Tarot’s Aces – Wild, Up Your Sleeve, or In The Hole

 

Ace of Cups from Rome Choi's
"Dreaming Way Tarot"©

Aces are considered a positive sign in a tarot reading. Theycapture the central theme of their suit and the subsequent cards explore that theme in a variety of aspects.  Aces herald the beginning of something new and in certain spreads can be used as an indicator of time.  Wands represent autumn; Cups, summer; Swords, winter and Pentacles, spring. 

The Ace of Wands starts of the big show.  It represents an idea, a realization that brings enthusiasm for a particular course of action. It is in essence, that spark of Divine creative force  sweeping through us.  It emboldens us to ask an age-old question much like in the opening three notes of Richard Strauss’, “Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30".  The following two notes of that piece denote the ‘aha’ moment.  The awareness is set and now our curious mind demands action.  Strauss’ work is the Ace of Wands set to music.  The appearance of the Ace of Wands in a reading is the call to adventure, the request that you take stock of your life.  Are you playing it too safe, or ignoring potential growth for the sake of convenience?  Follow the ace and go a little wild.  (See blog: “Lights, Camera, Action” )

Cups shows us a challis over-flowing with water, tarot’s

Ciro Marchetti's Ace of Wands from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

symbol of emotions.  This is a deep, spiritual well of emotional force, a direct link to your intuitive self.  As with all aces, the Ace of Cups signifies the essential element of its subject – in this case, love.  Ace of Cups declares the need to establish a connection with our higher selves, past ego and outside influences.  It asks us to open our hearts because in doing so we not only gain a greater capacity to give and receive love, but we also gain an entirely new understanding about the of very nature of love.  When the Ace of Cups appears in a reading it can show us an unreserved out-pouring of emotion. It can ask us to open ourselves to the possibility of forgiveness.  By extending the olive branch we develop a more loving nature.  On the spiritual side, this ace also asks us to open our consciousness, to understand the intricacies of the world around us and to use our link to the Divine.  

Ace of Swords from Lo Scarebo's
"Tarot of the Pagan Cats"©

Swords is the suit of the intellect and communications The Ace of Swords brings forth questions of truth, justice, attitude and mental prowess.  The ace asks us to expand our thinking, to face our problems with new awareness and make a commitment of fairness towards yourselves and others.  It is in essence, the idea of higher thought.  The appearance of the Ace of Swords in a reading can signify that it’s time to consider your mental outlook and view issues truthfully.  This ace wants you to be ready to cut away attitudes that have kept you from moving forward.  It promises resolution of situations once we’ve cleared away the thoughts and emotions that cloud our judgement.

The suit of Pentacles represents the material world.  This ace

Ace of Pentacles from"Shadowscapes"©
by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

introduces the concepts of prosperity, material gain and common sense.  When you look at the Ace of Pentacles ask yourself, “Why not me?”  Understand the correlation between goals, conscious thought and direct action.  The Ace of Pentacles promises that if you prepare your foundation by using common sense and practical application, you will succeed in turning your dreams into reality.  

Welcome the appearance of tarot’s aces in your readings.  They bring awareness, growth and the chance to start an exciting new journey.

LADY ORACLE

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Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You - An Update for June 2013

Mercury's ruling tarot card,
The Magician from Corrine Kenner's Wizard's Tarot©

The astrological theme for June has been communication and Mercury, the planetary ruler of communications has been camped out under the sign of Cancer this month.  Many of us received messages from our higher selves insisting we get rid of our baggage and get serious about establishing meaningful dialogues with ourselves, our co-workers and in our personal relationships as well.  For those of us who've listened and worked hard to clear the channels, the Universe, in a master stroke of irony, developed a litmus test for the end of this month.  Mercury Retrograde.

If you're not familiar with Mercury retrogrades, I'll take a minute to explain.  Each year as Earth orbits the Sun, it overtakes Mercury three to four times.  When we pass Mercury, it creates the optical illusion that Mercury is actually reversing it's orbit.  This optical illusion is a metaphor for the mishaps and misstatements that punctuate our lives during this period.  Mercury goes into retrograde on June 26th until July 20th.  Afterwards, we have only one more Mercury Retrograde period to deal with this year.  It runs from October 21st to November 10th.

Have you tried planning a fun, last minute get-away this week

Cancer the Crab's ruling card,
The Chariot from Corrine Kenner's, Wizard's Tarot©

only to find your reservations have become a big, red, tangled ball of yarn?  Has your computer or smart phone suddenly refused to function for no particular reason?  Did your carefully worded text or email ignite a volley of controversy?  Welcome to the joyless pit of Mercury Retrograde - bad communications, emotional quagmires and missed connections.

This month's Mercury Retrograde may be a breeze, but on the other hand, we're still feeling the effects of our Super Moon on June 23rd.  If you had a rough patch during the Full Moon it may be continuing, but don't despair.  There are several quick fixes you can do to get things back on track.

The key to a successful Mercury Retrograde is preparation.

1) Know your yearly retrograde dates, relax and breath into them.  Meditate more often.

2) Keep you expectations low during this time, both personally and professionally.  Try not to enter into new contracts or negotiations.  Don't decide to have air-clearing discussions with friends and family.  

3) Remember your  "R" words.  Renew, revisit, rest, re-plan, re-figure, renovate.  Things that are already in progress can benefit from a Mercury Retrograde revision.  Those are safe to do.

4) Keep your favorite tarot deck handy and plenty on sage and sweetgrass incense about for cleansing as needed.  Swords caution you about over-thinking or living in your head.  Cups point out over-indulgence of angst.  Pentacles keep your feet on the ground and Wands remind you to revise ('r' word) your game plan.

Follow these steps and while life won't necessarily be a breeze, it will be much easier. And if all else fails, invest in a vat of liquid smudge.

Lady Oracle

The exceptional tarot deck, "Wizard's Tarot,"© by Corrine Kenner and illustrated by John J. Blumen is available for purchase at my website  www.ladyoracle.net

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