Tarot Tutorial: Three of Wands

Where the Two of Wands is about making plans or just voicing a desire for an adventure, seeing the Three of Wands turn up in a reading lets you know the adventure is here. This is a card that demands action. It’s time to make those big moves to see where you’ll go next.  Being passive isn’t an option, unless you are okay with letting a good opportunity pass you by.

What is the Meaning of the Three of Wands in a Love Reading?

The interesting thing about the Three of Wands isn’t that it’s the very beginning of a new stage, but it is an early stage in the process where you take a more active role in making things happen. So typically, if you see this card in a love reading, there is someone you’ve had your eye on but nothing has happened between you two yet. You’ve talked to your besties about them. You’ve even exchanged a few jokes. Girl, it’s time to make your move. Especially if you’ve been seeing signs that they’re feeling it too.

If you are already partnered up, you still have to make the first move to resolve an issue or move your relationship to a deeper level of connection. Lighting the fire on your romance can feel a little awkward—especially if you aren’t used to it. But the odds are in your favor of your message getting well received. You may be pleasantly surprised by how willing your partner is to follow your lead. You have nothing to lose by taking the initiative, so go for it!

When the Three of Wands appears reversed in a love reading, it may mean that your hopes for this relationship are unrealistic. What you thought were sparks between you and the cutie at the office were really just post-lunch gas. It's time to turn your focus elsewhere. If you are already in a relationship, there could be a situation where your partner swore up and down they’d change, but their actions are spilling the tea on their true intentions. You need to adjust your expectations accordingly. If your boo’s inability to change on this issue isn’t a deal breaker for you, accept it and move on. But if it is over something more serious, then it’s time to move on to a different partner.

What is the Meaning of the Three of Wands in a Future Reading?

How big can you dream? Yeah, go bigger than that! The Three of Wands is an exciting card to get in a future reading, especially if you had some big projects you’ve been considering. The Universe is telling you it’s time to go for it. This is doubly true if you see other fast movement cards like the Eight of Wands or the Chariot in the reading. The Fool might be another accompanying card telling you it’s time to take the big leap. The catch is that it’s up to you to put the effort in to get to the next milestone. But if you back up your dreams with hard work, you’ll see some positive results.

Alternatively, this card can also point to the need to get a little outside help to get your project off the ground. Those resources are available to you, but you guessed it—you need to be proactive and ask first. Look to folks who not only have some experience with what you’re working on, but who also would benefit from collaborating with you. Once you have a solid squad lined up, it’s go time.

One of the most important things about goal setting is making sure they are realistic. And if the Three of Wands shows up reversed in a future reading, this is a wake-up call letting you know that whatever it is you’re working towards may not be achievable, at least not right now. The squad you thought was behind you? Yeah, they may have their own agendas that might line up with the things you want. First, don’t give up hope. Sure, you’ll need to take a step back and see what is actually achievable. But once you have a clear-eyed view of the situation, there’s nothing stopping you for making new plans, once that have a better chance of succeeding in the end.

What is the Meaning of the Three of Wands in a Career Reading?

Do you have entrepreneurial ambitions? The Three of Wands is a wonderful card to get! Sure, it means you have to hustle (but if you were launching a new business, you should know to expect that anyway) but it’s also saying that you’ll have a solid start with your new venture. And if you should need it, you’ll have whatever support you need—like bank loans, mutually beneficial partnerships with other businesses, and plenty of opportunities to market yourself.

If you were asking about a job, it may be you’ll find one with a start-up business. Expect to be kept really busy and be flexible with your tasks. But if you play your cards right, there will be plenty of opportunity to move up through the ranks. The Three of Wands may also be telling you to aim a little higher with your career goals, perhaps by taking on a project that forces you to stretch or applying for a higher-level position.

 When the Three of Wands turns up reversed in a career reading, a project you’ve been working on might turn out to be more ambitious than you initially thought. Sadly, it might not be successful without a major pivot and/or some heavy duty outside intervention. As humbling as this is, you need to do it, in order to have the slightest chance of success. If you were looking for a new job, you’ll also need to adjust your strategy and set some realistic goals about what you can realistically accomplish. 

Still wondering which goals to pursue with the positive energy of the Three of Wands? We gotchu! Our tarot experts have got the skills to go deep when you need answers about love, career, or anything else that’s been weighing on your mind. See how their insight can have you moving in the right direction to manifest the life of your dreams.