Tarot Tuesday, Ace of Swords

As part of our Elemental Studies Series, we will be studying the Suit of Swords, which corresponds to the Air Element of the Tarot.  (We will also be studying a few Major Arcana cards which are related to Air)  You can write about these cards in your Element Studies Journal, or you may choose to get a separate journal or notebook for Tarot studies.  If you don't have a deck of tarot cards, that's okay.... you can still follow along with these lessons and gain a better understanding of different aspects of Air Energy through studying the cards! For our first card of the Swords Suit, here is the Ace of Swords!

Ace of Swords

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot, 

U.S. Games Systems

*I claim no ownership or copyright of this image, it is shared here as information between friends!  No copyright infringement intended*

Ace of Sword Basics:
Numerology; 55/10/1

Astrology: All Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Planet; Mercury
Kabbalah: Kether (Crown)

Some Key Words; Mind Expanding, Mental Focus, Seeds of Truth, Application of Will, New ways of thinking, Fresh Plans and strategies, Ambition, Movement, Power, Leadership, Fresh Ideas, Timing, Change, Intellect, Initiative, Clarity, Justice, Truth, brain-storming, ideas, meditation, premise, announcement.

The Ace of Swords represents the essence of the Air Element in it's most basic form.  It is the birthplace of thought and mental power.  A Sharp mind and clear thinking can cut it's way through any conflict.  This card represents the realm of the intellect, initiative, fresh ideas, new thoughts, clarity, announcements and new beginnings in the realm of the mind.  

All of the Aces can be seen as "seeds" of the element they represent.  Ace of Pentacles is the seed of Earth, Ace of Cups is the seed of Water, and so on. The Ace of Swords is the seed of Air - the seed of thought.  It is the beginning of a new purpose, the germ of an idea.  Yet this seed requires nurturing; it needs some grounding in order for it to take root.  Without focused grounding and intentional care, this new thought or idea could easily flit away on the wind.  This card also represents how strong our words can be.  Words can be cutting and harmful, or uplifting and strengthening.  This card reminds us to use our words with care; both in how we speak to others and how we speak to ourselves.

The Ace of Swords Says;
"You possess enough verbal incision to cut through any obstacles at the moment, a new blade cuts sharp, and those who cross your path right now should take care that you do not cut straight through them with your acerbic wit.  You are prone to not suffering fools gladly so when you decide the time has come to embark on a new initiative, people had better keep out of your way." ~ Around the Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

CONNECT WITH THE ACE OF SWORDS:

here are some ways you can connect with this card.

Affirmation 1: "I am the seed of infinite ideas."

Affirmation 2: "I recognize opportunities to discover the truth."

Connection Activities;

* Resolve a situation that is on your mind, ensuring you have clarity in all dealings.

* Be very clear about your future objectives.  Speak your goals out loud or write them down.

* Speak up for yourself at a crucial moment.

* Be true to yourself.

* Think things through.  If you have an idea or project, do something to get it started instead of just thinking about it.  Remember, this card is the seed of thought, but if you don't plant and nurture the seed, nothing will come of it.

*Place the Ace of Swords on your Air Element Altar to be a reminder throughout this week, and to empower your altar with the energy of new ideas and clarity of thought.

* Try to cook the recipe from The Ace of Swords from the Epicurean Tarot (posted on yesterday's Mommy Time Monday post)  Trying something new will help you open your mind, and the recipe is designed to inspire you and strengthen your mental capabilities.

* Meditate on the Ace of Swords.  Place it in front of you, relax, and just see what thoughts begin to flow.  Don't try to block or direct your thoughts, just relax and see where they take you.  

* Meditation suggestion;
"If like attracts like, we should take care to make our thinking as kindly as possible.  When you wake in the morning, try to think a kind thought to start the day well."

*Journal on the Ace of Swords.  In your Element Studies journal or your Tarot Journal, take time to ask yourself these following questions.  Answer them as honestly as possible, and try to let your words and thoughts flow easily.  Writing is an excellent Air Energy exercise, so let yourself write as much as you can on each of these questions (or the ones that call to you the most);

• What is on your mind?
• What do you need to analyze?
• What new problem are you confronting?
• What is the point?
• Are you being just and fair?
• What decision do you need to face?
• Can you determine the truth of the matter?
• What legal, writing, or research / learning opportunities have been presented to you?
• Are you fully embracing these learning opportunities?

The more ways you can truly connect with the energy of this card, and the Seed of Air energy behind it, the better you will understand yourself, this tarot card, and the Air Element.  I hope you enjoy these suggestions and are able to find ways to apply them to your life this week, or any time!  

