Three of Wands Tarot: meaning and combination with other cards

The Three of Wands means prosperity, financial well-being, stability, great opportunities.

A white stripe awaits the questioner. Luck concerns various areas of activity, including business and personal relationships. Certain results have already been achieved in the matter, the card promises new victories.

The Three of Wands is a logical continuation of the Two. If the previous card meant uncertainty and confusion, then the next one signifies determination and initiative.

You still have some way to go. At the same time, follow your destiny, and also be in harmony with yourself and the world. At this stage, minimal effort should be applied.

If you are haunted by failures, you will soon breathe a sigh of relief. A cloudless period of life begins.

Keywords:

Opportunity through caution.
Patience.
Receiving good news.
Trade.
Business.
Retail.
Delivery and packaging.

When the Three of Wands appears in your reading, it indicates an element of caution. You've done a lot of hard work and now you're expecting a return on your investment. But these ships have not yet docked. The rewards are still uncertain.

The lasso signals the time when you move to another level. You've made the decision to work on something and now you're expecting to see results.

The card indicates a period of clarity and concentration. To wait. Now you need to do meditations on the next steps you need to take. Everything will come, the main thing is to be patient.

The reversed position of the card indicates excessive arrogance. Perhaps, due to stubbornness, you missed out on a good promising business.

The reverse card has the meaning of delay and failure. You worry because you can't achieve your goals. Lack of finances can prevent you from realizing your potential and dreams.

Arcanum speaks of great disappointments; your feelings may be filled with doubts and worries about your uncertain future.

The Three of Wands can also indicate homesickness, especially if you live far away from your family.

Other interpreters argue that the position of the card does not greatly change its meaning. The fortuneteller will also expect excellent results from his work. Beginnings, new ideas will find their application and will have excellent chances for development. Relationships with the opposite sex and loved ones will develop well.

You may notice changes in your outlook on life. The map predicts personal growth and changes in the inner world.

The meaning of the card in a broad sense

We analyze the meaning of the card traditionally from the picture depicted on it. Let's take the classic Waite deck, because it is with this deck that novice tarot readers most often work.

We see a man in rich traveler's clothing standing on the seashore. He looks into the distance, leaning on his staff. Please note that the rods he is holding on to have long since grown into the ground and are covered with leaves.

Three of Wands from the Waite deck

We assume that this is a wanderer who has traveled for a long time and finally reached his desired goal.

The sea is traditionally associated with dreams, romance, and desires. The man in the picture from the Waite Tarot achieved what he wanted. He is resting after a long journey alone. The flowering wand symbolizes support and support. This man is not alone, he has someone to rely on. In a broad sense, it can be a friend, ally, partner. The one who will lend a shoulder in difficult times of life. The ships that we see in the distance in the picture symbolize hope.

The key semantic concepts of the map are:

moral and material assistance;
friendship and partnership;
trusting relationship;
liberation from problems and shackles in a broad sense;
conquered peaks and achieving goals;
an alliance beneficial to both parties;
concentration, ability to get things done;
responsibility;
strict adherence to plans.

Before you begin interpreting the card, look carefully at the image. Listen to your inner feelings. Close your eyes and let your inner vision draw associative pictures. This way you will penetrate deeper into the symbolism of the Arcana and find your own images and interpretations.

Upright

In the upright position, the meaning of the card is positive. The Three of Staves indicates a person who is confident in his own abilities. He can handle any business or undertaking. Before us is someone who boldly takes on work, doubles his energy when faced with difficulties, is devoted to his dream and is ready to follow it to the ends of the earth.

The appearance of the card indicates that a period of favorable changes is coming in life: you will have new loyal friends, strength to implement projects, and powerful outside support.

Upside down

In a reverse position, the Arcanum loses its positive qualities. Staves sprouted into the ground symbolize routine and stagnation. You are shackled on your hands and feet, you cannot move from your place. Indecision, timidity, lack of initiative - these are the key words of the card in the reverse position.

