Tarot Question: Ace and Three of Swords?

Question

I'm trying to teach myself tarot. I just got a deck from christmas, so I'm picking a card a day and trying to focus on the meaning. However, I'm a little confused. The first card i picked was the 3 of swords.. and today I picked the Ace (which was somewhat diliberate cause after getting the 3Swords i seperated all the suits so i could only pick from that one, as to keep on track i guess)
ANYWAY, i've read the book that came with the cards and countless websites but all the of the meanings seem very vague and different than the other. Can anyone explain these 2 cards to me?? and what do the swords represent.. and is there anything else i can be doing to better understand the cards i select day to day? THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Welcome to the world of tarot!

Learning the cards takes time, so be patient. I’ve been working with tarot cards for years, and I’m always learning new things. I’ll give you some advice based on my experience, but I certainly don’t know everything!

First, you have to understand that while the cards do have a basic meaning (which is what you find in books or on websites) each card can take on a different meaning based on the circumstances of the reading. The question asked, the placement of a card in the spread or the relationship of the card to other cards can all affect the meaning. I’ve learned that the best thing is to go with your instinct, and that takes time to develop.

Two books have really helped me to develop that instinct. The first is Tarot for Yourself by Mary K. Greer. (Click on this link to see the book on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564145883/gardenoftranq-20 ) This book really helps you to get to know the cards.

The other book is called Practical Intuition by Laura Day. You can find more information about this book at: http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Intuition-Laura-Day/dp/0767900340/sr=8-1/qid=1168195633/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5549676-8689418?ie=UTF8&s=books This book isn’t about tarot at all, but it helps you to refine your intuition, which is always helpful when you’re reading the cards.

As for your questions about what the particular cards you drew mean, I have the definitions on my website: http://garden-tranquility.tripod.com/index.html But like I said, the interpretation really depends on your circumstances and the general situation of the reading, so I can’t really tell you for sure what the cards meant to you.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Answer 2

Hey there, So first of all, I actually used to read playing cards, not Tarot Cards, but I know that there are some similarities, and I *think* I know enough to help you, if not answer your question outright. First of all, if you're not asking a question, then the cards are probably trying to tell you something, especially if the combination keeps showing up. Now ace of swords corresponds to ace of spades, which usually means the end of something. It can mean, a breakup, a loss, death (not always literally, so don't panic). Now I think that this can mean 2 things: 1. They're signifying the end of something - whatever the 3 and 10 of cups mean separately or together - so if you look up the meaning I think you should be able to find out what they're trying to tell you. 2. The ten of cups surrounded by swords can mean that happiness is only temporary or an illusion 3. The three of cups surrounded by a sword card can mean a love triangle Try to take this as a grain of salt; it could come true, it might not. I like to think of reading cards as a projection of what will happen if you stay on your current course, not necessarily as your fate set in stone (because that would just suck). Whatever happens, don't sweat it. Anyway, I hope that helped and good luck!

Answer 3

You have to take the context of the reading into account, but basically:

The Three of Swords represents heartache of some sort. It could be physical (heart condition) or emotional/psychological.

The Ace of Swords is about success or victory after conflict.

The best two books on the subject that I've read are:
"It's All In the Cards" by John Mangiapane & "Power Tarot" by Trish MacGregor and Phyllis Vega.

These books are easy reads and very informative. Good luck in your Tarot journey! Enjoy the ride.

Answer 4

If you're just trying to learn the meanings, separating them is OK, but really, I found that learning their meanings in context of a reading is more useful. The three of swords is generally 'heartbreak,' but it doesn't have to be with people - it could be failure of something one works hard on, or losing touch with an important connection. The ace of swords is often strength and triumph. Most of the cards need to be interpreted with the other cards around them, however, and sometimes if they're reversed they don't just 'reverse' the meaning!

Try thinking about the places in a Celtic Cross reading and what each place means, too. Try to fit the meaning of the card into each slot - what does the three of swords mean in a 'past' place, versus the future? What might it mean if it represents another person? Play games like that and the meanings will stick better.