Exploring the 3 of Wands as Feelings: A Deep Dive into Tarot Emotions

Introduction
In the world of tarot, each card holds layers of meaning—ranging from situational outcomes to emotional states. When it comes to interpreting the 3 of Wands as feelings, the card opens a powerful window into someone’s emotional outlook, particularly in relationships, life direction, and personal growth.
Unlike cards that represent confusion or deep introspection, the 3 of Wands is a card of forward momentum, anticipation, and vision. It speaks volumes about how someone feels when they are hopeful, expanding their horizons, or waiting for something significant.
Understanding what the 3 of Wands means in an emotional context is crucial for tarot readers, spiritual seekers, or anyone using the cards to gain clarity on matters of the heart. Whether you’re asking how someone feels about you, what emotions are influencing a situation, or how you are evolving, the 3 of Wands offers a nuanced perspective that blends hope, preparation, and emotional distance.
This in-depth article will examine the 3 of Wands as feelings in love, relationships, career, and personal development. We’ll also explore how it appears in different tarot spreads, what it means when reversed, and how to interpret it based on the querent’s question.
Understanding the 3 of Wands: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the emotional interpretations, let’s look at the core symbolism of the 3 of Wands:
- Element: Fire
- Associated Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Planetary Influence: Sun
- Keywords: Expansion, foresight, vision, waiting, confidence, anticipation
The imagery typically shows a figure standing on a cliff, looking out over a vast ocean with ships sailing in the distance. This visual speaks to opportunity, watchfulness, and a readiness to move forward. The person isn’t rushing—they are calmly observing, planning, and trusting in their efforts.
When translated into the realm of feelings, the card suggests a state of emotional readiness, hope, and even detached optimism.
3 of Wands as Feelings in Love and Relationships

1. Anticipation and Hope
When the 3 of Wands appears in a love reading, especially in response to “how does this person feel about me?” it typically signals that the person feels hopeful and positive about the connection.
- They see potential for growth.
- They are emotionally prepared for what comes next.
- They may not be deeply expressive, but they’re invested in the long-term possibilities.
This is not the card of a whirlwind romance, but of someone who is measuring their steps and planning a future that includes you.
2. Emotional Distance or Waiting
The figure in the card stands alone, watching ships either arrive or depart. This can symbolize emotional distance—not coldness, but a kind of waiting or contemplation.
- The person may feel the need to observe the relationship from a distance.
- They could be waiting to see how you respond before expressing their deeper feelings.
3. Confidence and Personal Space
The 3 of Wands also speaks to self-assurance. When this card represents someone’s feelings, they are emotionally strong and independent.
- They likely feel confident in themselves and the connection.
- They are not clingy or overly emotional; they prefer mutual growth.
4. Longing for Progression
In situations where relationships feel stalled, this card suggests that one person may be yearning for the next step:
- Moving in together
- Commitment
- Deeper emotional conversations
It’s the feeling of knowing something more is out there, and being ready for it.
3 of Wands as Feelings in Career and Personal Growth

1. Ambition and Vision
In a career or personal development context, the 3 of Wands represents high aspirations and optimism. As feelings, it means:
- You or the person in question feels motivated, focused, and strategic.
- There’s excitement about future opportunities and inner confidence to pursue them.
2. Patience and Readiness
This card also reflects emotional maturity and patience:
- The person is not acting impulsively.
- They are emotionally prepared to wait for the right moment to make a move.
3. Satisfaction with Progress
If you’ve been working on a personal goal, the 3 of Wands indicates that your efforts are being recognized emotionally:
- You feel validated, and your passion is rekindled.
- You may also feel that the universe is aligning to support your mission.
3 of Wands Reversed as Feelings
When the 3 of Wands is reversed, it often flips the card’s upright meanings:
1. Frustration and Impatience
The reversed card can indicate feelings of:
- Restlessness because things are not progressing.
- Emotional fatigue due to delays or waiting too long.
2. Fear of Change
While the upright card welcomes expansion, the reversed 3 of Wands may show:
- A hesitation to take emotional risks.
- Someone holding back despite wanting progress.
3. Emotional Disappointment
There may be feelings of:
- Letdown if expectations haven’t been met.
- A realization that the vision or person you invested in isn’t what you hoped.
3 of Wands as Someone’s Feelings Toward You
If you draw this card asking how someone feels about you:
- They likely see potential and a future with you.
- They may be in a planning or contemplative phase, not yet ready to fully commit but clearly interested.
- Their emotions are stable, forward-looking, and respectful.
In some cases, especially if paired with cards like the Fool or Knight of Wands, it could also suggest a person considering a bold move or emotional adventure involving you.
How to Interpret 3 of Wands Based on Spread Position
1. Past Position
- The person once felt hopeful and motivated.
- There was a strong sense of anticipation, but maybe plans didn’t pan out.
2. Present Position
- Currently feeling strategic, calm, and emotionally open.
- There’s excitement and confidence about the current trajectory.
3. Future Position
- Feelings will evolve into trust and long-term commitment.
- Emotional groundwork is being laid for bigger things to come.
Spiritual and Emotional Symbolism of the 3 of Wands
From a spiritual standpoint, the 3 of Wands reflects the energy of manifestation and vision. When appearing as feelings, it may indicate:
- A soul that’s expanding beyond its previous boundaries.
- The presence of divine timing, where things are unfolding even if unseen.
Emotionally, this card symbolizes:
- Clarity of direction
- Faith in the journey
- A balanced heart that is ready for what’s next
Common Card Combinations Involving 3 of Wands
- 3 of Wands + Lovers = Long-term romantic vision, planning a future together.
- 3 of Wands + 2 of Cups = Emotional readiness to take a connection deeper.
- 3 of Wands + Tower = A sudden event has shifted someone’s emotional outlook.
- 3 of Wands + Temperance = Patience and emotional balance in love or life.
Conclusion: Emotional Maturity and Vision with the 3 of Wands
The 3 of Wands as feelings represents a unique blend of hope, strategy, and emotional readiness. It is not impulsive or overly romantic but deeply reflective, forward-thinking, and confident. It shows someone who is emotionally invested, yet patient enough to let things unfold in divine timing.
Whether you’re navigating love, career, or personal transformation, this card is a reminder to hold your emotional vision, trust the path, and embrace the journey ahead. It is a card of inner peace, outward focus, and future promise.
“Feelings, like the 3 of Wands, are most powerful when paired with intention, patience, and vision.”