LexTalk

Have you ever worked SO HARD toward something… put your heart into it… showed up consistently… and then found yourself staring at the results like:

HELLOOOOO?!

IS THIS THING WORKING?!

Because SAME.

Maybe you started a business.

Created a blog.

Applied for a new job.

Started saving money.

Changed a habit.

Launched a project.

Started posting content.

Learned a new skill.

Or finally took the first step toward something you’d been dreaming about forever.

At first, you’re excited.

I’M DOING IT!

And then… you wait. And wait.

And check.

And refresh.

And analyze.

And wonder if you should change everything.

Because one of the hardest parts of working toward something isn’t always STARTING.

Sometimes it’s continuing when you can’t see the results yet.

And today’s tarot card captures that feeling beautifully.

Welcome back to LexTalk Tarot: One Card at a Time!

We’ve officially reached Card #21 in my journey through all 78 tarot cards.

Today’s card is…

THE THREE OF WANDS

And the more I studied this card, the more I realized that it’s not simply about waiting around for something magical to happen.

It’s about something much more interesting.

You’ve started.

You’ve taken action.

You’ve put something into motion.

And now you’re looking toward the horizon asking:

Where could this go?

Let’s explore.

Meet the Three of Wands

Card: Three of Wands

Suit: Wands

Arcana: Minor Arcana

Element: Fire

Number: Three

Core Themes: Expansion, foresight, progress, opportunity, exploration, long-term planning, and anticipation

The Suit of Wands traditionally connects with:

Creativity • Passion • Inspiration • Ambition • Energy • Action

Wands feel like FIRE.

They’re the ideas that excite us.

The dreams that make us think:

Wait… what if I actually DID this?

The Ace of Wands can represent that initial spark.

The Two of Wands often connects with possibilities and planning.

And now we’ve reached the Three.

Something has started.

We’re no longer just imagining.

We’re looking outward.

Thinking bigger.

Considering what’s next.

For my beginner tarot brain, I’m remembering today’s card like this:

Three of Wands = You’ve started something. Now look ahead and give it room to grow.

Let’s Study the Three of Wands

This is another card where the artwork practically tells us the story.

There’s a person standing on elevated ground.

Three tall wooden wands.

A huge landscape.

Water.

Mountains.

And… tiny ships sailing in the distance.

Those ships are probably my favorite detail on the entire card.

But let’s start with the person watching them.

The Figure Looking Toward the Horizon

The central figure stands with their back toward us.

They’re not looking backward.

They’re looking OUT.

Toward the distance.

Toward possibilities.

Toward whatever might be coming next.

And I think that’s important.

The figure isn’t obsessing over where they started.

Their attention is on:

Where could this go from here?

This can symbolize:

Vision • Anticipation • Foresight • Future planning

It’s the difference between asking:

What do I have right now?

and:

What could I build from here?

That’s a very different question.

The Three Wands

Three wooden staffs stand firmly around the figure.

And notice… they’re planted.

They’re not floating around waiting for somebody to decide what to do with them.

Something has already been established.

The figure has a hand resting on one of the wands, which can reinforce the idea of connection to what has already been started.

For me, this is another easy visual memory trick.

Three Wands = Something has been set in motion.

We’re past the idea stage.

Now we’re building.

THE SHIPS

Okay.

THIS DETAIL.

Look closely at the water.

There are ships sailing in the distance.

And once I noticed them, this card became SO much easier to remember.

Ships historically connect with:

Travel • Commerce • Exploration • Trade • Opportunity • Expansion

In the Three of Wands, they can represent ventures moving beyond familiar territory.

Something has been sent out into the world.

And now… we’re watching.

Waiting.

Wondering what comes next.

Tell me that isn’t relatable.

You post something.

Refresh.

Nothing.

Refresh again.

Nothing.

Check tomorrow.

Three views.

HELLO?!

Or maybe you apply for a job.

Submit something.

Launch a product.

Start a project.

Make a connection.

Send an email.

Whatever it is…

you’ve done your part.

Now some of the outcome exists outside your immediate control.

Ships = Opportunities, expansion, and the potential results of efforts already made.

The Horizon

Look at how far the landscape stretches.

There’s so much beyond where the figure currently stands.

And I think that’s one of the most beautiful parts of the Three of Wands.

Because sometimes we get so focused on what’s happening RIGHT NOW that we forget there’s an entire horizon ahead.

Today’s numbers aren’t the final numbers.

