Card of the Week: Ace of Wands
“No matter how difficult the past, you can always begin again today.” - Jack Kornfield
The Ace of Wands is usually depicted as a hand coming from the clouds with a wand/staff. “Some decks picture only a wand, often one that is large and elaborate, like a ruler’s scepter or a magician’s ceremonial tool,” (Shannon and Alexander 137.) This wand symbolizes power and possibilities. I like to see it as the Fairy Godmother’s wand; whatever you desire can be granted when you have this in your hand. When this card comes out, see it as a gift from the universe to make your greatest dreams come true. The background of the card is also very serene and with a lack of high mountains and high waters. This is to represent a time in your life where the road is clear and possibilities endless; you do not have many obstacles to overcome when this card comes out.
The Ace of Wands also symbolizes sexual energy and desire. If you are inquiring about someone like a friend or lover and this card comes out, it’s safe to assume there is some type of sexual energy felt by one or both of you. Some people, including myself, also like to see the wand as a literal genitalia, usually representing someone who is well-endowed.
Lastly, this card speaks to a new pregnancy or someone who can be expecting to become pregnant in the near future. Apply context and clarification cards if need be.
Upright
Past: In this position, the Ace of Wands can represent being set free from all restraints and blockages in the past. You could have experienced a fertile energy that allowed you to start many projects and ideas and accomplish many of your goals. This card position also represents someone who received some type of awareness in the past and now in the present, knows how to best apply themselves and the knowledge they've gained. Simply put, the energy was fruitful, expansive, and moldable in your recent past, and hopefully you took advantage of that.
Present: Your (or whoever you are reading for) current energy is very abundant and the path is clear. If you have been waiting for the "right" time to jump on or start something, the moment is now. You are being given the green light to begin an enterprise that could revolve around the arts or any physical activity. Whatever this idea is, it’s something you are passionate about. To best understand this card in the present position, imagine your first cup of coffee after pulling an all-nighter. That fresh, awakening feeling you experience after that first sip is exactly the energy the Ace of Wands is coming to offer you. Now you feel you can actually tackle whatever idea or adventure you have planned for yourself. Lastly, this is a sign of good faith that a seed you have planted, is now ready to sprout!
Future: In your present energy you might be experiencing a lull, or feeling uninspired. It’s almost as if you are waiting for something to hit you over the head with energy and excitement. If the Ace of Wands comes out in the future position, that energy is exactly what you can expect. Soon you won’t feel depleted or without direction; an opportunity is coming in to light some fire under you. Expect to feel dedicated and ambitious towards a certain task or activity. Also, like I mentioned earlier, the Ace of Wands can represent sexual energy so you can expect some passionate and fiery sex, maybe even with a fire sign.
Reversed
*Disclaimer: Reading tarot cards in reverse is totally up to the reader. There are many who choose not to. There is no right way to do it; go with your intuition. For some readers a reversed means that the energy of that card cannot manifest into reality due to a block. So if you are someone who chooses to not read reversed cards you may skip this part, however if you are that reader, keep reading!
Remember to always be authentic with your spiritual practices.*
The Ace of Wands reversed can represent something not yet manifesting. For instance, you might need to put a little more time and energy into a creative idea you are trying to get off the ground. This can also speak to burnout, so make sure you're allowing yourself to rest and walk away from anything that is keeping you stuck. Sometimes Spirit lets us know we are not ready for something new because we are still holding on to something old. When this card comes out reversed, ask yourself what you can let go of, and how can you go harder for what you want?
Advice
Your guides could be advising you to take on a new approach towards something, especially if you have been pursuing a goal without making much progress. Take some time to go back to the drawing board and rework some things; rearrange some of the puzzle pieces instead of giving up on the puzzle completely. You might have been sitting on a certain idea for months or years without planting a seed. You are being advised to take a leap of faith on yourself and try to make your dream a reality. How do you know if something won’t work out if you don’t even try?
Work Cited
Shannon, Mary, and Skye Alexander. The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need: A Modern Guide to the Cards, Spreads, and Secrets of Tarot. Adams Media, 2019.
- Symone Smith, @aquaa_cunt