Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning
A promising card of success that is to come, the Three of Wands follows the path of the wands that started with the Ace of Wands and the Two of Wands. It can denote travel, manifestation, and awareness of how to achieve your goals.
Illustration Credit: Sim Kaart
Exploration and Expansion
- Element: Fire
- Planet: Sun
- Astrological Sign: Aries
- Key Dates: March 31st to April 10th
Visual Elements and Symbolism
The Three of Wands depicts a tall-standing man with his back to the viewer and his gaze set on the horizon. He stands on a cliff among three firmly placed wands, his right hand grasping the wand furthest to the right. Before him lies the sea, calm and steady for the boats that travel along the water.
From his perspective, the man can see everything that is laid out before him. He waits patiently among the three wands, all of them symbolizing the ideas he has conjured for his future. His grasp on the third wand shows his commitment to his goals and dreams. The abundance of yellow typically used in this card’s artwork symbolizes optimism and joy. All good things are waiting for this man.
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The Three of Wands Card as a Person
A true dreamer at heart with an unrelenting drive, a Three of Wands person knows that all good things take time. Though they have a wildly creative imagination, they also possess the confidence to know that their hard work will always pay off in the end. They see possibilities where others may not, and their optimism can only be matched by their enduring tenacity.
On the flip side, a Three of Wands person can come off as ruthless and arrogant. They will stop at nothing to reach their goals, even if it means pushing away those they are closest to. They can become over-competitive if they let their unbridled optimism get the better of them. The Three of Wands person needs to remember to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground to not get carried away by their strong will.
Upright
The Three of Wands Upright
The Three of Wands card in the upright position is all about looking ahead. Your ideas have already been cultivated, and now it’s time to plan for the future. Opportunities will be presented to you, and it is up to you to put in the work and take the risks to achieve success.
The Three of Wands is also a card of travel. Whether you find the opportunity to physically travel or you find yourself delving more into the ideas of other cultures, you’ll find your ideas and viewpoints expanding. In turn, your inner world will flourish as well.
Love and Relationships
If you are currently in a relationship, you and your partner are putting in the work to allow the relationship to progress smoothly and comfortably. You are in a very gratifying place in this partnership, and you’re ready for what’s coming next for the both of you. You may get the chance to travel together in the future, which will allow you to learn more about each other and expand your intimacy.
If you are in a long-distance relationship, the Three of Wands can be an indication that your connection can withstand the distance. You both have the foresight to work through any pressures that come with the physical separation.
If you are single, this is the time to get yourself out there. Don’t play it small right now, take a vacation or travel abroad. You may find yourself amid an exciting romantic fling. If a trip isn’t an option for you right now, the cards may be telling you to take a second look. You might have overlooked someone great by ruling them out too early. Make sure you are exploring all the options in front of you.
Career
In your career, the Three of Wands is telling you to trust your instincts. If you recently had a breakthrough at work, now is the time to see it through. If you have an idea for a side project that others deemed impractical, your persistence is being called upon. You are seeing possibilities that others have overlooked, and following through will lead you to success.
Money
The Three of Wands is telling you that now is the time to invest in your future. Go for that promotion, expand your business, or open an investment account. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result.
If you find yourself with a little bit of extra income, the universe might be telling you to go explore. Plan an excursion to an exotic locale, or map out a road trip you’ve always wanted to take. The time to travel is now.
Health
If you have been struggling through poor health or an injury, recovery is imminent. Take this time to get acquainted with your physical self. Even if you are currently healthy, right now is not the time to be doing anything strenuous. If you give yourself a chance to connect to your physical being, you will find yourself with a renewed appreciation for your good health.
Reversed
The Three of Wands Reversed
If you see the Three of Wands in the reversed position, this may be a sign of blocked energy. You are encountering or will encounter a roadblock on your journey. You are in a position where opposition has brought you to a point of uncertainty. You are afraid to look toward your future.
This card may also indicate that you are cautious to take action on your ideas. You’re not sure how to go about it, or even if your ideas are actually of any value. This card wants you to look at your ideas from a new perspective. It’s time to realign your ideas with your intuition and go for it.
Love and Relationships
The Three of Wands can indicate stagnation in your love life. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner have reached an impasse. You may have fundamental beliefs that differ to the point of no resolve. It’s even possible that one person in the relationship wants to relocate while the other is rooted in their current location, causing tension between the two.
If your reading involves a long-distance relationship, this might be the time to cut the cord. Neither of you is suited for this kind of arrangement, and it’s time to move on out of respect for one another. This will open you up to new experiences and relationships that are better suited to your current needs.
