FLYING headfirst into All THINGS MAGICAL with a sense of curiosity, humor, and just a touch of skepticism

The Power of Three: A Magical Triumph or Cosmic Boomerang?

Ah, the Power of Three — a concept as revered in witchcraft as cats are on the internet. This little nugget of wisdom holds that whatever energy you send out into the universe will come back to you threefold. Sounds great when you’re wishing someone joy, but not so fabulous if you’ve just cursed the neighbor’s loud lawnmower. Let’s dive into the mystical (and occasionally hilarious) world of the Power of Three and uncover why it has become a cornerstone of witchcraft.

Julie Gish Norris

1/20/20253 min read

aerial photography of three women floating on pool forming propeller
aerial photography of three women floating on pool forming propeller

The Power of Three isn’t just some modern witchy Pinterest trend. Its origins stretch back to ancient philosophies and spiritual traditions. The Greeks adored the number three, using it to describe deities like the Fates and the Graces. In their eyes, three was the embodiment of harmony, wisdom, and the ultimate cycle of life—birth, life, and death. Kind of like a metaphysical three-course meal.

Witches, ever the savvy lot, integrated this symbolism and infused it with their magical ethics. It became not only a reminder to think before you hex but also a framework for living intentionally. Harmony in threes isn’t just for Pythagoras anymore; it’s a magical manifesto.

Paganism, particularly ancient European and Mediterranean belief systems, frequently emphasized the symbolic and spiritual importance of the number three. This number represented balance, harmony, and cycles—concepts that resonated deeply with both natural and spiritual laws. (Source: "Sacred Numbers and Their Universal Significance" by M. S. Burns, Journal of Ancient Symbolism)

  • Celtic Paganism: The Celts revered triads, as seen in symbols like the triskelion or the Triple Goddess, representing the maiden, mother, and crone. These phases symbolize life, death, and rebirth—the cycles of existence that were central to their spirituality.

  • Greek and Roman Influence: Triadic structures also appear in the deities of Greek and Roman mythology, like the Moirai (Fates) who govern life and destiny, or Hecate, often depicted as a triple-form goddess representing crossroads, the past, present, and future.

  • Numerological and Mystical Significance: The number three was believed to encapsulate a complete cycle or a harmonious whole. This belief extended to the threefold division of existence (earth, sky, sea) and was mirrored in spiritual practices.

The Philosophy of Cosmic Cause and Effect

If you’ve ever muttered, “What goes around comes around,” you’ve dabbled in the philosophy behind the Power of Three. At its core, this principle is about accountability. Every thought, intention, and action carries energy that boomerangs back to you threefold. Think of it as karma’s overachieving cousin.

Central to this belief is the idea of intention. Got a plan for a spell? Double-check your motives. Triple-check them. Are you casting that love spell for mutual happiness or because you’re obsessed with someone’s Instagram feed? Ethical magic starts with mindfulness.

The Power of Three also doesn’t let you off the hook for accidental bad vibes. Your energy affects the world whether you’re aware of it or not. This is why many witches perform grounding exercises to keep their energy as pristine as a freshly saged room. Let’s just say the universe has a long memory and loves a dramatic plot twist. (Source: "The Ethics of Magic: A Guide to Modern Witchcraft" by Raven Heartwood)

Practical Applications: How to Stay on the Universe’s Good Side

Ready to harness the Power of Three without accidentally summoning chaos? Start by setting clear, positive objectives before diving into spellwork. A simple rule of thumb: If your spell wouldn’t make your grandma proud, reconsider.

For instance, instead of casting a spell to make your boss “disappear” during meetings, focus on creating harmony in your workplace. You’ll sleep better knowing you’re not about to receive cosmic payback in the form of printer jams.

Ground Yourself: Before spellcasting, practice grounding techniques like meditation or a brisk walk in nature. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth, anchoring you in ethical clarity. Not only does this align your energy, but it also makes you look less suspicious when pacing around your yard mumbling incantations.

Collaborative Magic: The witchy community often casts spells for collective good, like peace, equality, or a global surplus of chocolate. These efforts exemplify the Power of Three in action uplifting the collective while enriching individual lives. (Source: "Practical Magic for the Ethical Witch" by Serena Moonbeam)

The Power of Three isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a magical ethos. By embracing it, you’re not only ensuring that your actions are mindful but also contributing positively to the interconnected web of existence. In other words, you’re making the world a little less chaotic and a lot more magical.

So, the next time you light a candle or mutter a spell, pause and ask yourself: Is this intention going to come back to me like a gift-wrapped blessing or a glitter-filled prank? The choice is yours, my witchy friend. Use your magic wisely, laugh at your mistakes, and remember what you send out comes back. May your threefold returns always be kind, hilarious, and full of unexpected joy.

If you’ve got tips, tricks, or just a good witchy joke, contact me using the form below. I’ll be over here, trying not to set anything on fire (maybe).

Blessed be, or as I like to say, "Stay witchy, my friends!"

Get in touch