The Three of Wands

The Three of Wands
 
 
 

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Wands in your reading indicates that you have gone the distance and have found your reward.

The cards of the Tarot tell a story and where the Two of Wands indicates a need for planning before the adventure begins, the Three of Wands indicates that you are closer to your destination and that the end is in sight. Often it will represent being at the last leg of a journey in your life or completing something and now being able to move forward to the next aspect. Think about ways in your life where you have worked hard and now you are starting to feel the benefits. It could indicate a project at work being completed, being ready to commit further in a relationship, or fixing to be in the final stages of making a large purchase.

The Three of Wands card shows a man who is overlooking the ocean. He stands alone, yet for some reason, there are three staves present. As he leans against one stave the other two appear firmly planted in the ground. There is a sense of stability in his location now and it is often interpreted that he had to climb over mountains and is now enjoying the view. This is a card of independence and going your own way. You are in a place in your life where you have worked hard but now are ready to share your rewards with others or to celebrate. You may have even learned a trade or new way of doing things and with your knowledge, you are able to share with others.

This card leads the way to leadership and cooperation. Take the knowledge that you have gained and allow others to benefit from your own trials and errors,  at this time you are likely to be looked to for advice. You may be in a position to guide or lead others. Be patient with those around you at this time and realize that you did not get to where you are today by perfection.

You have made your own mistakes and those mistakes did not mean failure. Understand that those around you, especially people who are younger than you or on an earlier leg of their own journey are going to make mistakes and do not judge them for false starts or faltering. Remember when you were just starting out and think of the times in which you had to ask for help or how you could have done things easier. Offer your advice but understand that it is not personal if the other person does not take heed your warnings.

The Three of Wands can also indicate that you need to rally your own forces or that you need to ask for help when needed. There is no shame in asking for direction or help in the next steps of your journey. Just as you offer your advice from others, take in that which is given to you. Because you have found some success in your own right does not mean that your journey has ended. Lives are constantly changing and new experiences will come to you. Allow for your most recent successes to further your own foundation and do not be resistant to growth or change that is coming your way.

The Three of Wands in Love

Often the Three of Wands in love will represent a still budding relationship where ideas, experiences, and emotions are being intermingled. You may be getting to know someone or coming to a point in your relationship where you find out something new about your partner. The card is also about building and growing from past success. It is a good time to open up to your partner about your feelings and what you want out of the relationship. If you want your relationship to grow rather than stagnate, you need to offer emotional support and be open about your expectations. This is not a time to be taking it easy or just seeing where it goes. You are likely past that point and there needs to be more energy put into the relationship if you want to see it blossom.

The Three of Wands As Feelings

If you are asking the question of how somebody feels about another or an overarching card of somebody’s intentions romantically, this card is all about passion but waiting for something better to come along. I often find this card is a conclusion style card. In that, the cycle of the relationship has passed and there will be a decision that will be made. Either commitment or fading away from a relationship.

Often, this is a card about anticipating the future and making the effort to build the right foundations. There is also an element of this card which features minor dishonesty. Whenever I pull this card for a relationship, I often question whether the other person is sincere. In an upright position, the card represents travel and moving forward with plans with a lover. As someone else's feelings, it could mean that a lover is looking for greater possibilities. They are not ready for commitment. Therefore, waiting for something better to come along sums up this card from a feelings perspective.

The Three of Wands Love Reconciliation

Unity by inclusion happens naturally, the card upright can mean that even though there was arrogance or indifference in the past - then you are likely to get back together. Do you need to think about why did it end? What role did you play in the split up? By analyzing the relationship to understand why it ended can give you the answers to making it work again.  Try not to only focus on what the other party did also examine your actions and reactions. The main reason why many relationships normally fail is that one of the parties does not value the other. The wands are a passionate suit of cards, and this is positive to pull in love readings. If reversed the card can mean that yes you will get back together but there is a big question on if this is the right decision?

The Three of Wands In Health

The Three of Wands is a sturdy card showing strength in health and is a good sign for healing. Often it will be a reminder that you need to check in on your own health or that you have been taking your health for granted. With any wands card coming up in a health reading there can be problems with circulation or the heart but for this card the areas of most concern are the pelvis region and overall body circulation. It can indicate an issue in pregnancy or getting pregnant.