Three of Wands from Tarot-93 deck

The inverted Three of Scepters means a loss of strength, lack of support from friends and close relatives, lack of faith in one’s strength, and reluctance to move forward. There are other negative aspects:

reluctance to listen to good advice, arrogance leading to collapse;
negative energy of loneliness, melancholy;
carelessness and negligence in business;
inability to concentrate on one thing - a person is “sprayed” on many things at the same time so that in the end nothing happens;
bad friends who don’t care what happens to you;
lack of support and attention.

If the neighboring Arcana are positive, they will soften the tense aspect of the reverse three.

The video is dedicated to the upright and inverted meaning of the Three of Wands card. It will be interesting for beginner tarot readers to watch:

General description and symbolism of the 3 of Wands card

Rider-Waite Tarot, 1910
You can understand the idea of the Three of Staves card by looking at the image on it. It is filled with small details that create a certain atmosphere. They are not always noticeable right away, so you should take a closer look. This will help to correctly interpret the 3 of Wands even in complex combinations and atypical layouts.

Other names for the Arcana: 3 Wands are called 3 Maces, 3 Scepters and 3 Staves. In the Golden Dawn system, the card has an additional “name” - the Lord of Affirmed Power.

Description and plot of the map

A man is standing on a hill. From a hill he looks at the sea, along which 3 ships are sailing. It is assumed that he is a merchant who equipped them and now expects them to return with a good profit. Next to the figure are three rods, rooted in the ground and sprouting shoots. The man holds on to one staff, but without any special need. The rod only makes his position more secure.

This is the most popular interpretation, but there are others. Some authors believe that the man himself planned to go on a trip, but was late: the ships had already set sail. Others emphasize the fact that the figure is positioned with its back to the viewer. The man has turned away and does not see what is happening behind.

Sometimes signs of uncertainty are found in the image: the figure is waiting, hoping for something, wide open spaces have opened before her, but now she does not know where to move next. For the 3 of Wands there can be several meanings, so you need to consider the situation completely with all the details and neighboring cards.

Interpretation of symbols

When interpreting the prediction, pay attention to the following symbols in the image.

Human pose. The 3 of Wands is the only card in Waite's deck in which the main character's back is completely turned to the viewer. In a favorable situation, the pose is interpreted as an opportunity to move forward; in a negative situation, it is an attempt to jump over one’s own head, too much haste, carelessness.

Shores. They personify what the querent has already overcome and where he is striving. Green grass under the figure’s feet is a sign that the person has achieved his first successes. However, the unknown awaits him ahead, which frightens him.

Wands. Symbolizes strength and fertility. One rod supports the figure, securing its position. The remaining 2 are behind the character. They are interpreted differently. Perhaps the remaining wands are stages that have already been completed or a safety net that stands behind a person. Some authors believe that 2 staves behind the back is a negative sign, because the figure ignores them and refuses to use them.

Sea. The water is calm. Light waves are present, but this is typical for the sea. There is no storm, so the symbol is favorable. The sea is depicted as golden, which can be interpreted in two ways. The first meaning is brilliant prospects, ample opportunities, chances to increase your assets and improve your reputation.

If the card is surrounded by negative Arcana, the golden sea becomes an illusion, a mirage. A person does not assess the situation objectively enough, so he does not see the problem or cannot find a solution.

Ships. With a favorable position of the Arcana - prosperity, expended efforts that begin to bring the first results. There are several negative interpretations. First of all, the realization that the good moment is already behind us, it’s too late to do anything. Another option is uncertainty, loneliness, hermithood. It is assumed that the character could have been landed on shore and sailed away.

Sky. The 3 of Wands is the only card in the classic deck with a dirty yellow sky. The yellow hue itself is considered auspicious, but the black color symbolizes darkness. This play of tones hints that the situation may not be as good as we would like. Negative meaning - an approaching storm, a beginning of a black streak that occurs regardless of the efforts made by the main character. In a weak position, a card is sometimes interpreted as severe bad luck: the querent did everything he could, but simply ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A person's clothing. Rich robes symbolize prosperity and existing achievements. The viewer is presented with a person who is not at the beginning, but in the middle of the journey. However, it is worth paying attention to his feet: he is barefoot. The absence of shoes indicates incomplete implementation of plans. A mixture of red and green is interpreted either as strength, fertility and an inexhaustible supply of energy, or as naivety and immaturity.

