The Three of Wands speaks of progress, patience, and steady expansion. It represents the moment after you’ve taken action and now wait for the results to unfold. This card celebrates trust, planning, and vision working together as new paths begin to open.
This post uses the P.E.N.S.I. method: Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition to explore the full meaning of this card.
If you have not, read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, because it will help you master tarot much more easily.
Three of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position
In a reading, the Three of Wands shows that the first phase of effort is complete. Therefore, you’ve already built your foundation and sent your energy into the world. Moreover, it reminds you that progress continues even when it’s unseen. As a result, this card often marks travel, opportunity, or growth that is already set in motion.
2nd Layer of Context: Element of Fire
Fire fuels the Three of Wands, representing inspiration, drive, and determination. Consequently, the flame here is controlled and purposeful. Instead of chaos, it burns with focus and clear direction. Furthermore, Fire reminds you to keep your vision alive by tending it with confidence and steady will.
3rd Layer of Context for Three of Wands: Numerology of Three
The number three carries the energy of growth, creation, and collaboration. Therefore, it marks the moment when ideas take form and begin to expand. In this card, it reflects momentum built through prior effort. Additionally, three is a social number, highlighting teamwork and the shared benefits of cooperation.
Three (and applies to all pips) is an initial stage of completion, something has formed and still taking shape. About to take more, further or greater shape. Sometimes it’s cause for celebration (positive meanings) and sometimes cause for sorrow or regrets (negative meanings) depending on the card. Either way, something has formed, something has come together.
4th Layer of Context: Symbolism
A traveler stands on high ground, overlooking calm waters dotted with ships. As the figure watches them sail, they know the journey has begun. The ships, therefore, represent ventures, intentions, or dreams moving forward across emotional seas. Meanwhile, the wands planted in the ground show stability and direction, while the horizon promises future success.
So far, all these description are what you will find in a tarot book, nothing wrong with that. However, I see it different. First, look at how the figure is dressed. He’s doing alright, career, self-employment, etc. But notice two wands behind him, one wand before him.
It is as if he has created something solid, behind him, but now he looks across the water like a merchant thinking, “I have built business here, how do I strike up business over there”. High up, he has clear view, he is looking for opportunities. You get the sense that a lot of things are in motion. It’s like actively waiting and watching.
He’s thinking expansion and growth.
The future looks bright, and possibly taking on a greater leadership role.
5th Layer of Context: Intuition
When the Three of Wands appears, it encourages you to trust the process you’ve begun. Even though you may not control the timing, you can remain ready and hopeful. Thus, your energy has already moved beyond the starting point. Keep faith that new connections and rewards will soon return to you.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, the Three of Wands suggests impatience or doubt about progress. Often, you may be clinging to control or narrowing your vision of what’s possible. Therefore, this position invites reflection and trust in the timing of your path. Ultimately, what’s meant for you may need more time or a different route to arrive.
Sympathetic Decks
The Light Seer’s Tarot, Everyday Witch Tarot, and the Wild Unknown Tarot all capture the forward-moving energy of this card beautifully. In the era of the Rider Waite, this would have been an up and coming individual, coming from money, or through relationships close to money, and working their way up the chain to become more.
In today’s decks, the principles still apply, but fit more the average person and their pursuits, perhaps not as grand, but could be!
Correspondences
Astrology: Sun in Aries (yay for me!)
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Number: 3
Tarot Spell: Three of Wands
Place the Three of Wands card before you with a small candle beside it. Focus on a project or dream already underway. As the flame burns, say aloud, “Like the figure in the Three of Wands, I watch my vision expand across the horizon. My ships sail with success, and opportunity comes to meet me.” Allow the candle to burn safely for a while, then extinguish it in gratitude.
Tarot Spell: Three of Wands (Reversed)
Set the Three of Wands card upside down before a mirror. Light a candle and say, “I release impatience and trust the rhythm of time. I open new paths where I once saw none.” Gaze softly into the mirror and imagine fog clearing over the sea. See your ships still moving, just slower than before you can see the far shore and anticipated opportunities. When you feel ready, blow out the candle and turn the card upright again to restore flow.
Final Note
The Three of Wands reminds you that progress is not instant but inevitable. Your work has already set events in motion, and patience will reveal what’s next. Keep your focus, stay grounded, and let confidence guide your course forward.
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Today’s featured deck
Rediscover the timeless beauty of the Rider Waite Tarot Deck & Book in this thoughtfully restored edition by Pamela C. Smith. While the 1909 version used vivid primary colors, this deck returns to the softer tones of the original palette. As a result, the muted shades reflect the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th century, giving each card a more refined, vintage feel.
See the product page for more images.
For example, in this original Rider Waite Tarot Deck edition, the pale blue skies in cards like The Star and The Wheel of Fortune now appear in a soft mint green. This subtle shift adds elegance and brings out new layers of meaning in the artwork. Because of these refined details, readers often feel a stronger emotional connection to the cards.
- Features original pale blue card backs with Tudor roses and lilies.
- Rider Waite Tarot Deck & Book includes updated guide and Celtic Cross spread.
- Restored color palette reflects the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th century.
I like the mention of the figures clothing in the three of wands! Its such a crucial aspect of the symbolism. He is dressed finer, like a business person.
love your way of breaking down tarot cards!
Thank you Azariah! 🙂 Blessed Be.
Wow, your post on the Three of Wands really got me thinking! The timing of your post and the energy of this card is so me right now.
Interesting take on the Three of Wands! Do you think numerology plays a significant role in tarot readings, or is it just a fun addition?
Hi Theo, I always consider a boiled down basic numerology for cards in tarot readings. It gives me another layer of context.