Three of Wands
Outreach
Three of Wands at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Three of Wands shows effort beginning to travel beyond its original point of departure.
| Upright | expansion, foresight, trade, collaboration, results beginning to appear |
|---|---|
| Reversed | delayed results, narrow horizons, weak cooperation, a plan returning incomplete, frustration with distance |
| Linked card | Two of Wands |
| Soundtrack | Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Expansion
- Foresight
- Trade
- Collaboration
- Results beginning to appear
- International connection
- Strategic patience
- Wider reach
- Confidence in a plan
- Preparing for the next stage
Reversed meanings
- Delayed results
- Narrow horizons
- Weak cooperation
- A plan returning incomplete
- Frustration with distance
- Poor logistics
- Overextension
- Waiting without adapting
- Missed expansion
- Retreat after difficulty
Three of Wands in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Relationship energy: International connection. Reversed: Poor logistics. |
| Career | Work: Strategic patience; wider reach. Warning: Overextension. |
| Money | Financial theme: Confidence in a plan. Warning: Missed expansion. |
| Feelings | Upright: Trade. Reversed: Weak cooperation. |
| Advice | Prioritise: Preparing for the next stage. Watch for: Retreat after difficulty. |
| Outcome | Potential: Results beginning to appear. Obstacle: Frustration with distance. |
| Yes or no | Yes, although the result may depend on timing and cooperation. |
Symbols in Three of Wands
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The three planted wands | Previous decisions now provide a stable base. |
| The ships | Work, news or value is moving between distant places. |
| The turned back | Attention is fixed on what lies ahead rather than on recognition. |
| The high ground | Perspective makes long-range coordination possible. |
A. E. Waite's original description
A calm, stately personage, with his back turned, looking from a cliff's edge at ships passing over the sea. Three staves are planted in the ground, and he leans slightly on one of them.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
He symbolizes established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery; those are his ships, bearing his merchandise, which are sailing over the sea. The card also signifies able co-operation in business, as if the successful merchant prince were looking from his side towards yours with a view to help you.
Reversed:
The end of troubles, suspension or cessation of adversity, toil and disappointment.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Two of Wands
- Next card: Four of Wands
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