The Three of Wands In Work and Wealth

In work, the three of Wands represent the future. We see the man standing on the cliff looking across the sea, to the ships of trade. In work, this is a card of vision, of trying to focus on immediate work decisions. The most important element is that a new job is predicted. You need to take a step back in life and consider all the possibilities. The card indicates work and strength, dreaming beyond the possibilities in life. Essentially, he stands there watching his ships come in. He knows the ships will bring goods and a sense of reward and it urges you to look at career areas that you have not thought of before.  This card is also about returning your own happiness in work, you have put in the effort and it is time to think outside the box. Those ships will come back empty if you do not put in the last bit of effort. Don’t expect that suddenly overnight you will have sudden success, you have done all you can to move forward now is a time to wait, taking a long-term view.

There is no need for that merchant to walk down the hill this point, he is just waiting patiently but knowing that results will come with time. This card brings with it the message of re-evaluating career or business plans, becoming a visionary leader rather than an employee. The threes are connected to teamwork and this in work can imply that you will become a leader pulling together a team. The threes are also associated with opportunities to grow, but it will take time and longer than expected. In work, this card means progressing, teamwork, creative endeavors, being inspired and long-term plans. To some degree the Three of Wands indicates a new job, working with others and capitalizing on your own skill-base.

Regarding everyday work, now may be a good time to bring on some new team members or seek help and assistance. A project that has taken full focus in your life may a bit too much to handle on your own and you want to consider seeking outside resources to get the job completed correctly. Again, there is nothing wrong with asking for help and by bringing in some fresh energy the work you are doing right now is likely to be infused with needed creativity or innovation.

In the case that you are struggling to find work, the Three of Wands can indicate a need to revamp your resume or change the way you are approaching your search. Also try looking in new avenues for work such as different papers or internet sites, expanding the search area that you are looking in, or looking in a different field than you generally would not consider. This is a time for expansion and exploration. This card is all about sending something out and gaining success in return. Such as if you apply for a job you will get an interview. If you start a business you will gain success. In regards to wealth, the Three of Wands is a positive card indicating that hard work will pay off.

The Three of Wands Yes Or No

The Three of Wands is quite an adventurous card,  if you pulled this card for a yes or no question then the answer is definitely “yes.” This tarot card is associated with looking towards the future and having a sense of responsibility then this card is a positive omen.

The Three of Wands Friendship

If your tarot question relates to friendships then the Three of Wands card is connected to spiritual and earthly personalities. It can mean you did feel limited in a friendship/relationship or felt frustrated in someone’s decision-making process. It could also indicate that you feel restricted by a friend's personality. There is also an element of jealousy within this card.

The Three of Wands Past - Upright and Reversed

Appearing in the past position of a tarot spread, this card shows that you have encountered either psychic or clairvoyant foresight. It is not uncommon for those with “psychic talents” to see this particular card in the past position. If you’ve been struggling the past with a work-related task then this is a card that foretells you’ve kept on going and reaped the rewards.

The Three of Wands normally show up when patience is required. It can also suggest that efforts that have been made have not gone unnoticed. The Three of Wands can signify a business venture and leadership in the past. In a reversed position the Three of Wands can mean there have been business problems or worries and that has affected you.

The Three of Wands Present - Upright and Reversed

In the present position, the upright Three of Wands tarot card can indicate boldness and self-confidence. It is also related to enterprises and bringing either two or three people or ideas together. In the previous card (two of wands) we’ve seen a decision that needs to be made,  in the three, we are seeing the wheels put in motion. The ship needs to “set sail” and the card is focused on internal forces being at work. 

There is also a focus on long-term planning and visions of the future. This card is positioned in the present context (in the spread) it’s important to understand that you need to gain the bigger picture in life,  additionally trying not to overlook minor details. There is also a possible need to travel or moving towards a goal. In the reversed position, there could be a fear of treachery or feeling isolated from other people. There were specifically setbacks but situations are likely to improve going forward. I often see this card in the reversed position when there is either a delay or loss of friendship. 

The Three of Wands Future and Outcome - Upright and Reversed

The Three of Wands is a journey and this is a lucky card to land in a future/ outcome position if upright. The number "three" suggests that the ship is coming in. Drawing the Three of Wands in a love reading is positive. Emotions (if a relationship reading) are equal and that you are getting "a move on" with what you really want. In a friendship or relationship, two people will go well together but it may not turn into a full-blown romance. 

The three is also about getting told the truth, so one can work on the options that present themselves. The Three of Wands as a love outcome can indicate that two people want the same thing and are trying to work together to figure out what they want. The “love” is set in motion. In regards to other parts of life, the three in future positions can mean a new project, money or wealth. The card is also about patience because it can be a slow process and a waiting game. Reversed as future/outcome this card can mean that there is planning required and that waiting is important. 

