop a spiritual connection. It can signify a man that is traditional and has a slow pace at getting things done. 

The Hierophant Yes Or No

The Hierophant is known as a “yes” card when upright, for he is the spiritual pope of tarot, blessing the seeker's journey with sound and wise advice. He represents not only two worlds, but three -- a spiritual realm, material realm, and psychic realm -- the Hierophant stands poised between them all. Often taking on the form of a figure with hands raised to express an act of benediction. This card can bring up questions in tarot readings regarding our connection to organized faith, morality and hidden secrets within shifting social structures. By revealing both answers offered by their benevolent guidance and hidden mysteries of the heart -- the Hierophant brings forth insight into what “yes or no” decision best serves us.

The Hierophant in Health

Emotional issues come into the spread when the Hierophant is present. Many who experience some level of religious or spiritual restriction in one way or another are suffering some kind of energy block within their body. Consider the help that can come from giving of your time, experiencing the perspective of understanding that there are others in this world that have it worse than you do so that you can be grateful for what you do have. This will greatly improve your health. Often the Hierophant is a card about seeking help as well. Usually, this card will come up when dealing with intense emotion and can signify the need for counseling or guidance. If you are going through an exceptionally difficult time in your life it is okay to ask others around you for assistance or find ways to learn new coping skills so that you can grow and move forward.

The Hierophant As A person

As a person, we often seek out a Hierophant like one seeks solace; we find in them the amortization of pain, or joy and life-changing glory. We come to them because of an ego-driven hunger to switch our lives - to be breath away from a social stranglehold. We find them as a glimpse into a different future - where love, hope and knowledge are met with an open heart. If your lover sees you as the Hierophant then they walk away from every encounter as a changed being, grateful for the wisdom you have brought to them. 

The Hierophant In the Past Position

The Hierophant drawn in the past position speaks of repeating patterns and traditions. This allows us to connect to an established, internal compass; like a living portal that navigates through the seas of knowledge. The Hierophant reminds us to celebrate our culture and heritage, for it is through this that we are able to coexist with each other and make meaningful connections. Allowing us to continue repeating patterns from one generation to the next — this creates a sense of comfort and community, allowing us to focus on life's greater meaning. When drawn in the past, the Hierophant can indicate structures have been built and created in order to fully move forward.

The Hierophant In The Present Position

In our modern “Google” age, the Hierophant appears in the present position as a giant reminder of our giant stupid egos and the horribleness that can come with it. When this card appears we may be struggling to overcome terrible impulses brought about by psycho-chick love or other difficult emotions, but we must always remember that the Hierophant is pointing us back to where we should strive for; true understanding and higher understanding that will illuminate those dark times. With patience and determination, we can all make the most of this new life-affirming chapter in our lives.

The Hierophant In The Future Position

An air of haphazard yet purposeful effuses from the Hierophant in the Future Position. One feels as if one must marry it for life and prepare for its whimsicality, high maintenance, and fluctuating schedules. In a tumultuous world, this tarot card serves as an anchor of hope and guidance - always inspiring you to reach the stars. Embracing such an unpredictable companion for life is no wonder many have accepted it! The Hierophant is a powerful card for the future, and he brings people back together who have been estranged. He can also indicate new beginnings in relationships. When the Hierophant appears in your outcome position it is a reminder to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Have faith in yourself and trust that you are on the right path, it can also predict a marriage or “togetherness” in the future.

The Hierophant As Friendship Or Family

The Hierophant is a tarot card in a spread about family or friends shows the importance of social conformity and traditional values. It can be read as a sign of struggling to conform, often ignoring the torturous successes along the way. Yet the parallels between friendship and family, where values are shared and cherished, and bonds are forged through trust and understanding, are rarely recognized. According to the Hierophant, there are strong bonds between individuals when he appears --- that enable us to grow together in peace and love, and offer us comfort through life's tribulations.

