Let’s talk about the Threes in Tarot

Hey there, tarot enthusiasts! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for our next dive into the tarot deck.

This week, we’re exploring the magic behind the number three. Grab your cards and let’s uncover what the number three has in store for us!

About the Number Three

The number three holds immense spiritual significance in many traditions and belief systems.

In Christianity, it is closely associated with the Holy Trinity which symbolizes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit as being one.

Additionally, within Hinduism, Trimurti represents three aspects; Brahma who is the creator of everything, Vishnu who preserves everything and Shiva who destroys all that has been created.

This concept of trinity resonates in several different faiths where three means a union of opposites like for instance thought, word, and deed patterned along creation.

Besides those spiritual contexts, number three embodies creativity, balance, and spiritual growth. It also stands for three stages of human life:

• Birth
• Life
• Death

and reflects exuberant energy found in creative expression and effective communication purposes. The Triquetra signifies earth-sea-sky interconnectedness in Celtic tradition; while Buddhism exemplifies Buddha-Dharma-Sangha as its three jewels representing an essence of spiritual practice amongst its followers. Moreover, there are shamanic cultures that associate this figure, with their religious beliefs being based on three worlds where individuals travel during their spiritual journey. On the whole, three is seen as a powerful symbol for divinity, due to its power to balance diverse elements together.

The Three of Wands

The three of wands symbolises advancement, expansion, and the prospect of future success. This card indicates that your efforts are beginning to bear fruit, and you are ready for development and opportunity.

The card indicates that you should continue to look ahead and plan strategically, as success is within reach. It encourages you to be patient and to stay open to new possibilities, as the groundwork you’ve laid is positioning you for growth and achievement.

When the three of wands is reversed, it suggests that the expansion on your horizon and the realization of your long-term goals may be delayed or impeded by some issues.

This card tells you to reconsider your plans, wait, and think about any possible difficulties that might have been slowing down everything.

It urges you to be open to the idea of modifying what you are looking forward to, and changing how you navigate through some challenges, or even pausing altogether. This strategy is sure to yield better results in the future.

The Three of Swords

The three of swords indicates heartbreak, sadness, and emotional pain.

On my deck, the three of swords are held below falling rose petals, depicting the breaking down that comes from loss or betrayal. In other decks I’ve seen the three swords piercing a heart.

The three of swords is telling you to confront these feelings in order to heal and start recovering. One needs to grieve openly – let the petals settle on the ground or pull out those swords – to remove the source of the pain and facilitate moving on.

When the three of swords card is reversed, it indicates a period of healing after some distressing occurrences. This is usually associated with sadness and heartbreak, but it means there has been a gradual reduction in pain and that you’re at the beginning of your journey of emotional rejuvenation.

It suggests that you are now beyond the period of absolute misery and urges you to move on and find closure. Quite simply – focus on yourself.

In addition, forgiveness is vital here and will enable you to move past and let go of grudges. Although there may still be scars left behind by earlier experiences; this card provides hope for future happiness.

The Three of Cups

A burst of joy, friendships and communal harmony is represented by The three of cups.

It urges us to embrace the happy times we encounter, celebrate milestones with our loved ones and build relations to our communities.

The three of cups is a reminder that joy and support are more fulfilling when there’s a collective sense of fulfillment. It encourages you to treasure those relationships that bring happiness and positivity in your life.

When it comes up reversed, the three of cups suggests breakdown in social harmony.

Typically denoting happy gatherings and bonding between people, the reversed position might indicate strained relationships or misunderstood comments among friends. It could also indicate an over indulgence in these situations, perhaps you are partying too hard, or spending too little time focused on yourself and your needs.

It urges you to handle all conflicts or miscommunication with care, try to reach solutions that will restore peace within all parties concerned.

The three of cups urges you to ensure you’re aware of what goes on in your relationships by fostering open channels for communication and giving it due care and attention. This implies that you need to work towards rekindling positive connections and creating an atmosphere full of celebration and mutual support.

The Three of Pentacles

Three of pentacles denotes cooperation, teamwork and success in collaboration. This card shows the people working together with precision and skill in order to grow momentum on a project and reach the same goal.

It tells you to understand team work and how important each member is to a project. The three of pentacles indicates that success comes through joint efforts stressing an emphasis on effective communication and shared goals.

The three of pentacles reversed, however, denotes lack of cooperation, communication or recognition in a project or work place. It may imply misunderstanding, disharmony or even disintegration of cooperation within your society or with others.

If considered, thoroughly, this card is an opportunity for learning. You should evaluate your team dynamics and any obstacles which might be hindering effective teamwork.

Open lines of communication should exist among people on a quest for common objectives, to help avoid repeating the same hindering patterns of behaviour.

Further Reading

Below are some books on amazon that discuss tarot and numerology in more detail:

• The angel numbers book by Mystic Michaela
• The little book of numerology by Elise Wild
• Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean 
• Origins of the Tarot: A Guidebook to the Ancestral Influences that Shaped the Tarot’s Minor Arcana by Benjamin David Hoshour

Here are the other posts within this blog discussing tarot meanings.

• Aces in Tarot
• Twos in Tarot
• Threes in Tarot
• Fours in Tarot
• Fives in Tarot
• Sixes in Tarot
• Sevens in Tarot
• Eights in Tarot
• Nines in Tarot
• Tens in Tarot
• Princes in Tarot
• Princesses in Tarot
• Queens in Tarot
• Kings in Tarot