THREE OF WANDS - Astrological Associations

Astrological associations for the Minor Arcana cards typically involve both a planet and a zodiac sign. The attributions established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are by far the most commonly used. However, some Tarot decks use a different set of associations. As a professional astrologer, I find it interesting to compare and contrast these associations from deck to deck. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.

THREE OF WANDS

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
For Crowley (and the OGD), the Three of Wands represents the energy of the Sun in the zodiac sign Aries. The Sun is exalted in Aries, meaning that it is comfortable and tends to function well in that sign. Crowley titles the card "Virtue." He writes that it represents "the establishment of primeval Energy." Hajo Banzhaf and Brigitte Theler (in Keywords for the Crowley Tarot) use keywords to describe the energy of the card: "Self-confidence, being centered, vitality (Sun) in connection with a pioneering spirit and an urge to move forward (Aries)."



One World Tarot by Crystal Love
Crystal Love associates the Three of Batons with the second subdivision of the sign Aries, with Mars as the natural ruler and the Sun as the subruler. She views this energy as exhibiting "strong qualities of organization, visualization, leadership, and excellence in creative projects and ventures."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens described the Three of Wands as having the energy of "Air on the Third house." This makes sense in that the THREE is the THIRD card in the suit of Wands. In astrology, the Third house is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Based on this association, Thierens associates the card with "communication, instruction, reflexion, message, writing, postage and letters, superficial knowledge, airiness, passing impressions, discontinuance, interruption, change, perhaps a certain amount of geniality, imprudence also; neglect or want of proper attention." (Note: The system devised by Thierens is radically different from that of the OGD. I will not go into detail here, but will simply provide the astrological associations for the card under discussion. If you are interested in learning more about this system, I recommend the book referenced above.)

The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Like the OGD, Mann's deck associates the suit of Wands with the element Fire. Mann describes Wand Two, Three, and Four as "The Lightning of Aries." Wand Three is assigned to the Second Decan of Aries -- Sun in Aries. On the King Scale of Color, the colors linked with the Sun are orange and gold; the color linked with Aries is red. Mann's keywords for the Sun are "Spirit, consciousness, individuality, masculine principle, dignity, honour." For the sign Aries, his keywords are "germinating times; unfolding energy; self-assertion; initiatory energy; adventure; daring; impatience; enterprising."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel's suit of Wands is the suit of the Fire element, embodying "ambition, vigor, creativity, travel, high spirits, and energy." She associates the Three of Wands with Sun/Aries. Included in her keywords are: commerce, good business sense, travel for business purposes, honored guest or visitor that brings news or information, honoring one's promises. Keywords associated with an ill-dignified Three of Wands include: underhanded business practices, delayed expectations and outcomes, bad debts, struggling to repair a damaged reputation, a person whose bad reputation precedes them.

In a birth chart, the placement of the Sun is a general indication of our character. It is our basic identity, ego, and conscious will. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries confers leadership ability. It is also characterized as being impulsive and quick-tempered. People born with the Sun in Aries are often characterized as courageous, self-confident, energetic, excitable, optimistic, open to new experiences, and willing to take risks.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna