Here’s another quick and easy training video to help you become a better Tarot reader. Today we’re looking at the Ace of Swords. Click here to watch the video on YouTube, or keep reading if you prefer to learn from a blog post.

The Ace of Swords

All Aces represent a new beginning, and this Ace indicates a positive shift in circumstances. Old conditions are swept aside as you take hold of new opportunities.

The suit of Swords is an expression of the air element, which is about your thoughts and worries. The suit of Swords is therefore associated with intellect, reasoning, and communication. When the Ace of Swords appears in a reading, it shows the beginning of clarity and that you are likely to find direction in your life.

It usually appears when a person has been confused for some time or when they have lacked a sense of purpose. It shows that a decision will be made that helps you cut through the uncertainty and move forward with plans for a better life. It’s a time of fresh ideas and a new way of seeing things. Your thoughts are clear, and you are entirely focused on a goal.

Here are the symbols that show the successful start of a new way of thinking…

• The crown represents achievement and leadership.
• The olive branch is associated with the Goddess Athena, an intellectual goddess. Athena was born from the head of Zeus (another link to the Sword’s association with thoughts), and she is said to have possessed great wisdom and resourcefulness. Of course, the traditional association of an olive branch is peace. This is appropriate for this card, too, because after a period of confusion, when you finally see your way forward, you become more at peace with yourself and the world around you.
• On the Ace of Swords card is a palm leaf symbolising fruitfulness, so your thinking will be fruitful and provide answers and rewards.
• And in the middle of the card, you’ll see yellow tear-shaped symbols, which are Yods. These symbols are from the esoteric system of Kabbalah, and they represent a spiritual point of divine, creative energy. These Yods, along with the aura surrounding the hand, show that this card is full of spiritual blessings waiting to be expressed.

When this card turns up in a reading, you will be confident in your opinions, which is great because it’s time to share your ideas with the world.