Sources; Around The Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

Tarot For Yourself by Mary K. Greer.

Also read;
  Tarot For Kids - The Ace of Swords from The Whimsical Tarot
Mommy Time Monday - The Ace of Swords from The Housewives' Tarot 

Mommy Time Monday; Ace of Swords (and a recipe)

Mommy Time Monday! Each week I'll draw and post a tarot card from The Housewives Tarot and share it with you. So go ahead, sit down and take some time for yourself, you never know what inspiration and advice The Housewives may have for you!  This week's card is also part of our Air Element Study, where we will be exploring the Tarot Suit of Swords!

The Ace of Swords

from The Housewives' Tarot by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum, Quirk Books 2004.  (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

From the guidebook;
"Swords tackle troubles of the mind, quarrels, conflicts, and aggression.  They can represent mental breakthroughs as well as nervous breakdowns."
Ace of Swords Key Words; Challenges, Trials, Upcoming Ordeals
Description;  "Getting right to the point, the Ace of Swords warns of an upcoming ordeal that will test your "metal."  A slice of gumption with a dollop of common sense will get you through whatever trial comes your way.  Your mind is sharp and ready for a challenge, so don't be afraid to take on those who try to cut you out of the picture."

From a Housewives' Perspective; The Ace of Swords represents new beginnings in the realm of the mind.  Our attitude, our thought processes, and new ideas or inspirations.  Any time someone starts to think differently, they start to behave differently.  You might know why you're changing certain behaviors, but you can expect to encounter some resistance from those around you.  This card also deals with choices and willpower.  A fresh start and a fresh attitude has presented you with a world of opportunities.  Like in the picture on this card, there are a multitude of different "cakes" to choose from.  Which will you choose?  Careful thinking before making any rash decision, and not rushing into things is needed.  As well as a strong surge of mental willpower to keep you from just eating ALL those cakes!  There is definitely some synchronicity here between this card, and this week's Fairie Message about Detoxification.  We are starting fresh, in mind, body, and spirit, embracing the new beginnings of Spring!  But we have to keep our minds sharp and our focus on the goal!

Recipe of The Week;

Ace of Swords

Swordfish Baked in Parchment

from The Epicurean Tarot Recipe Cards by Corrine Kenner, U.S. Games Systems (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

"The Ace of Swords often represents the ability to think clearly and communicate well.  You can help cut through any confusion with this protein-packed main course."

Recipe;
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dill
2 teaspoons rosemary
1/2 cup white wine
1 1/2 pounds swordfish steaks (You may substitute a thick cut of sea bass, halibut, or any other firm white fish)
You will also need parchment paper, foil, and a baking pan.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F).
---------------------------------------------------------------
In a saucepan on medium heat, gently saute' the sliced onion until it begins to turn translucent.  Add the mushrooms and cook a few minutes longer.  Remove from heat.  Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill.
Line a baking pan with cooking parchment.  Pour half the onion and mushroom mixture into the pan, and lay the fish on top.
Pour the white wine over the fish.  Cover with remaining vegetable mixture and sprinkle the fish with the rosemary. 
Cover the pan with cooking parchment, then cover loosely with foil. 
Bake at 425 degrees (F) until the fish flakes easily with a fork.  (about 20 - 30 minutes, depending on thickness of the fish)

Air Element Study, Lesson One - Project

Air Element Study, Lesson One Project;

Create an Air Altar

make sure you have read lesson one and have your list of correspondences copied into your journal, notebook, or Book of Shadows.  Now have a look around your house or yard, keeping those correspondences in mind and be on the look out for anything you might want to put on an Air Element Altar.  

If you have room in your home, make an Air Element Altar. 

We will be working with the Air Element closely over the next few weeks, so having a "shrine" to the Air Element in your home would be a good idea. 

If you don't have room for more than one Altar, than consider adding extra Air Element representations to your current altar. 

Look at your list of correspondences and see what you can come up with! 

The color yellow, incense, and oil burner, and a bell are some very basic way to begin. 

Flowers to represent spring, musical instruments of any kind, representations of birds, flying insects, fairies, and angels could also be added. 

You may also want to add some books because Air Element deals with wisdom, learning, and studying. 

A divination tool such as deck of tarot cards, runes, dowsing rod, or pendulum could also be placed on an Air Altar, as divination is a form of Air Magick. 

Have fun with it!  Don't worry if you don't have very many things to place on your Air Altar to begin with, we will be collecting more! 

