If you tuned into my last post on the blog, the time you’ve been waiting for has come. This series will focus on the numbers of the minor arcana and in this post, we’ll begin at the beginning: The Aces.

The Power of the Aces

When an Ace comes up, there’s usually a sense of optimism and brilliant new energy buzzing around. The Aces signal the potential for new beginnings. Some readers liken this to an egg, where the little hatchling is bound to come into the world any day now.

The Aces’ powers are a gleaming opportunity, a chance at trying something new, and each suit shows us how these opportunities could manifest themselves. They represent a new source, vitality, or essence with which we can derive new energy from. They also represent the purest form of their suit. For example, the Ace of Wands can signal a new journey or new creative spark, like tapping into a more adventurous or imaginative side.

The Aces can also serve as a reminder of our goals. In larger spreads, they could signal a goal post or check point has been reached, and it can be time to move on — or up — in life.

Numerology: Is it 1 or 0?

I’ve seen multiple readers say the Aces represent both numbers. It’s difficult to tell because the Aces don’t necessarily represent the number 1, but they could represent the 0 because of they are “seeds of potential.” So which one is it (pun intended)? One could argue that zero is not a number often used in numerology, so it really has no logical basis here in numerological sense.

In a spiritual sense, you could argue zero represents the gestational potential of the Ace. Zero means nothing because it offers no value. However, because it exists as nothing, you can project your will onto it–a blank slate for you to work on. One could also claim that the rounded visual of the number zero is of infinite potential.

Are you confused yet? Great!

I hope your critical thinking and sharp intuition don’t fail you while deciding which one works for you. Let’s move on to their major arcana counterparts: the Fool (0) and the Magician (1).

Major Beginnings: The Fool & The Magician

In this section, we’re going to get into comparing the minor to the majors, and with the Aces, we’ll be discussing the Fool (0) and the Magician (1).

Every tarot deck you crack open will most likely start with the Fool (0). This major arcana card is marked with the number zero: the true seed of potential. It represents beginnings, innocence and a clear conscience. There is a strong aura of hope and openheartedness associate with The Fool (0) that can be applied to the Aces. Like the Aces, there seems to be an offering of choice. In the image of every Ace in the traditional Rider-Waite Smith, there is a hand extending a gift from the heavens. With the Aces, this is most likely something of immediate concern, so these choices may not have a huge impact. Bringing in the (possible) numerological significance of the digit zero, it’s possible to attribute The Fool (0) and the Aces to the idea that external forces are at play– the querent may not be in complete control of the situation, possibly due to lack of knowledge and experience. Still, there’s this sense that everything will work out somehow, some way.

The major arcana card following the Fool (0) is the Magician (1). This is a different beginning than the Fool (0) because of the Magician’s ability to wield the powers around him. The Aces can represent a new power at hand. You have gained access to the seed that will give you this power and the suit of the Ace can provide the direction on which to take. The Magician is decisive so having the suit can provide the specificity needed to take a course of action. The Aces and the Magician also represent potential manifestation of an idea. The idea is now present; there is now a road ahead is not so foggy anymore.

When more than one Ace shows up

When you draw many Aces, the themes of the Aces become prevalent. A new start to something is making itself known to you. Drawing all the suits’ Aces can indicate a sort of “Magician” energy, where you have the talent, the resources, and the power necessary to move forward with something in your life.

Keywords for the Aces

Positive Keywords:

• Beginnings
• New potential
• An opportunity
• A gift
• The essence of a specific part of life denoted by the suit
• Aura of hope

Reversed Keywords:

• Directionless
• “The grass is greener” mentality
• Unexpected downturn
• Disillusionment with new venture/idea/relationship
• Untapped potential
• Dealing with the newness of something in private

Aces Overview

In this section, I’ll be providing is small overview of each card as a reference just so you see how each suit plays a role in the Aces.

Ace of Wands

This card indicates a jolt of passion and motivation. There’s an opportunity for a new adventure, a new creative project, or new entrepreneurial journey. This can also signal some kind of spiritual spark. Wands are about force of will, so this is the beginning of a very personal endeavor.

Ace of Cups

Overflow and abundance mark the beginning of the Cups suit. The Cups suit rules sentiments, and an abundance of emotions pour forth into divine waters. The start of a romance, a new birth, new spiritual revelation or a new source of abundance are hallmarks of this card.

Ace of Swords

Victory is a favorite keyword of the Ace of Swords. This victory is through intellectual clarity and ambition. The potential for leadership, an opportunity to gain greater wisdom, an “Aha!” moment, novel intellectual conquests, or new beliefs and ideas are present within this card.

Ace of Pentacles

The last suit of the deck begins with the potential for manifestation. The Ace of Pentacles indicates financial gain or new resources. The suit of Pentacles is about the material and physical realm. So, the Ace of Pentacles reveals divine gifts of potential wealth, new investments, and the fruition of personal aspirations.

Deck used: Prisma Visions Tarot by James R. Eads