Drew 3 of Swords Reversed – Validation or Coincidence?

Isabella

Hey everyone,

I’m still kinda new to tarot — been messing around with it for about a year now. I usually keep it simple, just 1-3 card pulls, mostly for yes/no type questions lately.

So something happened yesterday that honestly still has me a bit rattled, and I wanted to share to see if anyone else has had something similar or has any thoughts.

A little background: I’ve been doing a lot of deep healing work around childhood trauma lately, and it’s really intense. Like, stuff is coming up non-stop and sometimes it messes with my ability to get through the day. Luckily I have an amazing support system — chosen family, my spouse, plus therapy and all that — but it’s still really hard.

Anyway, yesterday I got totally blindsided by something during a phone call. It completely triggered me, and I felt this sharp, heavy pain in my chest for hours. It was awful. I reached out to some friends, let them know I wasn’t okay, and after a while I started to feel a little better. I got curious and googled if emotional pain can cause physical chest pain and read a bit about “broken heart syndrome” (not in-depth, just enough to kind of get the gist).

Later that night I asked my cards, "Did I experience broken heart syndrome?" I shuffled and honestly thought, wouldn’t it be wild if I pulled the 3 of Swords, the card with the heart and the swords through it? I literally pictured it in my head while shuffling. And guess what? I pulled the 3 of Swords — reversed.

From what I understand, reversed is generally still a "yes" for yes/no questions (correct me if I’m wrong). Plus, upright or reversed, the image itself speaks volumes — it’s still a heart that’s been pierced.

I’m honestly kinda shaken but also feel so seen by the cards. Has anyone else had something like this happen? Or do you have any takes on the 3 of Swords reversed in this context? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Liam87

Hey, first of all — thank you so much for sharing this. That took a lot of courage, and I just want to say how proud I am of you for not only facing this incredibly painful moment but also for reaching out for support when you needed it. That’s huge.

The 3 of Swords reversed in this context honestly gives me chills (in a good way). Tarot has this way of reflecting back exactly what our hearts already know, and it sounds like that’s exactly what happened for you. That card — whether upright or reversed — carries the energy of heartbreak, grief, and emotional release, but the reversal can sometimes suggest the process of healing or the beginning of mending. It doesn’t take away the pain, but it does point to the idea that something is shifting, or at least trying to.

What you described — this overwhelming emotion manifesting physically — is so real. Our bodies carry the weight of old wounds, and sometimes when we finally tap into them, it’s like our whole system says, "Okay, now we can finally feel this." It’s painful, yes, but it’s also part of the healing journey. The fact that you were guided to the exact card you visualized is such a powerful sign that your intuition is strong and you’re connected — even when you feel broken or overwhelmed.

I really feel for you. I’ve had my own experiences where tarot has mirrored back to me pain I was struggling to name, and it helped me feel seen in a way that even words couldn’t. I just want you to know you’re not alone in this. Healing isn’t linear, and it can feel brutal at times, but you’re already doing the hardest part: showing up for yourself.

If it helps, when I’ve pulled the 3 of Swords reversed for myself, I sometimes journal about what parts of me are ready to release the pain and what parts might still be holding on. You don’t have to have answers — it’s more about being gentle with yourself in the process.

Sending you so much love and support. You’re not broken — you’re healing. And that’s sacred work.

Grace

Whoa, that’s powerful. First, I’m really sorry you went through that — it sounds intense. But honestly, pulling the 3 of Swords reversed? That feels like the cards saying, "Yep, your heart’s been through it, but healing is happening."

The fact that you pictured the card before pulling it is such a strong intuitive moment too. Trust that — you’re more connected than you realize. Sending you lots of good vibes. You’re not alone in this.