A cliff above the water
A high vantage point: from here you can see far. The man has already climbed above where he used to be.
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Minor Arcana · Wands · 3
Three of Wands Tarot Card Meaning
The Three of Wands is waiting for results once the first steps have been taken. A man stands on a cliff looking out over the water: the ships are already on their way. The card speaks of broadening horizons, long-range plans and confidence in the path you have chosen.
Upright
- expansion
- awaiting results
- foresight
- travel
- growth
Reversed
- delays
- disappointment
- a narrow outlook
- obstacles along the way
- unmet expectations
Yes or no
Yes
“Yes,” but not instantly: the result will come if you keep going in the direction you have chosen.
Ask the cards your own question →- Number
- 3
- Element
- Fire
- Astrology
- Sun in Aries
Card symbolism in our deck
In Heinrich Pangrau’s deck, the Three of Wands shows a man in a turban and a long cloak standing at the edge of a cliff between three wands, looking at the sun above the water.
The sun above the horizon
The light ahead is what the whole undertaking was started for. The result is close, but not yet in hand.
Three wands
Supports all around: the steps already taken and allies. The man holds on to one; the others stand on their own.
His back to us
His attention is entirely on the future, not on the past.
Three of Wands meaning
The upright Three of Wands shows that your efforts are starting to pay off. It is time to think bigger: new markets, partners, travel, studying abroad.
The card encourages patience. The ships are on their way: there is no need to hurry them, but you do need to be ready to meet them.
Three of Wands reversed
The reversed Three brings delays and disappointment: results are late, partners let you down, plans turn out to have been too optimistic.
Sometimes the card says the person is looking too narrowly and doesn’t notice opportunities beyond the familiar.
Three of Wands in love, work, money and health
Love and relationships
Upright The relationship is developing, and shared plans appear. A long-distance relationship or meeting someone while traveling is possible.
Reversed Waiting without results: you wait for your partner to make a move, but it doesn’t come. Distance that gets in the way.
Feelings This person is interested in you and sees potential in you. They are thinking about a future with you.
Work and career
Upright Business growth, exports, business trips, cooperation with other cities and countries.
Reversed Failed deliveries, delays, projects that don’t pay off as quickly as expected.
Money
Upright Investments are starting to pay off. A good time for long-term planning.
Reversed Income is late; calculations don’t work out.
Health
Upright Gradual improvement, results from a treatment or routine you have started. Tarot is not a substitute for a doctor.
Reversed Recovery is slower than you would like.
Three of Wands as a person
As a person: a far-sighted entrepreneur or traveler. Looks ahead and knows how to wait.
The card’s advice
Upright Widen your field: think about partners and markets that once seemed far away.
Reversed Review your timelines and expectations: they were too optimistic.
Card of the Day
Draw your card of the day
Three of Wands as the card of the day
As the card of the day, it is a good day for writing to distant partners, planning a trip and waiting for replies.
Combinations with other cards
- Three of Wands + The WorldGoing abroad, international success.
- Three of Wands + Eight of WandsNews from afar will arrive quickly.
- Three of Wands + Six of CupsA return to places or people from the past.
- Three of Wands + Six of SwordsA move or a long trip.
- Three of Wands + Three of PentaclesSuccessful collaboration with a team.
Frequently asked questions about Three of Wands
Is the Three of Wands a yes or no card?
Yes, but the result won’t come right away: you need to wait a little.
What does the Three of Wands mean in a relationship?
A relationship that is developing and shared plans, sometimes a long-distance relationship.
What does the Three of Wands mean reversed?
Delays, disappointment and unmet expectations.
What does the Three of Wands mean as the card of the day?
A day for long-range plans, correspondence and waiting for good news.