We will create more things through the course that will be added to your Air Altar.  Also, as we continue this course, keep your eyes peeled for feathers!  When you walk anywhere, in your yard, in parking lots... collect as many feathers as you can for your Air Altar! .

Here are some pictures of mine, as well as a description of what I have on it:

My Air Element Altar - so far! 

On the right side - a Native American Flute (hubby got it for me at the Renaissance Festival!  and a Native American rattle.  My oil burner for diffusing scents of essential oils.  Behind that I have the Healing With The Faires Oracle Deck by Doreen Virtue, and The Fey Tarot by Mara Aghem.  On top of those is a candle holder with a dragonfly on it.  The tall plastic container holds a branch with an actual hummingbird nest!  Don't worry, we didn't bother the nest until the baby hummingbirds had all hatched and flown away!  And then I have my yellow Air Element Candle.  (There will be another blog post about that!)

On the left side, my incense holder/ incense burner.  Books to represent the Air Element aspect of learning & wisdom (a dictionary, and a field guide to birds that live in my state.)  A votive candle holder with a Guardian Angel dressed in white watching over two young children, and my Ritual Bell.

View from the center.  Glass fairie in a peaceful meditation pose.  Around her neck is a bracelet with an owl charm, and I tucked a fake flower behind her to represent spring.  In front of her is a small ceramic flower dish holding my sage, and an egg shell I found in my back yard from a small bird.

Angelic Guidance for the week of April 15 - 21

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Doreen Virtue.  I consider her to be one of my personal spiritual teachers, one of my "gurus".  Although I have never met her in person, I own many of her books and oracle card decks, listen to her radio show, and watch her weekly oracle card readings on youtube.

This week I wanted to share with you the video she posted for the coming week.  It speaks of the empowerment that comes from our own personal choices, and also the importance of seeking for an accepting the help or guidance of others.  I think this week's reading goes quite perfectly with our Fairie message for this week, don't you?  The Fairies have urged us to cleanse and detoxify our bodies; cleansing ourselves of harmful toxins we put in our bodies.  Watch this reading for the week by Doreen and see how it might fit in with our week as we embark upon a somewhat uncomfortable - yet empowering - journey of detoxification!

I also found another Oracle card reader who works closely with the Angels who posted a similar style of reading for the week, using a different Oracle Card Deck.  I was delighted with how these two readings seem to really align with and support each other!  Once again keep in mind our goal of detoxification as you listen to this reading;

Overview from both readings & my thoughts as they apply to our "Detoxification" reading from Friday.
Beginning of the week;
Page of Water.  Intuition, sensitivity, fears.  (deciding to give up an addiction or detoxify your body can be scary, overwhelming, and set your sensitivity on edge.)
What do Your Desire? - set your intention clearly in your mind, decide why you are doing this and that you deserve to treat your body with respect.
Manifesting Dreams; My dreams are coming true!  Again, all about setting your intention clearly and trusting that you can manifest your desires, and you CAN accomplish this goal!  Oh, and check out the picture on that card- full of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Middle of the week;
King of Air; Brilliant, impartial, professional, diplomatic.  You gain confidence as the week goes on, and possibly encounter a person or people who are supporting you along the way.
Energy Work; The power of self-healing, taking care of your body... these are now coming through on a spiritual and energetic level as well!
Awakening Ancient Wisdom; Deep inner knowing is emerging within me!  This card perfectly complements the King of Air - confidence, knowledge, support, and wisdom! Pay attention to sychronicities and signs that will be affirming that your detoxification process is going well, and trust that this process will bring you great inner wisdom!

End of the week; (Weekend)
Eight of Water; a new emotional level.  You will have moved on from fear and sensitivity of the beginning of the week, to a point where you are feeling ready to move on to the next stage in your life.  Isn't that one of the goals of detoxification?  Removing some blocks and freeing ourselves to see and feel what we really want!
Be Honest with Yourself - Clarify what you are feeling.  Now that you have detoxified your body, you can take a more honest look at how you are feeling, without worrying about whether your feelings and intuitions are being clouded by certain toxins or physical ailments.
Exceeding Expectations; I soar into excellence!  If you have followed through on your detoxification and the advice of the cards from earlier in the week (Setting your intentions clearly, manifesting what you want, being confident, getting support from others, doing energy-work and self-healing) then you have something to be proud of and you have probably exceeded your own expectations!  You have removed blocks and physical ailments and are now able to be truly honest with yourself.... you are ready to soar to the next level of healing and learning!

____________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading and make sure you come back often as we learn more about the Air Element, and listen to and apply the advice of the Fairies and The Angels as we continue our Air Element Studies!