Three of Wands Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Three of Wands Keywords

• Upright: progress, momentum, expansion, confidence, forward movement, contentment with decisions, fulfilling results
• Reversed: delays, stagnation, blockages, self-doubt, dissatisfaction, stuck in the past, perceived failure

Three of Wands: Description and Symbolism

The Three of Wands corresponds with the fire element, prioritizing themes of ambition, willpower, and forward movement in the card. A wooden wand with green leaves represents the suit in the Minor Arcana, symbolizing creativity and inspired action. 

Numerologically, the number ‘3’ presents themes of creativity, synthesis, and growth. When combined with the fiery principles of wands, this card emphasizes the inspiration to pursue new ideas and achieve your goals. The card is given a yellow background to symbolize joy and confidence through new experiences. A man is surrounded by three wands grounded into a cliff, representing his unwavering commitment and drive to succeed. 

The depicted man is draped in red and green, symbolizing his intention to grow through the actions and opportunities he takes. The sun sets to create a golden sea of opportunity, suggesting contentment and anticipated results. Boats traverse through the sea, symbolizing the man’s ambitious desire to explore and expand his ideas with new experiences. The boats can also be interpreted as incoming rewards or support for his next creative project.

Ultimately, the Three of Wands represents progress and expansion through continuous effort. The man gazes out at the boats on a golden sea, symbolizing confidence in the choices he has made. The more you ground your ambitions in reality by taking action, the sooner you will achieve fulfillment. 

Three of Wands – Upright Meaning

When the Three of Wands appears in a reading, it is a hopeful sign of progress and forward movement. Your efforts have gotten you far, giving you the confidence and willpower needed to embrace new opportunities. It may be a period of waiting for results, but you have reasons to feel hopeful. Remain confident in your choices, and you will soon be rewarded for your dedication.

As advice, the Three of Wands encourages you to explore new opportunities through travel and networking. New experiences will support you in expanding on creative ideas, ensuring your efforts make a greater impact. Leaning into creative freedom will prove to broaden your horizons at this time.

Love Meaning – Upright Three of Wands 

When the Three of Wands appears in a love context, it is a hopeful sign of forward movement within your relationships. If you have been healing from a conflict or separation, you have found a compromise or sense of acceptance to leave the past behind you. This card suggests there have been cooperative efforts to ensure mutual satisfaction. If you are in a relationship, it would be a great time to travel or try a new activity together.

If you are single, the Three of Wands encourages you to put yourself out there. You are feeling free to express yourself at this time, allowing you to attract aligned connections. You may already be seeing someone with whom you are looking forward to taking the next step.

When reading for how someone feels, the Three of Wands depicts someone who is confident and hopeful about the connection. This love interest is willing to make grounded efforts to plant the seeds for a lasting partnership.

Career Meaning – Upright Three of Wands 

The Three of Wands is a promising card to pull in a career context, as it suggests your recent efforts are gaining momentum. Perhaps the idea you proposed is gaining traction in the workplace, or an investment you made may be yielding a high return on investment. It is a wonderful time to lean into this period of forward movement with more confidence in your career choices. 

As advice, the Three of Wands encourages you to explore new experiences and opportunities. Consider investing in networking opportunities or traveling to broaden your horizons. You are likely to make an impact that you can build upon if you lean into your creative freedom at this time.

Health Meaning – Upright Three of Wands 

The Three of Wands suggests you have made sufficient progress in achieving your mental and physical health goals. Whether you have kept up with a new diet or you are noticing gains within your fitness journey, this card encourages you to keep up your hard work. For new ways to take care of your mind and body, consider trying a new sport or activity that tests your endurance.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Three of Wands 

In a spiritual context, the Three of Wands applauds you for the progress you have made. Your actions have been aligned with your long-term goals and intentions, allowing for expansive growth opportunities to make their way to you. You will continue to learn spiritual lessons from new experiences and connections now.

Three of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Three of Wands represents feelings of freedom and self-confidence. Your inspiration and anticipation of desirable results have you feeling more motivated at this time. 

Three of Wands As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Three of Wands serves as a symbol of expansion and forward movement. Your exploration of new experiences has allowed your creative vision to take shape in the real world. This card applauds you for the progress you have made.

