Overview: The Empress & The Threes

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the threes and the Empress

The Empress & The Threes

 

The Empress

The threes relate to the empress. The empress card depicts a woman, likely regnant, seated comfortably and lavishly in a field. She represents fertility, not just for human life but a fertility of ideas and other creations as well. Where the magician provided the spark, and the high priestess gave that spark space and time to develop into a full idea, the empress is the start of binging that idea, that spark, into fruition. That spark is n longer merely thoughts, action beings with the empress.  The empress is the great mother, the understanding sympathiser, the who who brings all things forward into the world, and helps them mature and develop. 

The Threes

So while the twos were about a choice, or a fork in the road, the threes symbolise the beginnings of taking action. This could be the creation of life, romance, art or business. These are the first affirmative steps towards the new beginning. We have chosen a path to take and we've begun upon it. We draw strength. Threes are about starting to put things into action.

The Three of Swords

The three of swords depicts a pierced heart upon the backdrop of a storm. This card may reveal heartache or pain, whether it be from love or from the disillusionment with a  closely held and highly personal belief or feeling. As the swords relate to matters of power and strength and change, the thrice pierced heart relates or reflects the death of something which is closely held. It relates to those things of great importance and likely, great impact on our public persona.

The Three of Wands

 The three of wands depicts a  man arriving at the edge of his land, he grasps on of three wands as he takes in the sights that stretch out over the horizon. He realises that the journey has just begun, but also, that there is still time to turn back - though not for long. The three of wands involves embarking upon a journey, reaching a point where you cannot turn back. It is a card of progress, the first hint that a dream may become real. However the journey has only just begun.

The Three of Cups

The three of cups depicts three maidens celebrating. Being the suit of passion, they are celebrating a joyous occasion, and three being the number of action, it's a new beginning. You are embarking on an endeavour of the heart, this could signify a birth, a new year, a new passion, or a new opportunity for your passion.

The Three of Pentacles

The three of pentacles card depicts a craftsman or tradesmen showing his work to his patrons - the people who pay for his work. Being a card of new beginnings, this may suggest further opportunity for the craftsman.  It's something you've begun to work on that will soon pay off. Your work will be rewarded. Being in the suit of pentacles this card relates to an earthly concern, it could be a focus on your health or your property, or the work on a relationship.  A new beginning stemming from past work, or effort.