TarotCraft Lesson 204.01: The Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

​Take control of your (s)words – the ones you say to yourself and the ones you say to others. Your words and thoughts are one of the few things you truly control in life, so when this card appears in a reading, it's a message to have discipline in those areas.

Image description
Emerging from a cloud, a hand presents a naked, upraised sword. The hand is clenched around the hilt, the back towards the viewer. A golden crown dotted with red jewels surrounds the point of the sword, green branches dangle from it, one with large green leaves, the other with smaller green leaves and red berries. Yellow gusts of air hover above the hilt of the sword. Below the sword is a vista of barren mountains. The background of the card is the grey, overcast sky.
 
Yes or No upright No
Yes or No reversed Hell no
 
Amplified by The Fool, the other Aces 
Amplifier for The Fool
 
Zodiac and Element Pure Air element
Timing Months; Winter months
                                               
Traditional name Root of the Powers of Air
Traditional meaning U: Triumph, excess, conquest; R: The same, but worse
 
TarotCraft meaning
Take control of your (s)words – the ones you say to yourself and the ones you say to others. Your words and thoughts are one of the few things you truly control in life, so when this card appears in a reading, it's a message to have discipline in those areas.

This Ace can indicate the beginning of study and learning, and also things like mindfulness and meditation.
​
If drawn in response to a question about love, this is barren ground. A partner represented by this card is likely to be cold, cruel, demanding and selfish. It's better to be alone than with someone who makes you feel bad about yourself instead of seeing you for the shining light that you are.

TarotCraft Reversed meaning
A reversed or negatively aspected Ace of Swords is a wake-up call. Pay attention to whatever this Sword is pointing at in the spread. Additionally, look at the cards drawn immediately before and after in the layout. Take action NOW to avert disaster. If needed, draw another card for advice as to what action to take. Look into professional help (medical, legal, police, etc.) because unlikely to be a simple or easy resolution.

Depression, anxiety, addiction, and self-harm can be indicated and I strongly urge you to see a health care professional about this, as it is unlikely to clear up on it's own. 

If YOU are the one pointing the (s)word at others, sure, you can be victorious, but at what cost? Is there a middle way that doesn't involve alienating and hurting others?

If this card is drawn in response to a question about a love interest, nothing good will happen here. There is nothing to be salvaged or gained. Don't walk. Run. This is a sign. Do not proceed.
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge

Gift
You are offered the Gift of clear thinking and the ability to perceive the situation's source. You can rise above the details and see the bigger picture.
 
Invitation
You are invited to use your intellect and logic to deal with the situation instead of your feelings. It's time to start developing a plan and strategy.
 
Challenge
Being ruthlessly honest with yourself is the key to resolving the issue. There is no room for self-indulgence, self-pity or excuses. You may be letting your heart rule your head, and that is the precisely wrong thing to do right now.
 
Go back to Lesson 204.00 Introducton to the Suite of Swords

Go forward to Lesson 204.02 The 2 of Swords