Three of Wands Key words#
Before diving deeper into the upright- and reversed Three of Wands tarot card meaning, and its connection to love, work, and life, first a quick overview of the most important words connected to this Wands card.
Upright | Exploration and travel, leadership, moving forward |
Reversed | Self-doubt, regret, perceived failure |
Yes or No | Yes |
Numerology | 3 |
Element | Fire |
Planet | Mars |
Astrological Sign | Aries |
Three of Wands Tarot Card Description#
To fully understand the Three of Wands tarot card meaning, we will first take a look at the illustration, its colors, and its symbolism.
The Three of Wands shows the same man depicted in the Two of Wands, who has now left the comfort of his castle and is in a vast open space.
From a high vantage point, he looks across the sea toward distant ships. This supports a modern interpretation of preparation and perspective, not certainty about what is coming or how it will turn out.
The man seems both grounded and ready to set out on an adventure. The three wands around him are firmly planted, representing the man’s commitment to his future plans. This is also shown by his future-focused gaze.
The distant ships and sea can symbolize a journey, along with the challenges and opportunities that may accompany it. His stance suggests preparation rather than certainty about what lies ahead.
Three of Wands Tarot Meaning#
In the upright position, the Three of Wands can symbolize expansion and progress. However, there is one requirement: a healthy balance of planning and risk-taking.
The card can invite you to look for opportunities beyond familiar ground. If so, consider where calculated action could create room for growth in your finances, career, relationships, and overall well-being.
Money and Career Meaning#
When it comes to career and finance, the Three of Wands suggests that you go on a ‘treasure hunt.’ Are there opportunities that you have overlooked or perhaps put on the backburner? Were you offered a position or promotion in the past but decided not to take it? Now might be the time to reconsider.
If you own a business or are thinking of starting one, think global. If you are considering expansion, research whether there is demand beyond your local area. Take some time to explore different ideas and move forward when you feel confident.
Love and Relationships Meaning#
In a love reading, the Three of Wands can suggest openness to meeting people beyond your usual circle. If you are single, travel or a change of scene may widen those possibilities, without promising a particular relationship or outcome.
Just keep in mind that an unusual setting may be part of the interpretation. Tinder dates, long-distance love, and trists abroad are all options when this gentleman presents himself in a reading.
If you are already married or otherwise committed, plan a getaway for just the two of you. Even if you have kids, alone time is important. Pull up a map and plan a trip together. Shared time can create room for a closer romantic bond.
The same is true of friendships. Bestie trips can be fulfilling getaways as well since they can help you learn more about those you love and yourself.
Health and Spirituality Meaning#
If health concerns are part of your question, use the Three of Wands as a prompt to consider your next practical step. A tarot card cannot diagnose illness or choose treatment, so discuss medical decisions with a qualified clinician.
If you are considering homeopathic, holistic, or other complementary practices, ask a qualified clinician about their evidence, risks, and possible interactions with your current care. Do not delay or replace effective treatment on the basis of a tarot reading.
Three of Wands Reversed#
In this paragraph, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Three of Wands tarot card in the reversed position.
When it presents itself in reverse, the Three of Wands symbolizes a roadblock of some kind.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t begin the journey, but that you should prepare for hurdles along the way. Cast self-doubt and regret to the side. Forget about the past, look only to the future.
The Three of Wands is all about embracing your inner visionary. Think closely about the type of adventure the Three of Wands might be suggesting you embrace. What kind of things can you predict to be stumbling blocks?
Conquer what you can upfront, and then take things one step at a time moving forward. Embrace help from others instead of going at it alone.
Rallying a group behind you can help you address barriers that stand in your way.
Three of Wands: Yes or No#
The Three of Wands traditionally leans toward yes in a reflective yes or no reading. The outlook is especially positive for questions centering around new ventures, travel, moves, and long-distance relationships. Just make sure you plan ahead since happy outcomes are usually linked to effort and achievement, not luck.
Just make sure you plan ahead since happy outcomes are usually linked to effort and achievement, not luck.
Three of Wands and Astrology#
The Three of Wands is associated with the zodiac sign Aries, the sign of initiative, ambition, power, and confidence.
Aries is ruled by Mars, the warrior of the planets. Mars is fiery, masculine, and can bring dramatic breakthroughs and revolutionary change. The structures of the past are torn apart to make progressive change.
Important Card Combinations#
Wishes coming though, leadership, and achieving a new level of mastery: this is all embodied by the Three of Wands tarot card. But keep in mind that the meaning can change when the card is combined with other cards.
Especially Major Arcana cards can have a significant impact on the meaning of this minor arcana wands card. Therefore I included the most important Three of Wands card combinations.
Three of Wands and the High Priestess#
With the High Priestess, the Three of Wands can connect wider perspective with inward reflection. The pairing may invite quiet study or contemplation without promising enlightenment, peace, or a change in circumstances.
Three of Wands and the Empress#
Did you finally find your dream house or run into the love of your life? One of my favorite combinations of the Three of Wands is with the Empress, as they can represent receptivity, growth, and the wish to create something tangible. Treat that pairing as an interpretive theme, not a promise that events will arrive as hoped.
Three of Wands and the Emperor#
The Emperor represents the highest leadership and symbolizes power, strength, and success that comes with hard work and dedication. With the Three of Wands, it can emphasize leadership, planning, and confidence without guaranteeing success.
The pairing can symbolize growing mastery and readiness to consider a leadership role. All you have to do is let your self-confidence shine through.
Three of Wands with the Fool#
The Fool stands for new beginnings, going on an adventure, and being spontaneous. It encourages you to take the leap and follow your dreams. Combined with the adventurous Three of Wands, it can highlight openness to a new experience.
We all know that nothing is written in stone and that nothing works out the same for everyone but taking that first step is the most important thing. Take the initiative and go on a trip, or even just a weekend getaway. The pairing can emphasize constructive planning around travel.
Three of Wands and the Death#
When the Three of Wands is combined with the Death card, the pairing can invite a review of relationships, habits, or thought patterns that no longer support your direction. Judge people by their behavior rather than labeling them from the cards.
Setting boundaries around harmful influences can create space for healthier connections and habits, without guaranteeing how you will feel or what enters your life.
Three of Wands with the Two of Swords or the Hermit#
This combination can reflect feeling stuck or isolated. The Three of Wands with the Hermit or Two of Swords may invite a careful step beyond familiar routines, while the right course still depends on your circumstances, options, and support.
Three of Wands Tarot Cards#
You have probably noticed that I write all my descriptions based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. This doesn’t mean that I use other decks too. And there are so many beautiful decks out there! Below you find a small selection of beautiful Three of Wands cards.
The Modern Way Tarot 
Spark of Joy Tarot 
Kelsey Showalter via Behance.net
Three of Wands in a Reading#
That’s all for the Three of Wands Tarot card meaning! Can’t get enough? Learn how to read tarot in this Tarot Beginners Guide or read more about the other major arcana cards here.
If you have pulled the Three of Wands tarot card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
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