Tarot Card Combination
King of Wands+Three of Swords
權杖國王 & 寶劍三
Tap to reveal the cards
King of Wands
King of Wands
權杖國王
Three of Swords
Three of Swords
寶劍三
This pairing speaks of a powerful leader facing heartbreak or betrayal. The King of Wands' fiery passion and visionary drive are pierced by the Three of Swords' sorrowful truth. It's a moment where bold action or confident authority meets a painful emotional or intellectual realization. The lesson is about integrating wisdom from hurt into your leadership, transforming pain into a catalyst for more authentic, compassionate power.
You're in a position of strength or influence (King of Wands), but a painful truth, communication, or betrayal (Three of Swords) is cutting through that confidence. This isn't about weakness; it's about the collision of your fiery will with an airy, undeniable reality. Perhaps a project you championed has revealed flaws, or someone you trusted has acted against your vision. The number 17 (1+4+3) suggests this painful moment holds spiritual gold—it's forcing a deeper introspection that will ultimately refine your goals and methods. The fire of your passion is being tempered by the sharp wind of truth.
Generic meanings never answer your question.
The same cards can mean totally different things depending on love, career, or a decision.
⚡️ 30-second AI reading · Personalized, not generic
Elemental Analysis
Fire (King of Wands) meeting Air (Three of Swords) creates a volatile, illuminating mix. Air feeds fire, making it burn brighter and hotter—this pain could fuel a fierce reaction. But Air also represents thought and communication; the sharp swords are cutting through fiery passion with logic, truth, or harsh words. The challenge is to let the air clarify and direct your fire, not just inflame your anger or sorrow. Can you use this mental clarity to refine your creative vision rather than letting it consume you?
Numerology Insights
The numbers 14 and 3 reduce to 17 (1+4+3=8, but 14+3=17). Seventeen resonates with the Star (card 17)—hope and spiritual insight following trauma. This numerology suggests that within this painful confrontation (3) and leadership test (14) lies a seed of profound spiritual realignment. The pain is not an end but a catalyst that forces you to look inward and upward, guiding you toward a more enlightened expression of your power and purpose.
Reversal Meanings
King of Wands Reversed
The King of Wands reversed suggests a misuse of charismatic power—tyranny, impulsiveness, or a lack of vision. Paired with the upright Three of Swords, it indicates that the heartbreak or betrayal may stem from your own overbearing, reckless, or domineering actions. The pain is a direct consequence of leadership gone awry. It's a call to humble yourself and reassess your methods.
Three of Swords Reversed
The Three of Swords reversed points to healing from heartache, releasing pain, or refusing to acknowledge a painful truth. With the upright King of Wands, it suggests a powerful leader is recovering from a blow or choosing to ignore a damaging reality to press forward with their vision. There's potential for resilience, but also a risk of repeating mistakes if the lesson isn't fully integrated.
Both Cards Reversed
With both cards reversed, the dynamic shifts to internalized conflict. A leader's confidence is depleted or misdirected (King Rx), while emotional pain is suppressed or in recovery (3 of Swords Rx). This can indicate a period of withdrawn leadership, nursing wounds in private, or a refusal to confront the source of a problem. The fire is smoldering, not extinguished, and the swords are being slowly pulled out. Healing is underway but may lack decisive action.
Spiritual Guidance
Spiritually, this is the piercing of the ego's confident flame by the sword of higher truth. The King of Wands represents your willful, creative spirit, and the Three of Swords is a divine intervention—a painful but necessary awakening. It asks you to surrender a layer of self-assuredness to discover a more profound, compassionate wisdom. The heartache is a gateway. What identity or belief are you being asked to release so your spiritual authority can become more authentic and less performative?
Yes/No Reading Guide
The presence of the piercing Three of Swords overwhelmingly suggests 'No' or 'Not yet.' The King's potential is currently blocked or wounded by a painful situation. Any 'yes' would require first addressing the heart of the matter with courage and honesty before moving forward.
Meditation & Reflection
Sit with the image of the King holding a wand that has three swords piercing his heart. Breathe into the space where your passionate will meets a sharp truth. Ask: 'What pain must I acknowledge to lead with greater integrity?'
Daily Affirmation
"I integrate my pain to lead with wiser, more compassionate fire."
Practical Advice
Don't armor up against the pain. Let the King's courage allow you to feel the sting of the Three of Swords fully. Then, use that same fiery will to transform the hurt into a clearer, more compassionate vision. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.
Things to Watch
Beware of letting pain harden you into a tyrant or using your charisma to manipulate the narrative. Ignoring this heartache will only cause the wound to fester and poison your future endeavors.
Individual Card Meanings
King of Wands
權杖國王
The King of Wands represents mature, visionary leadership. He sits on his throne with confidence and authority, ready to act on his vision. This king is an entrepreneur, a leader who inspires others through his passion and bold action. The card suggests taking charge of a situation with confidence, or a person who embodies natural leadership—charismatic, honorable, and decisive.
View full meaning →Three of Swords
寶劍三
The Three of Swords shows a heart pierced by three swords, representing heartbreak, grief, and emotional pain. This is one of the most challenging cards emotionally, indicating a time of sorrow, betrayal, or loss that cuts deep.
View full meaning →Want a personalized reading?
Start a free tarot reading and get insights tailored to your situation
