The 3s

Three is a number replete with magic in many cultures.  Especially in European and Indo-European cultures, there seems to have been a fascination with triads through time.  Not only are there tripartite deities, such as Shiva-Vishnu-Brahma in Hinduism and the Morrigan in early medieval Irish literature, but even in modern-day academic thinking there is a distinct tendency to divide history up in groups of three (e.g., the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age...etc.) even when the data don't fit perfectly into such a scheme.  I could come up with endless examples, but the point is, the magic of three has a long tradition behind it and in the European milieu in which the tarot originated, it conveys a sense of wholeness.  In the story arc of the Minor Arcana, 3s bring something new into existence.  They are fundamentally creative, and in that they fit well with the third card of the Major Arcana, The Empress.  In the previous cards, the 2s, two formerly-distinct elements were brought into harmony; I think of the 3s as the "children" brought forth from the "marriages" represented by the 2s.

3 of Swords, Thoth Tarot

3 of Swords, Rider-Waite Tarot

Well, there's no help for it--nobody likes to see the 3 of Swords.  In the Thoth tarot it's called the Lord of Sorrow, and that certainly fits the image on the Rider-Waite deck.  I like the turmoil and darkness in the Thoth version, which not only seems to capture the mood of the card but, for me at least, actually inspires a feeling of uneasiness.  In the 2 of Swords, there was a sort of stalemate or neutrality--but the new (third) element has disrupted that balance.  I think of the third element as the introduction of feeling itself.  You see, feelings don't really have any place in the world of swords.  As long as there are only logical thoughts, the swords world works relatively smoothly.  But of course, there's no escaping emotions in life, and as soon as we add that element, we create vulnerability and conflict. So often, we find ourselves torn between the counsel of our hearts and that of our minds--that sort of indecision is antithetical to the swords.  Just as feelings can throw the orderly world of swords into chaos, the fear of being hurt can play havoc with our peace of mind.  But chaos can be creative, because it brings random elements into contact with one another, thus sparking the new.

3 of Cups, Rider-Waite Tarot

Botticelli's Three Graces

In contrast to the previous card, the 3 of Cups is delightful!   The three women in the Rider-Waite scene strike poses reminiscent of Botticelli's painting of the Three Graces.  The Graces were Graeco-Roman goddesses representing and inspiring Charm, Beauty, and Creativity.  Those are exactly the sorts of experiences evoked by this card.  The women's cups and the ripe vegetables on the ground symbolize the creation of abundance and enjoyment.  This joy was brought forth from the harmonious natural attraction represented by the 2 of Cups.  Think of it as two loving parents who raised a happy, well-adjusted child.  When you receive this card you can expect the blessing of mutual friendship and loyalty, and/or pure, unadulterated enjoyment and pleasure.  Hooray!

The 3 of Pentacles shows those pentacles in the form of an ornate stone arch, such as one would find on a Gothic cathedral.  At left stands a workman wearing an apron; at right are a monk and a man in a colorful cloak holding a blueprint.  We thus get the impression of a conference among the patron (in the fancy cloak), the artisan (craftsman), and recipient (monk) of a church--in other words, a grand cooperative undertaking.  The building could never be completed without the input and the unique contributions of all the individuals, so it represents the genesis of a mutually-supportive endeavor.  In addition, you can be certain that your presence and your contribution--whatever forms they may take--are recognized by others as not only meaningful, but integral to the project, system, or group.  This is the sort of recognition that many an artist, scholar, or craftsperson longs for.  And although pentacles aren't the most romantic suit, you can see how this card could bode very well for a relationship, indicating shared values and goals, a long-term vision, and a willingness to work together. 


Last but not least, we have the 3 of Wands.  Our hero stands on a high outcrop overlooking the sea and beyond it, distant lands.  Three ships ply the waves.  He is literally waiting for his ship to come in.  In this card, we can feel confident that a return on our previous investments (actions represented by the 2 of Wands) is imminent.  Being on high ground symbolizes the lofty viewpoint this card gives us--we can see how the pieces fit together and how the consequences of our actions will play out.  Indeed, at this time we may start to see synchonicity at play, a sure sign that we are in accord with the flow of life and on the right track to conscious manifestation.  We can finally feel--not just imagine, but feel--how we create our own reality.  With this card, you can, should, indeed must be confident that you can make your dreams come true.  Do not give in to doubt!  I have received this card at times when I was experiencing significant personal transformation, but transformation which I initiated myself, as opposed to some external cause.