The Three of Wands tarot card shows up when you’ve made all the right moves and are expecting your rewards. You will get them soon, but now is a period of waiting.
In the meantime, stay confident and know that success will find you eventually, especially if you dream big. This is also a card about collaboration and teamwork, particularly in business.
The Three of Wands card can encourage you to expand your horizons and take advantage of all the opportunities that lay ahead. Be aware of any obstacles in your way and plan ahead to avoid getting caught up in them.
When you see the Three of Wands card reversed, it can mean you have opportunities in front of you, but you’re playing it safe instead of moving forward. This can be comforting, but you’re missing out on the chance to learn and grow.
This reversed card is often about personal growth, so your opportunities may be related to your development and identity.
The reversed Three of Wands can also mean you’re trying to move forward with your plans, but something is standing in your way. It’s time to identify your obstacles and address them so that you can move past the planning stage and take action.
This reversed card can also be a sign that you need to spend more time planning. You’re reacting to things impulsively rather than thinking them through beforehand.
Focus on your long-term goals and identify the steps needed to bring them to life. Look to complete the smaller tasks first to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Okay, so now let’s talk about how you can read your reversed Three of Wands card. First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for an obstacle standing in front of the card’s upright meaning.
So for the Three of Wands, this means something is blocking your progress. What’s holding you back?
For example, you might pull the reversed Three of Wands card thinking about your mental health. You’ve been carrying trauma for all of your adult life because of your relationship with your family. You have a manipulative brother, and your parents weren’t supportive or loving the way you needed.
It’s caused a lot of issues for you over the years, and you’ve spent time in a dark place. You’ve finally gotten serious about therapy, though, and you’ve found a professional who’s a great fit.
Even though you’ve only had a few sessions, you feel comfortable opening up already. The problem is that you live with your boyfriend, and he thinks therapy is a joke. He doesn’t support your journey and tells you it’s a waste of time. While you like your therapist, your boyfriend gets to you, and you’re wondering if he’s right.
Here, the reversed Three of Wands card tells you to keep going with your personal goals. Therapy is a healthy way to move forward in life, and if your boyfriend doesn’t understand, he should keep it to himself.
Really, he should support you no matter what, so his behavior is worrisome. Try talking to your therapist about how your boyfriend is reacting to see if they have any tips and don’t let his negativity hold you back.
You’re making the right choice, and if he continues to stand in your way, you may need to have a more serious conversation about your future.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
Another way to read your reversed Three of Wands card is using the “opposite” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for the opposite of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Three of Wands, instead of making progress, you’re moving backward. What you’re doing right now isn’t working, so it’s time to define your goals and make a plan to reach them.
Say you pull the reversed Three of Wands card thinking of your health and fitness goals. Last year, you were diagnosed with celiacs disease after complaining to your doctor about long-term stomach pain.
She explained that the best treatment is to avoid gluten, but she also recommended more exercise and getting healthy in general.
As it turns out, exercise isn’t an issue for you. You found a gym you love going to, and your early morning spin class has quickly become your favorite part of the week.
But you’re having a hard time sticking to your diet, mostly because you haven’t done the research needed to learn about gluten. You’ve been feeling just as sick as before, and you’re getting run down.
Here, the reversed Three of Wands card tells you the first step is to learn about your condition. Before you jump into more lifestyle changes, read up on celiacs and talk to your doctor. Learn what common foods contain gluten and do your best to avoid them.
The first step is always planning, so be thorough in your research. Once you’ve learned more about celiacs, it’ll become much more manageable.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Three of Wands card using the “worse” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you take the card’s upright meaning and put it in a negative light.
With the Three of Wands, this can mean you’re growing and expanding, but you’re so caught up in your progress that it’s getting to your head or causing you to neglect other things.
For example, say you pull the reversed Three of Wands card thinking about your business. Fifteen years ago, you opened a laser tag area in your hometown in New Hampshire. It’s been your pride and joy all these years, and you’ve always had plans to open up a new location.
Last month, after all your planning and preparation, you finally opened your new spot, and things are going great. The grand opening was a huge hit, and you have birthday party reservations pouring in. You’re delighted that things are going so well, but your family is feeling pushed to the side.
Your wife and son have both mentioned that they’ve missed having you around lately because you’ve been so busy. You know they want more of your attention, but it’s been hard because you’re so focused on the new business.
Here, the reversed Three of Wands card tells you to keep things in balance. Now that the new location is up and running, you need to make time for your family. Even just taking your wife out for a nice date night would mean the world and give you a chance to catch up.
Take your son for a day out doing something he enjoys and let him know he’s still your priority. They’ll understand that you need to keep devoting time to your business, but make sure to show them love and attention as well.
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
Finally, you can use the “no/not” meaning to read your reversed Three of Wands card. When you read your cards like this, you put a “no” or a “not” in front of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Three of Wands, this can mean “no foresight.” You’re not looking ahead and planning for the future, and it’s likely to cause problems down the line.
Say you pull the reversed Three of Wands card thinking about your friends. A couple of months ago, you moved to a new area and made a bunch of new friends through a meetup group. Everyone is very nice and welcoming, but most of them are 5-10 years older and well-established.
They have good jobs and have been earning steady paychecks for years, so they have a lot of disposable income. On the other hand, you just started your career a couple of years ago and are still building up your savings and settling into a budget.
Your friends like to go out to expensive dinners and upscale shows and events. They always have new clothes and accessories, too, so you’ve just been trying to keep up. But you’re finding that you’re blowing through your entire paycheck these days and not putting anything into your savings.
Here, the reversed Three of Swords card tells you to be careful and think about the future. It’s great that you’ve found some friends and of course, you should enjoy yourself, but don’t be careless.
You’re in a different situation than most of these people, and trying to keep up with them can cause you to live outside your means. Try to pick activities that are in line with your budget for the most part.
It’s okay to splurge sometimes, but keep an eye on your finances too. Remember, the right people will want to be your friend even if you can’t always spend tons of money.