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The Three of Wands connects two significant and valuable experiences. It shows that after a long and arduous journey, we reached the top, and from our high altitude we can take a wide look at the glowing horizon. The solid ground under our feet and the welcome view of our future are the main features of this all-positive card.

THREE OF WANDS : VIRTUE

These cards are referred to Binah; in each of them is expressed the symbolism of Understanding. The idea has become fertilized; the triangle has been formulated. In each case, the idea is of a certain stability which can never be upset, but from which a child can issue.

The Three of Wands is accordingly the Lord of Virtue. The idea of will and dominion has become interpreted in Character. 

This card refers to Binah in the suit of Fire, and so represents the establishment of primeval Energy. The Will has been transmitted to the Mother, who conceives, prepares, and gives birth to, its manifestation.

It refers to the Sun in Aries, the Sign in which he is exalted.

The meaning is harmonious, for this is the beginning of Spring. For this reason one sees the wand taking the form of the Lotus in blossom. The Sun has enkindled the Great Mother.

In the Yi King, Sol in Aries is represented by the 11th hexagram, Thai; its meaning is identical with the above description.

THE THREE OF WANDS - VIRTUE

Astrology: Sun in the 2. decan of Aries Tree of Life: Binah through Fire

The Three's are connected to Binah - the understanding. The untouched energies of the Two's have met the 3, the number of synthesis and harmony. They're no longer solitudes, they face up their meanings and surroundings. The Three of Wands is called 'Virtue' - the powerful fire understands its responsibilty. 

The Three of Wands shows the powers of the element guided by understanding and awareness, the perfect precondition to begin a work or a project, to go ahead with a plan.

Drive: Creativity, the will to begin, striving towards a goal 

Light: Accomplishment, confidence, harmony of powers, pride, nobility 

Shadow: Moodiness, overestimation of one's self, conceit, rudeness, insolence, obstinacy, treacherypride, nobility

THE THREE OF WANDS - Victory - Mercury - Leo - Insight

Keywords: Aries Day, Virtue, Integrity, Straightness, Honesty, Self-Confidence, Restart

Advice: Pay attention to your own being and your inner peace. Focus and win!

Questions: Do you have reason to doubt yourself? Do you still doubt your virtues?

Suggestion: If you are not well collected and have long-standing doubts inside, pull a sheet to illuminate the origin of the work that remains to be done.

Revelation: I have the strength and the values to think and know.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 20. Kuan (The Look, Observation)

Mythology: People with Line of Sight (Moses)

Keywords: looking ahead, reliable base, landmark, looking ahead

Master of all things.

THREE OF WANDS

General Meaning

This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

A Three in this suit symbolizes an inner balance that allows you to feel more optimistic about new endeavors you are committed to, or want to commit to. In the illustrated Tarots, the human character is standing on his balcony, watching ships leave the harbor, loaded with his goods for far-off ports, dreaming of the fortune he will reap if all goes well. Summon the optimism within you.

This energy must be patient and trusting, because he or she will have to wait some time to find out how the ships have fared. Meanwhile, a lot of resources are tied up until they return with the bounty. Only those truly confident in their ideas and abilities would undertake such a risk. This card represents the energy a person needs to take on great adventures and accomplish noble (and remunerative) deeds.

A detail that sometimes appears in the more esoteric Tarots is a winged wand with two snakes twining around it, called the Caduceus, which is Mercury's wand. This is an ancient symbol of the healer or shaman, one who can travel between the worlds to rescue souls from death or possession. Perhaps the feeling of empowerment this card represents points to the internal mechanisms of self-healing. Perhaps it refers to the courage it takes to be an entrepreneur or an inventor, which is in itself a magical process — bringing not only opportunity for success, but also an awakening to higher potentials.

In the Reversed Position

Rest will restore lack of drive and optimism. The Three of Wands reversed points to a temporary lapse of drive or will. You might have overdone things and burned the candle at both ends.

Give yourself some time to rest and relax. When you're feeling restored, another look at existing circumstances will assure you that prospects are still bright no matter what the immediate setbacks might be.

In the Advice Positon

The Three of Wands in this position advises you to act quickly and powerfully on an idea or desire you have been feeling. This card suggests exquisite timing, staying in the moment and responding to your instinct or intuition.

Every fiber of your being may be saying this is a great opportunity, even if those around you aren't as convinced. There's nothing to lose from taking a risk; this is a great moment in your entrepreneurial growth. Make your move and sort out the details later.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.