The Three of Wands Advice - Upright and Reversed

In terms of advice, the Three of Wands indicates that you need to focus on finalizing business decisions, booking travel or making sure that goals are set. There is a need to focus on the future rather than keep looking back on the past and in relationships either finish the relationship or move on. Reversed the advice is to think about your hopes and dreams and follow them. Normally reversed meanings are adverse but not in this case. It means to listen to your inner voice when you need to make a decision.

The Three of wands Reversed

Reversed Three of Wands in a Reading

A bad decision has normally been made when this card appears reversed. That is, the consequence of someone else and the sense of guilt often comes as part of this card. Perhaps you are feeling a reduction of self-respect and negativity which has impacted your own self-image. When you feel yourself feeling guilty or you want to remove yourself from negative feelings this card normally appears reversed. It could nee something as simple as over-eating or facing problems with others. When dealing with loss or the feeling you have made a “bad decision” comes helplessness associated with sadness. We normally fight against the feeling but eventually, this will catch up with us. But remember, a loss is part of life. Without it, we cannot make good choices!

The reversal of the Three of Wands can be a card of warning and reminds you that you need to look in on yourself rather than having a focus on the world or everyone else. Sometimes it can indicate that you are being too nosy or stirring up trouble. It can also tell you that you need to work on centering yourself because you are getting distracted and allowing yourself to be pulled in too many directions. When the Three of Wands has reversed the positive power from the card is tipped upside down and whereas you would normally be reaping the rewards of success, you are likely floundering amidst chaos and turmoil in your life. To set your life back on the right path you need to get back to the basics. Focus on the foundational aspects of your relationships, finances, and health. You will know what areas are causing you the most concern and it is up to you to set them right. Be especially mindful of your own negativity and blaming others when you are responsible.

The Three of Wands Reversed - Love and Romance

Drawing this card reversed in a love reading can suggest that there is going to be communication and commitment in the future. Upright the card indicates putting in foundations, therefore when it is reversed can mean that something is not finished or you are unsure of which way to turn in love.  In regards to going forward, the reversed card means you need to think outside the box perhaps you need to close a life chapter.

Family and Home - The Three of Wands Reversed

This card suggests you are being audacious, daring and confident when it comes to family matters. You may feel you have taken on more than you would like to and family members keep on placing demands. At one extreme, you display arrogance but also fear of deceit which is causing you to feel cut off and isolated.

Work, money, and finances - The Three of Wands Reversed

The Three of Wands card appearing reversed for family life is connected to our own unconscious assumptions and expectations that may cause problems. When projected on to others (such as immediate family) this card means that you may find engagements or new social situations when it comes to work. If you have been struggling work-wise this card can indicate that happiness will soon be yours. There could possibly be something that is lacking money wise. 

The card in the reversed position can indicate that you have made a decision but it might not have been the right one, it means channelling ones energy into making the wrong choice. This can also imply that creativity and money could be squashed because of problems. The most important aspect is to learn to ride this out. Don't spend too much money and work on your career.

Health and Wellness - The Three of Wands Reversed

In regards to medical procedures, the reversed Three of Wands is positive. It can mean good health. There may be difficulties in putting plans in place or possibly that you may be experiencing blockages of creative inspiration. The Three of Wands reversed also suggests that there might be more to something in life than you had hoped. Such as taking risks or problems.

Personal Spirituality - The Three of Wands Reversed

In regards to spirituality, this card can indicate that a decision was made - but not the right one. This could possibly impact upon your own spirituality and happiness. We all make difficult choices in life and bad decisions can often lead to extended problems. Maybe you have married the wrong person? Or you’ve gone down a dangerous road? Perhaps you’ve made a life choice whereby you’ve fallen out with others?  We all behave in various ways that we don’t want to. For example,  We can overeat, smoke cigarettes, gamble, or stay in a relationship that is no longer healthy for us. 

The most important takeaway of this card (appearing reversed) is that we must recognize our bad choices. It’s not rocket science or difficult for one to say. The card has appeared in the reversed position because problems need to be resolved and one's perspective and beliefs need to be reviewed. Perhaps true wisdom means developing one's own personal belief system in the universe in a peaceful way without frustration or anger.

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Keywords Upright

  • Curiosity
  • Exploring
  • Traveling
  • Self-evaluation
  • Development
  • Fast progress
  • Lonesome

The Three of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

  • Teamwork
  • Cooperation
  • Unity
  • Fame
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Acceptance

By Flo Saul
Jul 9, 2012