The Threes can be associated with the Empress, and are the productive and fertile union of the pure male principle (embodied in the Magician) and the pure female principle (embodied in the High Priestess), and are considered balanced and harmonious for this reason (all the multiples of three are). The Threes therefore represent the traditional associations of fertility and abundance, but also the first earthly manifestation of the new gift or potential that came with the Aces, which has been pondered, planned for, evaluated, and decided upon in the Twos.

Even at this point, the journey is by no means finished.  In fact, it is just getting started - but the first actual steps toward making it a reality have been taken. Another aspect of the Threes is the intervention or involvement of three people.  Just as the Twos deal with duality, which often involves another person, so the Threes take this one step further - leading to even greater productivity or greater difficulty, joy or pain.

Here are some card associations corresponding to these aspects of the Threes:

Pentacles:  The first actual use of a newly learned skill to make something. A project moves from blueprints to construction.  A family moves into its new home after deciding to move across the country and start a new life. A financial investment pays off with dividends.  Working in teams to accomplish something practical.

Cups:  Friends or family celebrate a commitment to a relationship, such as a betrothal - this is the stage when the relationship has been publicly announced and celebrated, but the marriage has not yet taken place.  A pregnancy or adoption.  The first harvest of the season, celebration and sharing these fruits with others.

Swords:  The moment that a new direction of thought is manifested, for example, a person writes the first chapter of a new book.  A grant is received and a scientific research program begun.  A person presents their ideas at a conference and gets public or professional feedback and criticism. The intervention of a third party into a previously stable relationship, resulting in jealousy or heartbreak.

Wands:  After long planning, a person starts a new business and gets their first contract.  A person makes a decision to change their lifestyle and begins to take the actions required to achieve this change.  A person takes their first independent steps out into the world and goes exploring.  A new job offer is accepted that reflects a change of career.  The expansion of a business to include employees or a new partner.

All of these situations lead to growth, sometimes painful, sometimes joyful.