When I learned the Aces I first learned the elements. I really studied in-depth the elements of earth, air, fire and water and it is how I now teach my Diploma students. Understand the element before you even start to understand the Minor Arcana. Once I knew the element, then it was time to add the power-words. Keywords are one way of calling it I guess but I prefer ‘power words’ and they really help me understand the bigger picture.
Here are my four power words for the Ace cards:
Birth, Gift, Potential and Root.
Knowing those 4 words will kick start you into discovering more about the Ace cards!
Let’s go into detail…
ROOT
Each Ace is a root. The Oak seed is tiny and yet inside it contains ALL the information to become an enormous tree that can live hundreds of years. Amazing really when you think about it. So when you receive an Ace you have a seed in your hand that you can plant and allow it to take root.
Some ideas…
Swords – Writing the first page of your book
Wands – Starting a new entrepreneurship
Cups – Telling a person you love them
Pentacles – Putting away the extra cash for something you desire
BIRTH
Each Ace brings the birth of something new. The very very beginning of something new.
Some ideas…
Swords – A book, blog, form of communication, thought-form…
Wands – ‘an adventure in pursuit of a vision’*
Cups – A new love or romance
Pentacles – A baby, gift or new money
GIFT
Each Ace brings a gift. If you look at the four Aces in the Rider Waite Smith deck you will see four hands holding the elemental object. The hands are surrounded by clouds and radiance because they belong to the Creator. So the Creator is basically handing you a gift. It is up to you whether you take it or not!
Some ideas…
Swords – Clear perception
Wands – Creativity
Cups – Love
Pentacles – Good Fortune
POTENTIAL
Each Ace shows the potential that awaits you. We all have massive potential inside of us but we often stifle it with negative thinking and behaviors. Many of us could run a marathon if we had the will, urge and mindset, regardless if we have legs or not. The Ace shows us the potential if we dare to take hold of it.
Some ideas…
Swords – Potential to sharpen the mind and control negative thoughts
Wands – Potential to make change and create something new
Cups – Potential to open the heart and let in and give out love
Pentacles – Potential for abundance in all material forms
Remember!
Aces are a divine gift from the Creator. When you get an Ace decide if you have the potential to use it and let something new take root and give birth.