Three of Wands – Reversed Meaning

When the Three of Wands appears reversed in a reading, you may be feeling more stagnant than you would like. Whether it be delayed results or obstacles you have been left to handle, you are gently reminded to keep your head up. Your efforts may have given you a low return on investment, inspiring feelings of failure at this time. Rather than focusing on unfulfilled expectations, it would be a good time to find a new outlet or project to shift your attention towards.

Another interpretation of the reversed Three of Wands is that you have been more focused on the past than your present efforts. Perhaps a previous loss or redirection has left you feeling incapable of achieving your goals. This card gently nudges you to push past doubts and mental blockages as you find your way forward. You have surpassed old restrictions and limitations – it is simply a matter of believing in your ideas.

Love Meaning – Reversed Three of Wands 

When the Three of Wands appears reversed in a love reading, it suggests you may be going through a stagnant period in your relationships. Perhaps you had a disagreement that feels difficult to come back from, or personal doubts could be complicating your ability to be vulnerable. This card gently reminds you not to let your past feelings dictate the future. 

If you are single, the reversed Three of Wands may indicate a period of doubt or perceived failure in love. You are reminded to be gentle with yourself as you heal from past conflicts and misunderstandings. Once you reflect on the source of your blockages, you could find that your restrictions were self-made.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Three of Wands represents someone who is processing their doubts and past attachments. It may benefit you to give this love interest time to clarify their intentions.

Career Meaning – Reversed Three of Wands 

The reversed Three of Wands suggests you may be handling delays or obstacles to your career goals at this time. Perhaps an unexpected expense has prolonged a period of financial instability, or a recent loss could have left you feeling incapable of advancement in the workplace. This card gently reminds you to reflect on the cause of this stagnant period so you can pick yourself back up. You are capable of forward movement, so long as you let the past go.

Another interpretation of the reversed Three of Wands is that you are feeling restricted within your current career. It may be time to invest in a travel or educational opportunity to expand your horizons. 

Health Meaning – Reversed Three of Wands 

When the Three of Wands appears reversed, it suggests that an obstacle or obligation could be delaying progress towards your health goals. Perhaps you have been grieving a past relapse, or you may feel doubtful of your capacity to stick to a diet. Whether your goals focus on your mental or physical health, you are gently reminded to prioritize habits and commitments that energize you. 

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Three of Wands 

The reversed Three of Wands suggests you may be focusing on past circumstances more than you would like. It may be time to reflect on your perceived failures to redefine what fulfillment and progress mean to you. Taking a moment to journal or pour your ideas into a creative hobby will bring you the spiritual clarity you need.

Three of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Three of Wands represents feelings of self-doubt and dissatisfaction. It may be time to shift your focus towards factors within your control to feel empowered once more.

Three of Wands As Actions Meaning – Reversed

When the Three of Wands appears reversed, it represents having your goals delayed or blocked by obstacles. Whether it be internal or external influences, you are encouraged to reflect on what may be holding you back. It may be a matter of moving beyond a restrictive environment to move forward.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Three of Wands refers to progress you have previously made towards a goal. The confidence you gained from past achievements is empowering you in your current situation.

Present Position

When the Three of Wands appears in the ‘present’ position, it suggests your efforts are actively gaining momentum. You are hopeful as you anticipate the results of your hard work, which makes way for new opportunities that align with your current trajectory.

Future Position

The Three of Wands in the ‘future’ position predicts that your current efforts will result in rewarding accomplishments and forward movement. You are encouraged to remain consistent with your strategy to access expansive opportunities in the future.

Yes or No Meaning of The Three of Wands 

• Three of Wands Upright: Yes
• Three of Wands Reversed: No

When the Three of Wands appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. Your efforts have been gaining momentum, suggesting that your hard work is about to pay off in your given situation. 

When the Three of Wands appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. It may feel like your progress has been stalled, requiring you to reassess your strategy to move forward. 

Advice and Message of The Three of Wands 

The Three of Wands serves as a symbol of freedom earned through achievements. The projects and opportunities that give you a sense of purpose are bound to bring you fulfillment down the line. You are encouraged to keep your momentum and derive confidence from the progress you have made.

Summary of The Three of Wands Tarot Meaning

When the Three of Wands appears, your vision seems as though it is finally falling into place. Your efforts are gaining momentum, giving you the confidence you need to explore new opportunities. It is time to make the most of the freedom that your hard work has granted you. When reversed, the Three of Wands suggests you may be handling delays or obstacles at this time. You are gently reminded to make changes that are within your control to boost your confidence.