Dignified:     The Three of Swords represents the pain and bitterness associated to sour relationships with others.  The Three can manifest itself as an affair or introduction of a third party in a relationship or it can simply represent the bitter heartache associated to a divorce or separation.  The Three of Swords always brings a feeling of heartache and despair.  The introduction of a third sword almost always brings conflict with the original two usually causing a feeling of disloyalty and deception.  On a more general level the Three of Swords represents storms that must be weathered if one is to grow beyond the illusions being held onto.  The three always brings anguish at its darkest level but it also brings a truth that needed to be learned.

Ill-Dignified:     In a reversed position the Three of Swords represents self-deception and a refusal to accept the truth no matter what the consequences.  It represents looking beyond clear and distinct signs of difficulty to avoid being hurt.  The Three of Swords reversed represents the outright denial of truth.