Meanings:
Separation, Betrayal, Grief
The Three of Swords is one of the rare Tarot cards that is very plain in its meaning. It is speaking plainly of a sharp hurt. This can come in any number of forms but it is the resolution of the stalemate found in the Two of Swords.
In many forms, this card is about breaking the uneasy truce that has been sitting between people. It will lead to something hard to face and something that will challenge you. It can also be a telling of your own intentions to break an uneasy truce in some fashion, likely in a harsh way.
There are two important notes for this particular card. One is that it can be a warning of something that is coming. It can help you prepare for what is about to happen. It can also show that you can handle the incoming attack, in whatever form it takes. It is that life is made better for times like that as you are given a chance to grow.
No matter what, remember there is an end to it. It is a chance to change and grow. It is also a chance that at the resolution of it you could live up to a higher standard. For you to do that though, you must brave the forth coming storm.