In cartomancy with playing cards, the Three of Spades (3♠) is a card of intrigue.

Generally, the threes all have to do with the idea of receiving and of interaction. They also represent small gatherings.

The notion of intrigue can signify the querent is being led on or is leading someone on. It can represent lies, lack of clarity and dishonesty. This is especially true if there are other cards of dubious moral character in the spread. By itself, however, the notion of intrigue must be understood as that of difficult, complicated, intricate situation. It represents bumbs on the road.

In love readings, the Three of Spades often signifies lack of clarity and difficulties getting along. With bad cards it can show abandonment, and in some combinations it foreshadows an affair, showing the interference of a third party.

The card also represents the idea of loss, which is especially important in readings about material situations. Usually, the loss is not heavy, unless it’s accompanied by tragic cards. The notion of intrigue can also apply to swindles and such things.

Psychologically, the Three of Spades brings about lack of clarity, the inability to make good choices and the sense that the situation is a tad too complicated and the querent feels overwhelmed. With very negative cards it can be a card of bereavement (connecting to the idea of loss).

Finally, although this is a rare meaning, the Three of Spades can represent small gatherings of negative people, such as a cabal of schemers, a cult etc.

Some combinations:

4♣ – 3♠ = lies
J♠ – 3♠ – 10♠ = theft, scams, etc.
9♦ – 3♠ = losing a promotion
3♠ – 5♣ – 3♦ = working hard to recoup your losses
Q♠ or K♠ – 3♠ = third party interference