Today’s circumstances aren’t automatically permanent.

Today’s skill level isn’t the level you’ll always have.

Today’s audience isn’t necessarily your future audience.

Today’s opportunities aren’t the only opportunities that will ever exist.

That doesn’t guarantee things will magically become successful.

But it does mean:

Today’s results aren’t the entire story.

Horizon = Future possibilities and a broader perspective.

The Elevated Ground

The figure stands above the landscape.

From there, they can see farther.

And symbolically, that can connect with:

Perspective • Vision • Looking at the bigger picture

Sometimes we get SO buried in the tiny details that we can’t see our actual progress.

One bad day feels like everything is failing.

One disappointing result makes us question the entire plan.

One setback suddenly becomes:

WELL CLEARLY THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA.

But zoom out.

What happened over the last month?

Six months?

Year?

Where were you when you started?

What have you learned?

What’s improved?

What opportunities exist now that didn’t exist before?

Elevated ground = Step back and look at the bigger picture.

Three of Wands Upright Meaning

When the Three of Wands appears upright, common themes include:

Expansion • Progress • Foresight • Opportunity • Exploration • Long-term vision • Growth

This can represent a time when you’ve already taken initial action and are considering what comes next.

Maybe you’re exploring new opportunities.

Maybe something you’ve started is developing.

Maybe you’re trying to reach a larger audience.

Maybe you’re expanding a project.

Maybe you’re planning for the future.

Or maybe you’re simply realizing:

I could take this further.

And I LOVE that.

Because sometimes we underestimate what’s possible because we’re only looking at what exists right now.

Upright Message:

You’ve started something. Keep looking ahead and stay open to where it could lead.

Three of Wands Reversed Meaning

You know the LexTalk rule!

REVERSED DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN BAD.

Reversed Three of Wands themes can include:

Delays • Frustration • Obstacles • Limited Perspective • Unrealistic Expectations • Difficulty Expanding

And THIS side of the card might be especially relatable.

Because sometimes we do everything…

and things STILL don’t happen on our preferred timeline.

Rude.

Maybe results are taking longer than expected.

Maybe the plan needs adjustment.

Maybe an opportunity didn’t work out.

Maybe we’re trying to expand before we’ve built a strong enough foundation.

Maybe we’re waiting for results without continuing to take action.

Or maybe we’re so frustrated that we can’t see other opportunities around us.

Reversed Message:

Sometimes progress requires patience. Other times, it requires a different plan.

And knowing the difference?

That’s the tricky part.

Patience vs. Passivity

THIS is where today’s card gets really interesting to me.

Because there’s a HUGE difference between patience and passivity.

Patience says:

I’ve done the work. I’m continuing to learn. I’m giving this time to develop.

Passivity says:

I did one thing six months ago and I’m waiting for the universe to handle the rest.

We can give something time… while still taking action.

We can wait for the ships… while preparing for what happens when they arrive.

We can keep learning.

Improving.

Experimenting.

Connecting.

Adjusting.

Creating.

Planning.

Waiting doesn’t have to mean doing nothing.

And I think THAT might be one of my favorite lessons from this card.

When You’ve Planted the Seeds but Can’t See Anything Yet

Think about planting something.

You put the seed in the ground.

Cover it.

Water it.

And then… nothing.

Just dirt.

But something might still be happening underneath.

Roots may be developing before anything becomes visible above the surface.

And I think our goals can feel like that sometimes.

We want visible proof immediately.

More followers.

More money.

More customers.

More opportunities.

More recognition.

More progress.

But some things take time before the results become obvious.

That doesn’t mean we blindly assume everything will eventually work.

Sometimes strategies need changing.

Sometimes ideas don’t work.

Sometimes we need to pivot.

But we also don’t want to dig up the seed every morning screaming:

ARE YOU GROWING YET?!

Sometimes we have to give our work room to breathe.

Three of Wands in Love & Relationships

Okay… Let’s talk LOVE.

The Three of Wands can be really interesting in relationship readings because so much of this card is about looking ahead.

Upright in Love

Common themes can include:

Shared future plans • Relationship growth • Expansion • Exploration • Long-term vision

For couples, it might encourage conversations about:

Where are we going?

What are we building?

What do we both want?

Are our long-term goals compatible?

It can also connect with travel or distance depending on the context of a reading.

For someone single, it might encourage being open to possibilities outside familiar routines or expectations.

