Ace of Fire

(2015), graphite pencils on paper, 5.5"x10.5" backed with digital frame.

We are now moving from the Major to the Minor Arcana. The Minors are separated out in four suits: Wands, which align with the element of Fire, Cups, which align with Water, Swords and Air and Pentacles or Disks and Earth. For my deck I have chosen to place the element in the primary position when it comes to the imagery and symbolism of the cards and the magical tool in a secondary place.

Fire as an element is associated with will-power, first impulses, the individual’s sense of self and the life-force, and the Ace is the first manifestation of it. The card signifies the arrival of new impulses and ideas, the querent has time for inner development and creativity and the realization of long-held wishes and plans. Doors open and new people and contacts will help along the way. The card is about energy and action. Therefore it's not just about thinking inspirational thoughts, but translating our fire and energy into taking actions out there in the external world to manifest our success.

Traditionally the Ace of Wands card shows a hand wielding a single wooden wand or club, sometimes sprouting leaves, sometimes flames, but I wanted to try and show the element in its most basic and unadulterated form. A knotwork ring surrounds flickering flames in front of a background that shows an infrared image of the surface of the sun with convection cells of roiling plasma and darker flares of sunspots. Around the central disk are smaller knotwork medallions with the elementary symbol of fire, an upwards-pointing triangle, the symbols for Mars and Sun which are aligned with the element and the three fire-signs of the Zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

In a spread the card means that if we act on our ideas, impulses or plans we have a good chance of realizing them successfully in reality. We can look forward to great opportunities if we dare to follow our inspiration and our instincts. We may also feel antsy and restless and hemmed in by our current situation and want to break free to undertake new things that allow us a better chance for self-realization. In our career we may soon be called upon to take bigger risks, be more courageous and take on larger responsibilities. In a relationship we may want to take the lead to take a connection to the next level, to liven things up or to experiment and venture into new territory.

In a blockage or challenge position the card may indicate that we're too pushy, that we're in danger of overestimating our abilities or that we have conflicting desires that prevent us to pursue a goal with the focused attention and willpower it requires to be successful.