Three of Wands Rx

rwcarter

Hi rwcarter, Are you referring to Mary Greer´s book on Waite’s hidden intentions for the Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
I wouldn't have phrased it quite that way, but yes.
 

Teheuti

A.E.Waite says "The end of troubles, suspension or cessation of adversity, toil and disappointment."
I read adversity, toil and disappointment as a list - several words for the same concept (end of troubles).

If the ships are setting sail in the upright card (going out on a trading mission), then they are returning in the reversal (hopefully filled with gold or valuable merchandise) and all your worries are over - which is the meaning of "my ship has come in."

For me, the upright 3 of Wands is about setting things in motion, often with a long-term plan and wide perspective. Waite says that the four threes represent action definitely commenced for good or evil. The reversal suggests that the consequences of your action are returned to you.