Three of Swords

Podcast
Written By Camille Saunders

Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords!

I’m 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

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?”

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

The first season, I introduced tarot through talking about oracle vs tarot cards, myths of tarot, how to find a deck, reading for yourself vs others, and much more.

In seasons 2 and 3, I went through the major arcana and the four suits, one per episode. 

In season 4, I talked all about Tarot in Pop Culture and examined representations of Tarot in videogames, TV shows, movies, and more. 

In season 5, I went through 13 Common Tarot Spreads, what they are, how many cards, and an example of what it looks like to work through one.

In season 6 I talked all about the Suit of Wands, one per episode.

Season 7 was all about the 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 & Support

  • Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.

  • Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.

  • Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re local to the Greater Puget Sound area I’d love to see you at one of my Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group events where we all bring some of our favorite decks and play around with tarot and oracle decks together.

  • Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.

  • Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com

Camille Saunders
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Four of Swords

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Two of Swords