Three of Wands - Rider Waite Minor Arcana

The Three of Wands feels like it has a lot of overlap with the Two of Wands.

While the Two of Wands is about looking forward, planning for the future and upcoming partnerships; the Three of Wands is about thinking big, understanding the scope of what you will accomplish.

Look at the illustration and symbology of the Three of Wands again. The central figure looks out onto a blank, barren plain.

At a glance

The Three of Wands is a tarot card that is often associated with expansion, exploration, and growth. It is typically seen as a positive card, symbolizing the potential for new opportunities and success.

In traditional tarot decks, the Three of Wands is depicted as a person standing on a hill or a mountaintop, holding a wand and looking out at the horizon. This imagery is meant to represent the potential for exploration and expansion that is symbolized by the card. The wand itself is a symbol of power and strength, while the horizon can be seen as representing the many possibilities that are available to the querent.

The Three of Wands is often seen as representing the potential for new opportunities and growth. It can indicate that the querent is in a good position to explore new horizons and to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. The card can also symbolize the need to look beyond one’s current circumstances and consider the potential for growth and expansion.

In a reading, the Three of Wands can indicate that the querent is in a good place to explore new possibilities and to expand their horizons. It can suggest that the querent has the skills and resources necessary to pursue new opportunities and to achieve success. The card can also indicate that the querent has the vision and foresight to see the bigger picture and to plan for the future.

Overall, the Three of Wands is a positive and uplifting card that suggests the potential for new opportunities and growth. It is a reminder to look beyond one’s current circumstances and to consider the potential for exploration and expansion.

Card meanings

Past

You may have been in your own world as a child; always looking towards the future and having lofty goals. You may have seen yourself becoming something big; a world leader, an astronaut, a famous celebrity, and you had a plan on how you were going to achieve this.

The Three of Wands in the past position reminds you to look back to this now. You may have achieved your goals, or you may not have. Use your past passions as a way to guide your future. Work towards what a younger you would have wanted.

Present

The Three of Wands in the present position can evoke some meaning from the Two of Wands. You may be about to start a new lease of life; a new adventure may just be around the corner. This could be something you’ve been planning for, something you have big dreams for.

It is important to remember not to rush. Even if it seems like something is within your grasp, acting too rashly can ruin it. Survey the scene from afar before making your move.

Future

The Three of Wands in the future position can suggest either a future of planning and dreaming, or a life where you achieve your goals and overcome obstacles. Luckily, now that you have drawn the Three of Wands in a future position, you can make steps to change your future.

Try not to fall into a pattern of constant wishing and longing for a better future. Act on your dreams. Remember, as far as we can tell, we only get one shot at life, so it’s best to act on our dreams. Put your desires into motion. Don’t shut others out.

Work, careers and education

The Three of Wands when discussing work, career or education can show that you need to put some time to plan for your future. Work out an end goal and a path towards it. You will come to realise that persistence is a trait you should have developed soon. You cannot be beaten if you simply never give up.

Love and Relationships

Consider your current status when you see the Three of Wands show up regarding love or relationships. Can this last forever? Will it? Do you want it to?

Some relationships do pass the test of time and grow and strengthen as they age. Others are mere fleeting instances of connection. Whether you are committed or single, consider your current state. Is this going to last forever. DO you want it to?

You should plan for the long term. It’s no use keeping up a relationship which gives you anxiety or worries. Conversely if you are single, the Three of Wands helps you look to the future. Give yourself the time and energy to think about what you really want in life.

Wealth

Live within your means and plan for the future. You might have lofty goals for your money, but you need to earn and save it first. The Three of Wands is a good card to draw regarding money and finances in general, and it echoes long term planning and the thought of living frugally now to have more later.

Have a long term, financial goal. Even if this doesn’t interest you at all. Money is such an intrinsic part of society that we need to take it seriously.

Health and well-being

The Three of Wands can reassure you that over the long term, your health should remain relatively static. Work on your mental health, and understand that no matter how deep you go, there is always a way out.

Long term planning comes into effect for physical health. You need to take care of you body. You can’t go adventuring and conquering if you aren’t fit and able.

Other associations

Element: Fire

As a Yes or No question: Yes

Keywords

Tunnel vision, forward thinking, thinking big, enterprising, long-term goals