Headband. A sign of concentration, attentiveness and readiness. The querent needs to be vigilant and constantly analyze the situation.

Earth on the horizon. Potential target. A person does not know what awaits him on the other side. The sign symbolizes aspirations and the unknown, expectations and fears at the same time. If circumstances are favorable and efforts are made, the situation will change for the better. Otherwise, the querent's situation may worsen.

The meaning of the card when divining for business and work

When a card appears in finance and work scenarios, it means that we are dealing with a person who is well versed in his business. He easily finds a common language with colleagues and management, quickly settles into a new place, makes useful acquaintances and connections.

If there are positive neighboring cards, the Three of Wands says that the plan will be easily realized, there will be no obstacles, and the financial reward will not disappoint the questioner.

In the reverse position, the card recommends that the fortuneteller reconsider his plans for life. Probably somewhere he veered off the intended path and things did not go as expected. Lost directions, no interest in work. In terms of money, the prospects are unfavorable.

The reversed Three of Wands indicates the presence of people and circumstances that prevent you from moving forward. Take a look at your surroundings; there will probably be people who do not want to keep up with the times. Get rid of this ballast, look for partners who can help and support you in difficult times, refuse dubious offers and deals. Otherwise, you will waste your money, energy, and knowledge. The result will be zero.

Board card

The 3 of Wands is advice to keep moving forward. A person need not worry: even if not everything planned can be accomplished, this will not greatly affect the situation. Perhaps such a combination of circumstances will even benefit the querent. For example, he will not be able to quickly sell an apartment, and in a couple of months the property will rise sharply in price.

A person should not refuse help if it is offered selflessly and with good intentions. Don't be afraid of difficulties. They will turn out to be surmountable, although you will have to work hard to eliminate them.

Meaning in relationships

Issues related to personal life worry people just as much as work issues. How to understand what the appearance of the Three of Staves in the layout means? Does it promise a strong marriage and a reliable partnership? In a straight position - yes. You are on the right path, there is someone nearby who you can rely on. The card says that feelings are based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding.

In the future, the troika foreshadows a long and happy union, a proposal for marriage, or joint housekeeping. Flowering staves symbolize stability and prosperity.

Three of Wands from the 78 Doors deck

In the reverse position, the card loses a number of positive values. The questioner or his lover doubts the choice, does not dare to take a responsible step towards rapprochement, does not know how to find a compromise and understand the partner perfectly.

The card indicates difficulties that await the couple, but it is impossible to overcome them due to disagreements, immaturity and immaturity of one of the lovers.

Telling your client the result of fortune-telling does not mean signing a verdict. We are free to do as we see fit. The cards only advise, suggest a favorable course of action, but do not insist on a specific decision. Do not impose your own experience and vision on the person, give some advice, let him understand that he will have to make a choice on his own.

Money

In the past, a lot of effort and time was spent to acquire (build) a stable source of income, and now these investments have begun to pay off. For those who have received higher education for many years, the lasso means a good money job. For a businessman, it will become a symbol of the stable development of his enterprise and the prosperity of his business.

An inverted card is a symbol of destroyed hopes, a sign of labor without results or for meager remuneration. Cash investments now simply cover old debts, finances go nowhere and this only makes the situation worse.

Three of Wands Tarot 78 Doors

Learn more about the 78 Doors Tarot.

People and places

As a significator, the card indicates a decisive, strong-willed, purposeful person. Before us is an accomplished, holistic nature that is difficult to lead astray. This is an open and positive person who knows what he wants from life. He loves to travel, reads a lot, broadens his horizons, and purposefully engages in self-education.

In the reverse position, the card is still negative. Here are her main qualities in this position:

lack of will;
infantilism;
avoidance of responsibility.

