Tarot Meanings for Healing:
The Three of Wands

 

The Three of Wands and Its Meaning for Healing

​

(Expansion, progress, confidence, new horizons, preparation, stepping into one’s power, trust in the journey, growth in healing)

​

Overview of the Three of Wands

​

The Three of Wands represents expansion, momentum, and stepping into a future that has been carefully planned for. Traditionally, it depicts a figure standing on a hill, gazing out at the ocean where ships are sailing away or coming in. This imagery symbolizes watching plans take shape, waiting for results, and embracing the potential for new experiences and growth.

​

Unlike the Two of Wands, which represents decision-making and planning, the Three of Wands shows action being taken and the first signs of progress appearing. It is a card of trusting the process, embracing new opportunities, and allowing growth to unfold as a result of previous efforts.

​

When the Three of Wands appears in a reading, it signals a time of movement, expansion, and stepping forward into the unknown with confidence. It asks: Are you ready to embrace new opportunities? Have you laid the foundation for growth, and are you allowing yourself to move forward?

​

The Three of Wands and Healing

​

The Three of Wands is a powerful healing card because it represents progress, self-trust, and the ability to move forward after a period of preparation or introspection. Healing is not just about reflecting on the past—it is about embracing the future with confidence and allowing oneself to expand beyond old limitations.

​

Many people struggle with healing because they feel stuck, hesitant, or afraid to step into the unknown. The Three of Wands reminds us that healing is a journey, not a single moment of realization, and that growth requires trust in the process. It signifies that momentum has been created, and now it is time to continue moving forward without fear.

​

Healing through the Three of Wands involves letting go of hesitation, embracing expansion, and believing that the future holds possibilities beyond what has been experienced before. It asks: Are you willing to trust in the progress you’ve made? Are you allowing yourself to grow, or are you holding back due to fear of the unknown?

​

Healing Through Confidence and Trust in the Future

​

One of the most important lessons of the Three of Wands is that healing requires trust—trust in oneself, trust in the process, and trust that better things are ahead. Many people struggle with fear of the future, uncertainty about whether healing will truly lead to change, or doubt about their ability to create the life they desire.

​

This card teaches that even if everything is not yet fully realized, the steps taken so far are leading toward something meaningful. Healing through this card involves:

​

• Recognizing how far you’ve already come and trusting that the journey will continue to unfold positively.

• Letting go of doubt and choosing to embrace confidence in the healing process.

• Understanding that expansion happens when one allows themselves to grow beyond their past experiences and pain.

​​

This card asks: Are you trusting in your own ability to heal and grow? Are you allowing yourself to expand into new opportunities, or are you still clinging to the past? Healing happens when one fully embraces the future with courage and an open heart.

​

Healing Through Taking Action and Moving Forward

​

The Three of Wands also represents the importance of movement in healing. While reflection and planning (as seen in the Two of Wands) are necessary, true healing requires action, movement, and engagement with life.

​

Many people delay healing because they are waiting for the "perfect" moment or a sign that guarantees success. However, the Three of Wands teaches that healing is about stepping forward even when the path is not fully clear. It is about choosing to grow, taking risks, and trusting that opportunities will arise through movement, not stagnation.

​

Healing through this card may involve:

​

• Taking steps toward personal growth, even if the future is uncertain.

• Embracing new opportunities, relationships, or experiences that encourage healing.

• Choosing forward motion rather than staying stuck in past pain or regret.

​​

This card asks: Are you actively moving toward healing, or are you waiting for something external to push you forward? What action can you take today that supports your healing journey? Healing happens when one commits to progress, expansion, and embracing the journey ahead.

​

Healing Through Expansion and Opening Up to New Possibilities

​

Another key aspect of the Three of Wands is expanding beyond what is familiar. Healing is often delayed because people stay trapped in old environments, thought patterns, or emotional cycles that limit growth. This card suggests that stepping beyond comfort zones is essential for transformation.

​

Healing through this energy may involve:

​

• Exploring new ways of thinking, feeling, or approaching life.

• Seeking out new connections, experiences, or perspectives that inspire personal growth.

• Recognizing that the world is vast, and there are opportunities for healing and fulfillment beyond what is currently known.

​​

This card asks: Are you willing to expand beyond what is familiar, even if it feels uncomfortable at first? Are you embracing new experiences that support your healing? True healing happens when one opens up to possibilities beyond past limitations and allows new growth to take root.

​

The Three of Wands Reversed: Overview

​

When the Three of Wands appears reversed, its energy shifts from progress and expansion to stagnation, hesitation, or fear of moving forward. This card reversed suggests delays, setbacks, or an unwillingness to embrace new opportunities due to fear of the unknown.

​

There may be self-doubt, missed opportunities, or a feeling of being unprepared for the next steps. The reversed Three of Wands can also indicate feeling disconnected from personal growth or struggling to trust in the healing process.

​

The Three of Wands Reversed and Healing

​

For healing, the reversed Three of Wands suggests that there may be fear, hesitation, or resistance to moving forward. If healing feels stalled, this card encourages:

​

• Identifying what fears or doubts are preventing progress.

• Releasing the need for absolute certainty before taking action—growth happens through movement, not waiting.

• Recognizing that setbacks are not failures but part of the learning process.

​​

This card reversed can also indicate a reluctance to leave behind what is familiar, even if it is no longer healthy. Healing through this card requires:

​

• Letting go of the need to control every outcome—trusting in the journey rather than fearing the unknown.

• Being willing to take small steps forward, even if confidence is not yet fully developed.

• Accepting that growth requires movement and that healing unfolds through action, not avoidance.

​​

If this card appears reversed, it asks: Are you hesitating because of fear, or are you truly not ready to move forward? What small step can you take today to shift toward healing and growth? Healing happens when one chooses movement over stagnation and trusts in their ability to navigate the path ahead.

​

Final Thoughts

​

The Three of Wands teaches that healing is an ongoing journey of expansion, trust, and stepping forward into new possibilities. It represents the momentum that builds when one embraces growth, allows for progress, and trusts in the unfolding of life. Healing does not require knowing every step in advance—it requires choosing to move forward despite uncertainty and embracing new opportunities with confidence.

​

When reversed, this card highlights hesitation, fear of change, or feeling unprepared for the next stage of healing. Healing requires trusting in oneself, stepping beyond comfort zones, and recognizing that every small step forward is a victory.

​

Ultimately, the Three of Wands reminds us that healing happens through movement, expansion, and trusting that the future holds endless possibilities for growth and transformation. The horizon is open—it is time to step forward and embrace what comes next.