Three of Wands

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mercury in Leo as confidence in the future and breadth of outlook, in harmonious aspect with Saturn as a reliable foundation.

THREE OF WANDS The Three of Wands unites two important images. First, it is a person who has undertaken a long and difficult journey and at last reached the summit, and second, it is one to whom a wide view of the surrounding world has been revealed from the heights. A solid foundation — our support, and the prospect of a bright future, our goal — these are the two meanings of this card.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

THREE OF WANDS Virtue. The second decan of Aries, from April 1 to April 9. Astrological equivalents — Mars, Jupiter in Libra. The second decan of Aries is ruled by the Sun and symbolizes confidence, positivity, and the joy of life. The impulse of initial movement gathers strength and is confirmed in its rightness. The ardent, youthful, ambitious surge directed toward the ideal (hence the name — "Virtue") is realized in life's creative work. The choice is conscious: the source of enthusiasm is a consciously held idea. The person finds all necessary energetic resources within himself: his support is the light of reason. Correspondence with the inner law gives him the opportunity to realize his free will. However, in order to bring his ideals to fruition, one must find support among those around him: one does not sail a ship alone. For this it is important to overcome excessive striving toward risk and material egoism. A reasonable understanding of the possibilities of the world, friendship, and love will be the pledge of success. The pitfall is frivolity as a consequence of disregarding useful advice and counsel.

UPRIGHT POSITION In the upright position the card symbolizes primary order. It is a solid foundation, success, a strong position. A certain point has been reached, a place where one can stand on four feet and fear nothing. A situation in which "the earth leaps to meet the rider." At the level of this card the vector of social activity is formed. The THREE OF SCEPTRES is always connected with understanding, awareness. The sphere in which this will occur is indicated by the surrounding cards. It is practical knowledge, and the ability to conduct business, strength, enterprise, an inclination toward trade and commerce, success in the latter, as well as: boldness, courage, and a brave attempt (youthful daring), and... — at times, even imprudence.

REVERSED POSITION In the reversed position the card signifies: cooperation in which you are not free, betrayal, underestimation of the opponent's forces, disregard of offered help, or an excessively cautious attitude toward the one who offers this help (over-caution).