The places designated by the Three of Wands are associated with vigorous activity and large crowds of people. These could be airports, train stations - from here we go on trips. Large stores, large companies, holdings promoting innovative technologies.

Inverted position

The inverted lasso of the 3 of Staves is a sign of emotional exhaustion, a symbol of mental exhaustion, fatigue and apathy. Arrogance played a bad joke on the fortuneteller; he spent all his energy on unnecessary matters.

The complex work has come to completion, but many nuances remain that require additional investments, and you have neither the strength, nor the time, nor the money for this, and in the end it will turn out that everything previously done was in vain.

Three of Wands Universal Tarot Rider-Waite

How to interpret the Rider Waite Tarot.

Psychological condition

Let's look at the meaning of the card from the point of view of psychology and the internal state of the questioner. If the Three of Staves falls in an upright position, we can confidently say that the person has a stable psyche. He strives for knowledge, is open to everything new, rarely gives in to despondency, and gets out of difficult situations with dignity. Such natures are rarely characterized by bouts of blues; they do not fall into a depressive state.

But there are also disadvantages - often people with the Three of Scepters in character are harsh and uncompromising. They rarely show pity for others, but they like even less to sympathize with them. Well, but these are wonderful partners and true friends. Such comrades will not cry with you, but will resolutely get down to business to correct the situation.

Three of Wands from the Psycho Tarot deck

Timidity and indecisiveness are the lot of those who have been dealt an inverted card. These people do not want to change anything in life, they quickly develop problems, always doubt, and do not know what to do. They do not know how to act decisively; they carry the burden of past grievances and disappointments until the very end, until they fall out of depression and have to seek help from a doctor.

I would add one more touch to this characteristic: the inverted Three of Wands is an attempt to escape reality. A person believes that the world is cruel and unfair, and therefore does not want to have anything to do with it. The position has a right to exist, but until it begins to influence socialization and relationships with friends and family members.

Family and home

Direct position

An established life, affection of family members to each other, good mutual understanding, the ability to find a common language.

This family is stable thanks to common work, which unites and brings consistency in actions and mutual understanding.

Inverted

The relationship has not satisfied the questioner for a long time; he has been thinking for a long time about how to end it. Soon he will have the opportunity to dot the i's, correct the situation, or break up. For lonely people, an inverted card speaks of their rudeness and selfishness towards loved ones, which makes it difficult for them to build strong relationships.

Classic combination with the Major Arcana

With the Major Arcana

Let's look at how the Three of Wands interacts with the Major Arcana.

The jester symbolizes actions whose results are unpredictable. The questioner approaches the matter lightly, carelessly, hence the consequences.
The magician recommends acting thoughtfully and advises seeking help from a knowledgeable person. Option – rigged results, wrong answer, lie.
The High Priestess speaks of great experience and deep knowledge.
The Empress speaks of a good result.
The Emperor promises that efforts will be rewarded.
The Hierophant indicates that the situation is given to a person for a reason. This is a kind of strength test.
Lovers offer to make a choice, guided by knowledge and intuition. Everything is in your hands, says this combination.
The Chariot is an unforeseen situation that can get out of control. An option is learning new knowledge that will be useful in life.
Strength recommends lowering your level of aspirations; you want too much from people and circumstances.
The hermit says that the result will have to wait a long time.
Wheel of Fortune - the process has started, we can only hope that luck will be on the side of the fortuneteller.
Justice promises to resolve issues in favor of the questioner.
Hanged Man - instability, failure, collapse of hopes, vain illusions. Option - don’t sacrifice your aspirations and dreams for the sake of other people, they won’t appreciate it.
Death - you cannot prevent certain events. All that remains is to humble yourself and observe.
Moderation recommends thinking about a compromise solution that will suit both parties. You should not care solely about your own benefit and well-being.
The devil warns about the machinations of enemies. Option - your plans are too selfish.
The tower - reality collapsed and buried the questioner under the rubble. We'll have to rebuild our lives.
Star - follow your dream, don’t give up what you started.
The moon - everything is fragile, unsteady, incomprehensible and illusory. Option - the dark side of the night star keeps many secrets. Other Arcana will tell whether the questioner has them.
The sun symbolizes the light of reason, achievement, victory.
Court - important changes in life are coming, you will have to make responsible decisions on your own.
Peace – luck, success, ambitious plans that will be realized in the shortest possible time.