 

 

Reversed Meaning - The Hierophant

When the Hierophant appears in a reading in the reversed position, you will have exactly the opposite experience. Instead of feeling compelled to follow a religious and spiritual order that is structured, you will feel more open or carefree. You will not feel weighted down by your earthly possessions because they do not own you. One caution to be aware of for the Hierophant reversed position is that you do not become overly superstitious, so much that it gets in the way of leading a happy and healthy life. The Hierophant in the reversed position can also signify being out of balance. Be careful of manic or overspending episodes, being too blunt or honest, or extending your opinion in areas where it is not wanted.

The Hierophant I always feel reminds us to take a step back from the status quo, to break away from traditional or restrictive teachings. At the same time, this position can represent the need for new knowledge and the freedom to explore such realms with an open mind. It implies an understanding of one's quest for personal growth and a desire to seek out whatever wisdom is needed in order to meet life’s challenges in ever-evolving ways. Reversed, the hierophant speaks of a rebelling against rigid Enlightenment thought, embracing instead a journey without walls or boundaries - one marked by curiosity, creativity and mindfulness that leads to higher truths.

Love and Romance - Hierophant Reversed

If the Hierophant is reversed, love and romance can mean all rules have been broken and barriers have been smashed. In this case, there is an openness for lovers to explore their passions freely, with no restrictions or judgements from outside sources. This may be a time of transformation, when we allow ourselves to break free from our preconceived notions of love and instead create something beautiful and unique out of our relationship. We are encouraged to open our hearts, take risks and express our deepest desires without fear, so that we can build something extraordinary together. Despite any challenges that come with this liberating experience, the rewards are plentiful for those brave enough to journey down this road to joy and liberation.

Family and Home - Hierophant Reversed

By pulling the reversed Hierophant, family and home have been given a challenging twist. We must remember to be flexible and open-minded in our understanding of how our “family and home life” manifest themselves. It may be through a traditional nuclear family, it may be through a chosen set of friends, or it may even be through a rotating group of strangers that we draw support from. Home could even be a metaphysical space that traverses the landscape or is accessed only within the recesses of the soul. This card is telling you to redefine your ideas about the concept of home and interweave new definitions of family into our tales - for perhaps then we can truly call them our own.

Work and Finances - Hierophant Reversed

The Hierophant Reversed for a work reading indicates that there is a need to make changes in the way we think about work and finances. Rather than relying on outdated systems, he encourages you to take creative steps forward and establish a new path that takes into account our individual needs. As a result, we have the freedom to express ourselves at work without being constrained by rigid rules or regulations. Reevaluating our economic structure to make sure it works for everyone involved, instead of supporting only a small part of society, is also suggested by the Hierophant Reversed. Using boldness, resilience, and ingenuity, we can turn financial struggles into abundance, allowing YOU to live more abundantly without feeling guilty.

Health and Wellness - Hierophant Reversed

The Hierophant Reversed, for health indicates energy and many possibilities. This card is about getting more fit and healthy and being worried about the traditional things when reversed. Instead of focusing purely on restrictions, it is a card that encourages exploring new paths that mean better health and balance. Reframing how you view self-care practices will help you get a better relationship towards food and self-care practices.

Personal Spirituality - Hierophant Reversed

An apology may feel necessary when personal spirituality is reversed - don't apologize! Embrace being in this sacred yet imperfect space. Don't let overbearing teachings or ideals overrun your inner haven; rather, rely upon the power held in veracity and the deeper sense of self that can be found within. Don't forget the freedom you have to create your own treasure chest of understanding and gifts. Each teaching has something special to offer and empower from - make sure it's one that feels true and brings light to your spiritual journey!

In summary, the Hierophant tarot card shows on my card a powerful figure who represents religious authority and knowledge. His guidance and insight are valuable, but he should also be respected and heeded. In a reading, his presence suggests that it may be time to seek out wisdom from a teacher or mentor. I always believe that in times of difficulty or crisis this card shows that we should trust our intuition and let the Hierophant guide you on your path.