Three of Wands: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Three of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Three of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Foresight, Expansion, Progress, Influence, Overseas Travel, Trade.
Generally
The Three of Wands represents the first signs of success after a period of planning. It signifies forward progress, expansion, and having the foresight to anticipate future developments. This card often appears when your plans are beginning to bear fruit, when you are looking to expand your horizons, or when you are waiting for the results of a venture you have already set in motion. It can represent moving to a new country, a successful business expansion, or seeing the first positive results of your hard work.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a relationship moving to the next level with a focus on a shared future. It can signify a couple making long-distance travel plans, the decision to move abroad together, or a relationship that is progressing from the initial planning stages into a stable, long-term partnership. The Three of Wands suggests that the initial work has been done, and now you are looking ahead to a future of shared growth and expansion.
In a Money/Career Context
This card points to successful business expansion, particularly involving overseas trade or travel. It can represent a business successfully launching in a new market, the first positive returns on a long-term investment, or a career that involves international travel and foresight. The Three of Wands is the card of the successful entrepreneur who has taken a calculated risk and is now beginning to see the rewards of their ambition and planning.
In a Spiritual Context
This card can represent the expansion of your spiritual understanding and the anticipation of future growth. It may involve planning a spiritual pilgrimage, taking your spiritual practice to a global audience, or the moment you begin to see how your inner work is creating tangible results in the outer world. It signifies a period of looking ahead on your spiritual path with confidence and foresight.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Look to the future. Expand your horizons. Prepare for long-term success. Take the next step.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Successful expansion. A positive result. A journey overseas. A plan coming to fruition.
As Obstacles
A fear of the unknown is preventing expansion. Delays in travel or business plans. A lack of foresight.
As Hidden Energy
An unseen opportunity for growth. A potential for overseas travel. A long-term plan that is not yet conscious.
As Resources/Alliances
Your ability to see the bigger picture. A successful business partner overseas. A well-thought-out long-term plan.
‘The Three of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Lack of Foresight, Delays, Frustration, Obstacles to Travel, Failed Plans
Generally
Reversed, the Three of Wands can point to frustrating delays and a lack of foresight. It signifies a situation where your plans have hit a snag, or where a failure to anticipate obstacles is causing problems. This often manifests as a project that fails to launch, cancelled travel plans, or the feeling that your efforts are not leading to the expected growth. It is the card of a good plan that is poorly executed or thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a relationship where long-term plans are failing to materialise. It can represent a partner who is unwilling to commit to a shared future, cancelled travel plans that cause friction, or a relationship that feels like it is going nowhere due to a lack of foresight. It can also point to a long-distance relationship that is struggling with unexpected obstacles.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a business expansion that has failed or a career that feels stagnant due to a lack of opportunities. It might represent a shipment being lost overseas, a business deal that falls through at the last minute, or the frustration of a well-laid plan being undone by external factors. It is the card of unexpected setbacks and frustrated ambitions.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual journey that is blocked or delayed. It may represent a planned retreat being cancelled, a feeling that your spiritual growth has hit a plateau, or a lack of foresight that prevents you from seeing the next step on your path. It points to a frustrating disconnect between your spiritual plans and your reality.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Re-evaluate your plan. Prepare for delays. Do not be afraid to return to the drawing board.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A failed plan. A cancelled journey. A period of frustration and delay.
As Obstacles
A lack of foresight. Unexpected delays. A refusal to look at the bigger picture.
As Hidden Energy
A secret fear of success. An unacknowledged flaw in the plan. A hidden obstacle to travel.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from re-evaluating your strategy. The wisdom gained from a failed plan. The patience to wait for a better opportunity.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Three of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Three of Wands
"He symbolizes established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery; those are his ships, bearing his merchandise, which are sailing over the sea. Reversed: The end of troubles, suspension or cessation of adversity, toil, and disappointment." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Three of Wands Symbolism
The RWS Three of Wands depicts a figure standing on a cliff edge, looking out over a vast expanse of sea and mountains. He holds one wand firmly planted, representing his established position, while two others stand beside him. The three ships sailing on the water signify the start of a commercial or personal venture, the first results of his planning and ambition. The figure’s posture is one of foresight and anticipation. He has taken the initial step and now waits for his "ships to come in," symbolising the moment between launching a plan and seeing its long-term results manifest.
Meditations On The Three of Wands
Are my long-term plans well-thought-out, or am I being too optimistic?
What is the next logical step in the expansion of my current projects?
Am I patiently awaiting the results of my efforts, or am I trying to force an outcome?
Question: Is the Three of Wands a card of completion?
No. The Three of Wands is a card of progress and anticipation, not final completion. It represents the successful start of a long-term venture. The final completion and integration of the cycle is represented by the Ten of Wands.
