the first car, the first job…they’re all memorable…and this is why the first card of any suit is special. All of the Aces of the Tarot represent new beginnings. They are powerful cards that promise a significant start, followed by the achievement of results. They are filled with a primal force that evolves into an expression of each suit’s energy.

The Ace of Cups appears as the Holy Grail from the Arthurian legends. The Grail represents the quest for spiritual ideals, and the greatest of these is true love. In the suit of Cups, the Ace typifies a fulfilling new start on the level of romance and the emotions.

This is a powerful card suggesting that the warm glow of romance is in your near future. This cup is overflowing with kindness and spiritual energy and even though these qualities already have a home in your heart, it’s time to share them with others. When this card turns up in a reading there is sure to be joy, contentment, and happiness ahead.

Imagine walking along a well-worn path through a green field and knowing that something truly amazing is at the end of the trail. It could be that you are going to be offered a way to change your financial situation. Perhaps you are going to be given money to purchase your dream car. Or maybe you will have the opportunity to build something you never previously believed you could create.

In the image of the Ace of Pentacles, you are given the ability to change your life. It’s a chance to become more settled and secure. It’s a time to begin manifesting your dreams. When the Ace of Pentacles turns up in a spread, realise you are being given a gift. The hand represents a divine force that is rewarding you for past efforts.

It’s a gift that has no strings attached – it’s simply an incentive that lets you know you are being recognised and reimbursed for the energy you have shared with others in the past. It’s your turn now. It’s coming soon. Enjoy the moment.

Is this the famous sword called Excalibur? Since the Ace of Cups looks like the Holy Grail, perhaps the Ace of Swords shows another symbol from the tales of King Arthur. In that legend, Excalibur was forged in a mystical realm and became a mighty weapon of divine justice and redemption.

In this card the sword appears from a mysterious source, and it seems to be held with magical intent, so the image aligns with this story. When the Ace of Swords is found in a prominent position within a Tarot spread, realise you are about to make a powerful decision that will change the course of your life. It’s time to focus your intentions and awaken your inner power.

The crown at the top of the sword symbolises the head, which is appropriate since this suit is about gaining mental discipline, focusing your thoughts, and expressing your desires in order to achieve your goals.

This card is filled with signs of success: yods (blessings), an olive branch (peace), and a palm leaf (victory), so allow this card to fill you with determination and you will move forward with clarity and conviction.

A spark of sensuality, the kindling of desire, and the heat of passion…they all relate to the element of fire…and all are born from the Ace of Wands. When you see this Ace in a reading, get ready for the levels of enticement and excitement to rise in your body and mind.

When you want to thrive rather than just survive…and when you want your life to be filled with enthusiasm, adventure, and style…use the power of the Ace of Wands to ignite your inspiration and fill you with energy.

Aces show beginnings, but the ending is up to you. Be like the mystical hand in the cloud that wields the symbol of each suit with power and purpose. When any of these cards appear in a Tarot spread, it’s a sign that a fresh start is available. Grasp the opportunity and make the magic happen!

Don McCleod is Mister Tarot.

Don is a tarot reader and instructor based in South Australia. A prolific writer, he is the author of “Practical Guide to Tarot” (Gemcraft) and “Real Tarot (Createspace).

Don can be contacted through his website “Mister Tarot“.

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