The Ace of Wands - Burn to Act

"In my beginning is my end"
(T.S. Eliott, East Coker)

Whenever I look at this card I have the feeling that not only the wand is burning – the hand that holds it is burning too. Among all the Minor Arcana this card seems to me the most fiery one. The Element of Fire is so suggestive that the card speaks out: “It’s high time, act before you burn to ashes”.  The leaves on the wand have grown. Time is ripe for action. Act or die.

Ace of Wands as the first Minor Arcana has clear connections to the first cardinal, fiery sign – the Aries. And just as its astrological counterpart, it does not consider pros and cons or hesitate to act. Rushing to take on the initiative, it depicts courage, inspiration, love of adventure. Here and now is what really matters. Who would care for tomorrow?

Seeing this card in my readings I’m always in high spirits. Something new is coming, a burst of energy is replacing the worn-out climate of yesterday. Oftentimes a new idea is suddenly born and enforced before even being considered. For the nature of Wands is action. As mentioned above – who cares about the consequences? The consequences will be revealed by the following cards, while this one marks a real breakthrough. Take the wand, go and conquer.

Aces are often perceived as a possibility. Indeed they are, but there is much more than that in their nature. Aces are too powerful to be only chances. In the strength hierarchy they go immediately after the Major Arcana and cards known as “archways”.  

The power of the Ace of Wands is the raw power suddenly revealed, demanding action here and now. Remember it’s a burning wand – the longer you hold it in your hands, the more probable the burns and the pain. When kept too long, it turns to ashes and you will find out that the chance has been lost either by neglect or by the lack of planning. At least for some time. Ace of Wands is a fast-burning power. One has to remember that playing with the fire is dangerous. Just like fireworks – don’t hold it longer than advised cause it might explode it your hand. Or extinguish with no spectacular effect.

So once you’ve decide to take the wand in your hands, the next step is: act. All Wands are actions but this one is the dangerous toy (Aries is an enfant terrible ). Go on and use the power, carry on with your dreams, plans, expectations. Do not be afraid to show them to the world. The hand and the wand on the card are not in the background, they are the main motif of your life now. Can you fulfill your dreams on your own, here and now?

 If not, you will have to go to the next card – the two of Wands. Maybe you will meet a companion there. Or you might decide about the directions you want to expand the power that has been suddenly given to you.