The Threes: Turning Hope into Action

When we move from the Twos to the Threes in Tarot, something important shifts. The Twos hold potential, choices, and inner tension. In the Threes, we begin to act. The seed planted in the Ace has split open in the Two—and now it starts to grow. Three is a mystical number tied to creation, synthesis, and expression. It’s the moment when an idea, feeling, or plan begins to take visible form. In Tarot, the Threes invite us to move from hoping and dreaming to building and becoming. Let’s explore how this powerful number shows up across the Major and Minor Arcana.

Let’s Start with the Majors

The Empress – Major Arcana III

The Empress represents abundance, creativity, and the nurturing of new life. She reminds us that growth happens when we tend to our dreams with care and love. Surrounded by nature, she teaches that connection to the earth and our senses fosters true creation.

Upright Meaning: abundance, nurturing, creativity, fertility, connection to nature
Reversed Meaning: creative blocks, dependence, overindulgence, neglect of self-care

Ask yourself:

What needs nurturing in my life right now?
How might you rekindle your creativity?
What needs more/less nurturing in your life?
How can I honor my natural rhythms to encourage growth?

The Hanged Man – Major Arcana XII (1+2=3)

The Hanged Man invites a pause for deep internal growth. Through surrender and a shift in perspective, we find wisdom we couldn’t access before. Here, the “creation” is not in the outer world—it’s in the transformation of the soul.

Upright Meaning: surrender, new perspective, patience, letting go
Reversed Meaning: stubbornness, martyrdom, resistance to necessary change

Ask yourself:

Where am I being asked to release control and see things differently?
Why are you behaving like a martyr?
What important issue is now unimportant because your perspective has changed?
How can stillness serve my growth right now?

The World – Major Arcana XXI (2+1=3)

The World card signals fulfillment, completion, and integration. It’s the grand finale where we recognize how far we’ve come and what we’ve created. It’s not an ending—it’s the joyful readiness to begin again, now with greater wisdom.

Upright Meaning: completion, wholeness, achievement, celebration
Reversed Meaning: unfinished business, fear of closure, hesitation

Ask yourself:

What cycle is ready to complete in my life?
Where are you being called to play both male/female roles in life?
Why are you dancing on air?
How can I celebrate my progress before I move forward?

The Minor Arcana

Three of Wands – Minor Arcana

The Three of Wands is about vision, planning, and forward movement. It invites you to step out of your comfort zone and act on your dreams. Hope transforms into adventure here—supported by strategy and trust.

Upright Meaning: progress, foresight, leadership, expansion, future planning
Reversed Meaning: obstacles to long-term goals, delays, lack of foresight, fear of the unknown

Ask yourself:

Where am I being called to boldly expand my vision?
What idea/project are you about to launch?
Where are you having difficulty focusing?
What small step can I take today toward a bigger dream?

Three of Cups – Minor Arcana

The Three of Cups celebrates connection, community, and shared joy. It reminds us that creativity and growth are sweeter when we are supported and seen. Laughter, friendship, and collaboration all nourish the spirit.

Upright Meaning: friendship, celebration, support, emotional expression, reunion
Reversed Meaning: gossip, overindulgence, isolation, strained friendships

Ask yourself:

Who are the people that lift me higher?
Are you sharing the fruits of your labors?
What friendships are being outgrown?
How can I intentionally celebrate the joys, big or small, in my life?

Three of Swords – Minor Arcana

The Three of Swords speaks to heartbreak, loss, and necessary truths. It marks the painful but important process of clearing space for healing and new beginnings. Even in sorrow, growth is quietly at work.

Upright Meaning: heartbreak, sorrow, painful truths, emotional release, separation
Reversed Meaning: healing, recovery, forgiveness, overcoming grief

Ask yourself:

What truth do I need to face so I can begin healing?
What buried pain is affecting your life?
Are you feeling betrayed?
How can I be gentle with myself as I move through pain?

Three of Pentacles – Minor Arcana

The Three of Pentacles is about collaboration, craftsmanship, and building something lasting. It reminds us that great creations often come through teamwork and shared vision. Skill, dedication, and respect for each role lead to beautiful outcomes.

Upright Meaning: teamwork, collaboration, craftsmanship, shared goals, skill development
Reversed Meaning: lack of teamwork, poor planning, disharmony, undervalued skills

Ask yourself:

Where would collaboration strengthen my work or goals?
Do you need a break or a vacation?
Is your productivity blocked?
How can I honor my unique contribution while supporting others?

The Threes Move Us

The Threes call us to get moving—to step out from under the safety of planning and into the vibrant (and sometimes messy) world of doing. They remind us that growth isn’t always linear, and sometimes it comes with both applause and a few splinters. In the dance of the Threes, creation is alive, connection is celebrated, lessons are learned, and mastery begins to take shape. So stretch, leap, build, sing, cry, dream, and move forward. Because the real magic happens when we turn hope into action.

🌟 Ready to step into your next phase of growth? 🌟 I’d love to support you on your journey. Let’s connect and see where your path is ready to unfold.

Rev. Colleen Irwin