Three of Wands: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the Three of Wands card upright

A man stands on a cliff with his back to us, watching ships sail across the water. His plans have been set in motion and he waits for the results. The card speaks of expansion, of a wide view and of the patience needed while your efforts travel.

Three of Wands reversed

• delays
• disappointment
• short-sightedness

Reversed, the Three shows delays, ships that do not arrive or results below what you hoped for. Perhaps you looked too narrowly or did not account for obstacles. Revisit the plan before you push on.

Three of Wands in love and relationships

In love it suggests a relationship at a distance, a hope for a meeting or a move toward a shared future. Reversed, a long wait that brings disappointment.

Three of Wands in work and finances

At work this is growth, international contacts, an expanding business and waiting for a return on your investment. Reversed, delays in a project or a failed deal.

Symbolism of the Three of Wands card

The ships on the water are the results of his plans that are moving toward him. The three wands planted in the ground are the foundation he already built. His back toward us shows that he is absorbed in the future.

Three of Wands in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, Three of Wands upright reads as “yes” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (expansion, perspective), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.