Relationship Reflection:

Are we building toward a future that feels meaningful to BOTH of us?

Not one person dragging the other along.

Not assumptions.

Communication.

Three of Wands Reversed in Love

Reversed themes can include:

Delayed plans • Uncertainty about the future • Mismatched expectations • Difficulty moving forward

Maybe two people want different things.

Maybe plans keep getting postponed.

Maybe nobody has actually talked about where the relationship is going.

Again… this card doesn’t automatically predict a breakup.

It encourages reflection.

Tarot isn’t deciding your relationship for you.

Three of Wands in Career

Okay… Creators.

Entrepreneurs.

Dreamers.

People building something.

COME HERE.

Because this is where today’s card feels incredibly relevant.

The Three of Wands traditionally connects with:

Professional growth • Expansion • Networking • Long-term planning • New opportunities • Broader reach

Maybe you’re building something.

Maybe you’re applying for jobs.

Maybe you’re trying to grow an audience.

Maybe you’re developing a business.

Maybe you’re considering a new direction.

Maybe you’re wondering:

Is all this work actually going somewhere?

And the Three of Wands doesn’t promise:

YES! YOU’RE ABOUT TO BECOME WILDLY SUCCESSFUL!

That’s not how I’m learning tarot.

Instead, it asks us to think strategically.

What opportunities haven’t we explored?

What could we improve?

Where could we expand?

What can we learn?

Who could we connect with?

What happens if we stop staring at the same tiny patch of land and look toward the horizon?

Three of Wands Reversed in Career

Reversed career themes can include:

Slow growth • Delayed projects • Frustration • Missed opportunities • Plans needing adjustment

And this is where we need to be willing to ask ourselves:

Does this need more TIME… or does it need a different STRATEGY?

That’s a powerful question.

Because quitting too quickly can stop something before it has time to grow.

But stubbornly repeating something that isn’t working isn’t automatically persistence either.

Sometimes growth requires patience.

Sometimes it requires adaptation.

Three of Wands & Money

Financially, the Three of Wands can encourage:

Long-term planning • Evaluating opportunities • Looking ahead • Thoughtful expansion

Maybe you’re working toward financial goals that won’t happen overnight.

Saving.

Paying something down.

Building another income stream.

Investing in your future.

Changing careers.

Starting something new.

This card doesn’t guarantee money is coming.

Instead, it asks:

Are my current choices moving me toward the financial future I actually want?

Reversed, it might highlight delayed financial goals, overly optimistic expectations, or plans that need more preparation.

Stop Judging the Entire Journey by Today’s Numbers

THIS.

I think this might be the biggest lesson I’m taking from the Three of Wands.

Because we’re surrounded by numbers.

Followers.

Subscribers.

Views.

Clicks.

Sales.

Income.

Likes.

Shares.

Applications.

Responses.

And those numbers can be useful.

We SHOULD look at them.

We should learn from them.

But today’s number isn’t necessarily the final verdict on what we’re building.

One bad week doesn’t erase progress.

One successful week doesn’t guarantee everything is figured out either.

Numbers give us information.

They don’t determine our worth.

Data can help us adjust the journey without defining the dream.

I LOVE that.

Look Beyond What’s Directly in Front of You

The figure in the Three of Wands could stare at the ground.

But they don’t.

They’re looking outward.

And maybe that’s another lesson.

Sometimes the next opportunity isn’t directly in front of us.

Maybe it’s something we haven’t considered.

A new platform.

A new skill.

A different job.

A collaboration.

A new audience.

A different approach.

A completely unexpected direction.

We can have goals without becoming so attached to ONE path that we miss everything else.

The destination might remain the same even if the route changes.

Today’s LexTalk Tarot Journal Prompt

Grab your tarot journal!

Today’s main question is:

What have I already set in motion that deserves more patience, thoughtful planning, or a fresh perspective?

And another one I REALLY love:

Am I judging my progress only by what I can see today?

A few more:

What have I started that deserves more time?

Where am I becoming impatient?

What opportunity haven’t I explored yet?

What does expansion mean to me?

Am I actively working toward my goal—or simply waiting?

What part of my plan might need adjusting?

Where have I already made more progress than I realize?

And finally:

If I knew growth would take longer than I wanted, would I still choose this goal?

THAT one tells us something.

The Tarot Deck I’m Learning With

The Three of Wands is another perfect example of why studying the physical artwork is making tarot SO much easier for me.

