Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Three of Wands tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright | Expansion, progress, growth, foresight, new opportunities, vision, exploration |
| Reversed | Lack of foresight, missed opportunities, delays, setbacks, resistance to change, narrow-mindedness |
| Astrology | Sun in Aries |
| Love | A time of growth and progress in a relationship, a need for open communication and shared goals. |
| Career | A time to explore new opportunities and expand your professional network, a sign of growth and progress in your career. |
| Finances | A good time for investments and financial expansion, but be cautious of overspending or taking on too much risk. |
| Past | A time of exploration and growth, with opportunities presenting themselves to you. |
| Present | A time of progress and expansion, with new opportunities on the horizon. |
| Future | A time of growth and foresight, with new opportunities and possibilities opening up for you. |
The Three of Wands tarot card description
The Three of Wands tarot card typically depicts the following images:
- A man standing on a cliff or a high place, surveying the horizon with a look of excitement and anticipation
- Three wands planted in the ground, symbolizing ambition, expansion, and growth
- A ship or ships on the horizon, indicating travel, adventure, and new opportunities
- A mountainous or rugged landscape in the background, suggesting obstacles and challenges to be overcome.
The overall theme of the Three of Wands is one of looking ahead to the future and seeking opportunities for growth and advancement. The man’s stance represents confidence and determination, while the ships on the horizon symbolize the promise of new experiences and success in the future.
The three wands symbolize the growth that has already taken place, as well as the potential for even greater growth in the future.
The Three of Wands card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Three of Wands tarot card are:
- Ambition
- Expansion
- Growth
- Adventure
- Opportunity
- Future
- Confidence
- Determination
- Success
- Exploration
- New horizons
- Overcoming obstacles
- Planning
- Anticipation
Astrology of the Three of Wands card
The Three of Wands tarot card is typically associated with the astrological sign of Aries.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is characterized by its bold and pioneering energy. The Three of Wands card represents similar energy, as the man on the cliff looks ahead with excitement and determination, seeking new opportunities and growth.
The astrological influence of Aries on the Three of Wands highlights the theme of new beginnings, taking initiative, and embracing the unknown with confidence.
Upright Three of Wands tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Three of Wands card?
The upright Three of Wands tarot card signifies expansion and growth, representing new opportunities and adventures on the horizon. The card encourages the person to be proactive and determined in pursuing their goals and to take calculated risks for success.
The traditional interpretation of the upright Three of Wands tarot card is one of expansion and growth.
The card signifies that opportunities for advancement and success are on the horizon and that the person should look ahead with confidence and determination.
The image of the man standing on the cliff, surveying the horizon, and the ships on the horizon symbolize the promise of new experiences and opportunities.
This card suggests that the person should be proactive in pursuing their goals and that they have the drive and ambition to overcome any obstacles along the way.
The upright Three of Wands indicates a positive time for planning, exploration, and taking calculated risks to achieve their desired outcome.
Example upright Three of Wands reading
Suzy draws the upright Three of Wands card in a tarot reading where she is asking about her relationship. What does this mean?
The upright Three of Wands card in a tarot reading about a relationship suggests that Suzy is in a period of growth and expansion in her relationship.
The card indicates that she and her partner are open to new experiences and opportunities and that they should embrace them with confidence and determination.
The image of the man on the cliff surveying the horizon symbolizes a forward-thinking attitude and suggests that Suzy and her partner should be proactive in pursuing their goals and desires in the relationship.
The Three of Wands indicates a positive time for planning, exploration, and taking calculated risks to achieve growth and success in the relationship. Suzy should be confident and determined in pursuing what she wants and working with her partner to achieve mutual goals.
Reversed Three of Wands card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Three of Wands tarot card?
The reversed Three of Wands suggests obstacles, delays, or lack of focus in the person’s plans for expansion and growth. The card may indicate a need for the person to build up their confidence, reassess their goals, and focus their efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
The traditional interpretation of the reversed Three of Wands tarot card suggests a lack of focus, delay, or obstruction in the person’s plans for expansion and growth.
The image of the man on the cliff may indicate a lack of direction or indecisiveness, and the reversed position of the ships on the horizon suggests that opportunities for success may be delayed or missed.
The reversed Three of Wands can also suggest a lack of confidence or self-doubt, leading to hesitation and procrastination.
This card may indicate a need for the person to reassess their goals and focus their efforts, as well as to build up their confidence and determination to overcome any obstacles that may be standing in their way.
Example reversed Three of Wands reading
John draws the reversed Three of Wands card in a tarot reading where he is asking about the stock market. What does this mean?
The reversed Three of Wands card in a tarot reading about the stock market suggests potential delays, obstacles or a lack of focus in John’s investments.
The card may indicate that opportunities for growth and expansion in the stock market are not currently favorable or that John is not in a position to take advantage of them. The image of the man on the cliff may suggest indecision or lack of direction, and the reversed position of the ships on the horizon suggests that opportunities for success may be delayed or missed.
The reversed Three of Wands may also indicate a lack of confidence in John’s investment strategy or a hesitation to take calculated risks.
This card suggests that John may need to reassess his investment goals, focus his efforts, and build up his confidence in order to achieve success in the stock market.
Meanings of the Three of Wands in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Three of Wands card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Three of Wands tarot meaning
In a love context, the Three of Wands suggests growth and expansion in the relationship. The card indicates that both partners are open to new experiences and opportunities, and should embrace them with confidence and determination.
The image of the man on the cliff surveying the horizon symbolizes a forward-thinking attitude and suggests that the partners should be proactive in pursuing their goals and desires in the relationship.
The Three of Wands indicates a positive time for planning, exploration, and taking calculated risks to achieve growth and success in the relationship.
The card encourages both partners to be confident and determined in pursuing what they want and working together to achieve mutual goals.
Career Three of Wands tarot meaning
In a career context, the Three of Wands suggests growth and expansion opportunities. The card indicates that new doors are opening and the person should embrace them with confidence and determination.
The image of the man on the cliff surveying the horizon symbolizes a forward-thinking attitude and suggests that the person should be proactive in pursuing their career goals and ambitions.
The Three of Wands indicates a positive time for planning, exploration, and taking calculated risks to achieve growth and success in their career.
The card encourages the person to be confident and determined in pursuing their goals and taking advantage of new opportunities for career advancement.
Finances Three of Wands tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Three of Wands suggests growth and expansion opportunities.
The card indicates that new financial opportunities are opening and the person should embrace them with confidence and determination. The image of the man on the cliff surveying the horizon symbolizes a forward-thinking attitude and suggests that the person should be proactive in pursuing their financial goals and ambitions.
The Three of Wands indicates a positive time for planning, exploration, and taking calculated risks to achieve growth and success in their finances.
The card encourages the person to be confident and determined in pursuing their financial goals and taking advantage of new opportunities for financial growth.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Three of Wands card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.
Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.
Here is a new interpretation of the Three of Wands tarot card:
The card indicates that new technological advancements and innovations are on the horizon, and the person should embrace them with confidence and determination.
The image of the man on the cliff surveying the horizon symbolizes a forward-thinking attitude and suggests that the person should be proactive in pursuing their technological goals and ambitions.
The Three of Wands indicates a positive time for exploration and taking calculated risks to achieve growth and success in the field of technology. The card encourages the person to be confident and determined in pursuing their goals and taking advantage of new opportunities for technological advancement.
This card may also suggest the potential for successful ventures and the development of new technologies that have the potential to disrupt the market and change the landscape.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Two of Wands tarot card and the next card is the Four of Wands card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