If you’re single, there is something from your past keeping you from seeking out romance. It’s time to work through the reason behind your hesitancy and let it go. Good things are ahead of you if you do the work.
Career
Your career is progressing slower than you would like, and you are frustrated. Whether it be missed opportunities, incompetent management, or business slowing down, you are being held back from the growth you know you’re capable of. Take a step back and observe your situation. Ask yourself what your part in this stagnation is, and what you can do in the foreseeable future to get your feet back under you. This might even include travel or relocation to shake things up.
Money
Take this as a sign to re-organize your finances. At the current moment, you’re finding that there is no monetary growth in your life. You may even find yourself in an undesirable financial bind due to such things as bankruptcy or a layoff. Don’t let this misstep defeat you. Do some research, put in the work, and you’ll bounce back in no time.
Health
Recently, you have been attempting to cope with an illness or injury, only to end up with unpleasant results. Not only are you suffering physically, but it is starting to affect your emotional health as well. Be patient with yourself and with your body. Give yourself plenty of time in your recovery. You’ll be making a full recovery before you know it.
Spreads
If the Three of Wands shows up in the past position of a reading, it indicates a situation in which you played it too safe. You most likely spent too much time overanalyzing your situation instead of acting on your intuition. Maybe you didn’t even think or act on the situation, you just waited for the choice to be made for you. Your caution proved to be detrimental to your growth. This is a reminder that some decisions are better acted on than evaluated. Don’t think, just do!
In a position of the present, the Three of Wands is a sign of good things yet to come. You already did the work, now is the time to allow yourself to collect your reward. You might be presented with a promotion, a blossoming romance, or even a life-changing trip abroad. It’s time to open yourself up to receiving everything you dreamed of.
The Three of Wands in the future position points to personal success. If you are setting a goal for yourself, you will undoubtedly achieve it. New amorous prospect? They will be yours. Applied for your dream job? Expect a call back very soon. Just don’t forget to put the work into it. It is your creativity and sharp mind that will lead you to achievement.
Important Card Combinations
When paired with a card from the prominent Major Arcana, the Three of Wands comes as a supplemental message. It puts the life event of the Major Arcana card under a microscope and tells you what you need to release to get your desired result.
Three of Wands and Hermit
If you find yourself feeling alone recently or you seem to be on the outside looking in, it’s time to pull yourself out of your slump. The Three of Wands with The Hermit indicates that the waiting game is almost over. It’s time to connect to logical reasoning to receive what is coming for you next.
Three of Wands and Empress
A fantastic pairing for the Three of Wands, this card with The Empress means the universe is lining up in your favor. All of the seeds have been planted, fertilized, and carefully nurtured, and now it’s time for you to step back and receive all the good things that are coming to you. You will likely be approved for vacation time at work, or you’ll start seeing an influx of clients wanting your business. Whatever the situation may be, it will be a success because of the work you put into it.
Three of Wands and Death
Though seemingly foreboding, the Death card is more indicative of a transformation. Combined with the Three of Wands, it can signify the release of weight that has been holding you back. You will no longer be bogged down by negativity, and you’ll be ready to put your new positive mindset into action.
Three of Wands and High Priestess
The deeply spiritual High Priestess card paired with the Three of Wands is a sign of self-enlightenment. The universe is mirroring your hard work back to you, bringing you everything you have worked towards. Your only obligation now is to let go and receive. Devote yourself to resting your tired mind, and watch the universe work its magic.
Three of Wands: Yes or No?
When asking a yes or no question, the three of wands is a resounding yes. It stands for achievement, exploration, and expansion, so if you’re looking for a positive answer to a positive question, the Three of Wands is a good sign.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES THE THREE OF WANDS MEAN IN A LOVE READING?
Your relationship is growing at a rate that both you and your partner are happy with. You’re learning more about each other every day. If you’re single, the Three of Wands suggests that you look for romance in places you might not have expected.
WHAT DOES THE REVERSED THREE OF WANDS MEAN?
The reversed Three of Wands is warning you of the consequences of being overly cautious. Don’t be afraid to wish for what you truly want.
WHAT DOES THE THREE OF WANDS MEAN IN A FUTURE READING?
The Three of Wands in the future tells you to keep your eyes out; your manifestations are about to arrive.
IS THE THREE OF WANDS A YES OR NO QUESTION?
The Three of Wands is a definite yes, implying achievement and advancement.