Instead of memorizing:

Three of Wands = Expansion and foresight.

I can look at the card and remember:

Figure = Looking ahead

Three Wands = Something has been established

Ships = Opportunities and expansion

Horizon = Future possibilities

Elevated ground = Bigger-picture perspective

And suddenly…

the card tells a STORY.

Throughout LexTalk Tarot, I’m using a physical Rider-Waite-Smith style tarot deck so I can study the traditional imagery while working through all 78 cards.

If you’d like to learn alongside me using the same style of deck, you can [check out the tarot deck I’m using here — paid link].

You absolutely don’t need my exact deck to follow along. I’m simply sharing what I’m personally using throughout this journey.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Learning Tarot With a Journal

I’m also writing down the symbolism and my own memory tricks as I go.

Because:

“Guy watching tiny ships = looking toward future opportunities.”

is MUCH easier for my brain to remember than a giant textbook definition.

If you’re learning tarot alongside me, any notebook works perfectly.

But if you’d like a dedicated place for card meanings, symbolism, personal interpretations, and reflection questions, you can [check out the tarot journal I recommend here — paid link].

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How I’m Remembering the Three of Wands

Beginner tarot friends…

Don’t memorize this entire blog.

Here’s today’s cheat sheet:

THREE OF WANDS

Core Meaning: Expansion and looking ahead

Upright: Progress, opportunity, foresight, exploration, growth, long-term planning

Reversed: Delays, frustration, obstacles, limited perspective, plans needing adjustment

Figure: Looking toward the future

Three Wands: Something has already been started

Ships: Opportunity and expansion

Horizon: Future possibilities

Elevated Ground: Bigger-picture perspective

And our memory trick:

Three of Wands = You’ve started something. Now look ahead and give it room to grow.

That’s it.

One card.

One story.

21 Cards Into LexTalk Tarot!

We’ve officially explored:

21 OF 78 TAROT CARDS!

Twenty-one!

And after yesterday’s Nine of Pentacles lesson about appreciating progress…

I’m actually going to acknowledge that.

Because when I started this series, 78 cards sounded like A LOT.

Now?

We’ve learned 21.

And that’s exactly what I’m loving about learning tarot this way.

I’m not trying to memorize the entire deck overnight.

I’m studying one image.

One story.

One lesson.

Then moving forward.

And eventually?

Those individual cards start becoming an entire language.

One Last LexTalk Thought

I think the Three of Wands is one of those cards that becomes incredibly meaningful when you’re building something you care about.

Because there’s this uncomfortable period between:

I started!

and

It worked!

And that middle part?

Can be LONG.

That’s where doubt shows up.

Comparison.

Impatience.

Fear.

You start wondering whether you’re wasting your time.

Whether anyone cares.

Whether you’re good enough.

Whether you should quit.

Whether you should change everything.

And sometimes… you SHOULD change something.

That’s part of growth too.

But other times?

The thing you’re building simply needs more time.

More practice.

More consistency.

More learning.

More experimenting.

More opportunities.

More chances for those little ships to travel across the water.

And I think that’s why I love the image of the figure standing there looking toward the horizon.

They’re not sitting inside staring at the wall.

They’re watching.

Observing.

Planning.

Looking beyond what’s directly in front of them.

They’ve already taken steps.

Now they’re considering where those steps might lead.

Maybe that’s what we need to do with our own dreams.

Work.

Learn.

Experiment.

Adjust.

Keep looking for opportunities.

And then give our efforts enough room to actually become something.

Because sometimes we become so obsessed with seeing immediate results that we forget… we’re still in the middle of the story.

The ships haven’t disappeared.

They’re just still traveling.

So if you’re working toward something right now and wondering:

IS ANYTHING EVEN HAPPENING?!

Maybe today’s reflection isn’t:

Should I give up?

Maybe it’s:

What can I learn?

What can I improve?

What opportunity haven’t I considered?

And have I actually given this enough time?

Because today’s results aren’t necessarily tomorrow’s results.

And the horizon is much bigger than the tiny patch of land we’re standing on right now.

You’ve already started.

Keep watching for opportunities.

Keep looking beyond the horizon.

And give what you’re building room to grow.

Three of Wands = You’ve started something. Now look ahead and give it room to grow.

One card. One lesson. One little bit of magic at a time.

— Lex

Tarot interpretations are subjective and are shared here for personal reflection, education, and entertainment. Tarot should not replace professional medical, legal, mental health, or financial advice.