All combinations are given for straight card positions. If they appear in the opposite position, the interpretation is different.

Classic combination with the suit of Cups

With Cups

Cups and Three of Wands - what does this combination promise when it appears in the reading?

The Ace of Cups paired with the Three of Wands symbolizes the ideal partnership in love. They understand you perfectly, don’t lose such a friend and lover.
A deuce speaks of an imminent wedding, engagement, declaration of love. In work matters - promotions, good reviews.
Three - a nice family celebration, a meeting with friends, the successful completion of a task that needs to be celebrated.
Four advises you to look at life in a new way.
Five predicts losses from a project, even if at first glance it is profitable. Don’t get involved in the business, it will not bring good luck, success, or recognition.
Six symbolizes hope, the pursuit of a dream. You will wake up and have a desire to create and win.
Seven says you are following the wrong path.
Eight - efforts are in vain, there will be no reward.
Nine - your plans will come true, the main thing is to believe.
Ten – relationships that will be formalized.
The Page of Cups hints at romantic relationships, flirting, and pleasant meetings.
The knight says that the sympathy is mutual.
Queen - strong relationship.
The king is stability.

Classic combination with the suit of Pentacles

With Pentacles

The money suit of Pentacles and the Three of Wands – can these combinations be called successful?

Ace promises financial stability, fortune is on the side of the questioner.
Deuce does not recommend rushing from one extreme to the other.
The number three symbolizes the correct approach to the work started. You are a professional and people appreciate that.
The Four advises to proceed with caution.
Five speaks of big expenses that will not pay off.
Six recommends asking friends and family for help. Option – debts, loans.
Seven advises making long-term investments.
The number eight says that times of grace are coming.
Nine - you will achieve your goal.
Ten – wealth and well-being in the family. Good prospects for business and long-term cooperation.
The page advises to be a practical and zealous owner. Don't throw money away.
The knight recommends showing pressure, putting pressure on partners or management.
The Queen symbolizes a reliable friend and ally.
The King recommends increasing the financial safety net.

Classic combination with the suit of Swords

With Swords

Let's see what combinations are most often found in layouts, and how Swords influence the meaning of the Three of Wands.

Ace of Swords – authority, strengthening of positions.
Two - contradictions, ambiguities, vague prospects. An option is a difficult choice on which the future depends.
Three – disappointment, problems, painful situation.
The Four advises to wait until the implementation of plans.
Five – serious problems, defeat, collapse.
Six advises implementing new ideas and projects. Take on all the opportunities that fate offers.
Seven recommends being cunning.
Eight – delays, litigation.
Nine – problems, failures.
Ten - come to terms with failure.
The Page of Swords warns of the presence of envious people and ill-wishers.
The knight announces the failure of plans.
Queen – negative result, take the fact for granted.
King - be careful, there may be problems with the law.

Questions to ask when drawing a card

If 3 Maces appears in the layout, you should think about whether the querent’s position is now stable. The map will tell you what to do next in order to preserve and increase your existing assets.

Arkan answers the question of whether a person can achieve what he wants. The map can tell you whether it is worth taking active action and making important decisions now. However, for correct interpretation, neighboring Arcana must be taken into account. The Arcan also allows you to understand whether the querent will be able to self-realize in the chosen field of activity.

Other cards:

Ace of Maces

Two of Maces

Three of Maces

Four of Maces

Five of Maces

Six of Maces

Seven of Maces

Eight of Maces

Nine of Maces

Ten of Maces

Page Bulav

Knight of Maces

Queen of Maces

King of Maces

Ace of Cups

Two of Cups

Three of Cups

Four of Cups

Five of Cups

Six of Cups

Seven of Cups

Eight of Cups

Nine of Cups

Ten of Cups

Page of Cups

Knight of Cups

Queen of Cups

King of Cups

Ace of Swords

Two of Swords

Three of Swords

Four of Swords

Five of Swords

Six of Swords

Seven of Swords

Eight of Swords

Nine of Swords

Ten of Swords

Page of Swords

Knight of Swords

Queen of Swords

King of Swords

Ace of Denariev

Two Denarii

Three Denarii

Four Denarii

Five Denarii

Six Denarii

Seven Denarii

Eight Denarii

Nine Denarii

Ten Denarii

Page Denariev

Knight of Denarii

Queen of Denarii

Classic combination with the suit of Wands

With Wands

How are cards of similar suits combined in traditional layouts? Where is the influence positive and where is it negative?

The Ace of Wands and the Three of a similar suit speak of a result that will inspire further exploits.
Two advises taking time to think. Deal with current affairs, do not take on new projects.
The four say it's time to celebrate the victory.
Five indicates chaotic, uncoordinated actions leading to failure.
Six predicts an excellent result.
A seven next to the three of Posokhov means resistance, reluctance to work in a team.
Number Eight advises you to act decisively, make a plan and not be distracted by trifles.
Nine - resistance from those who do not like your methods.
Ten advises to moderate your ardor, otherwise there will be problems.
Page Posokhov - the result will please the questioner.
Knight - short-lived success.
The Queen of Scepters indicates growing professionalism, continue self-education, improve your skills.
The King of Wands promises an ascent up the career ladder.

It is difficult for a beginning soothsayer to immediately grasp the entire layout in his mind’s eye. Keep a special notebook in which you record the results. Write down the thoughts that come to you during the fortune telling process. This makes it easier to remember the combinations and create a complete picture.

The video is dedicated to the symbolism of the Three of Wands from the Wild Unknown Tarot deck:

Job

In matters of work and career, the upright card is a symbol of exaltation. All your achievements in this field of activity are appreciated. The foundation that you have laid for many years gives you confidence in the future.

The reversed Three of Staves will indicate:

hopelessness;
lack of career growth;
hard work without decent evaluation.

Working in your current place, you are investing your time and health in a “bottomless pit”, you will not be appreciated, and you have no future in this area.

Importance in health matters

Tarologists believe that if the card falls in an upright position, then the questioner has no health problems. Of course, in matters of health you cannot completely rely on cards, but it is possible to get an overall picture.

In the reverse position, the Three of Wands indicates minor ailments that should be identified in time so that they do not become chronic.

I think this card is positive. The appearance of the Three Scepters tells a person that one cannot give up on a dream, no matter how unrealistic it may seem at first glance. Remember - everything depends on us. When a person gives up, the Universe perceives this as a signal and stops helping. The Higher Powers try to assist those who set goals and boldly achieve their implementation.

Luck loves those who do not give in to difficulties, says the Arcana of the Three of Wands.

Tags: Fortune telling, Wands, Card meanings, Ksenia Likhachevskaya, Tarot

About the author: Ksenia Likhachevskaya

Esotericism for me is a universal key that opens many doors behind which new knowledge, opportunities and prospects are hidden. More than 20 years ago I first picked up Tarot cards. Since then I have used them for more than just predictions. The world of Tarot is an amazing reality, immersing yourself in which you will find answers to questions and be able to change your life. Tarot reader services

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Three of Wands. Impact on health.

Favorable sign. Your well-being will improve significantly. If you were previously overcome by illness, now the right path of treatment has been outlined, relief is just around the corner. Chronic ailments in a mild form may bother you. To return to normal, you need to rest a little. The planned period will allow you to take a break. In general, the alignment marks good health.

Other interpreters argue that if the disease has just begun, then the lasso speaks of its development. You should undergo an examination in order to maintain good health. The card also speaks of an exacerbation of chronic diseases, increased addictions, and bad habits. Take more care of your health...