Talking Tarot: The Aces. Where it All Begins.

This week, we’re diving into the four Aces of the tarot deck. If you’re new to the tarot world, here’s the overall gist of the deck. There are four suits: Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and those pesky Swords. Just like a deck of playing cards, each suit comes with its very own Ace.

Let's think of Aces as the “once upon a time” of the tarot. They mark the beginning of a new story, each one tied to its suit’s theme. For example, the Ace of Swords is all about fresh thinking. This could manifest as a new writing project, a course of study, or just a good ol’ mental reset.

They can also be about the original numero uno, you.

Today, we’re doing a quick tour of the four Aces to see what they might be whispering (or yelling) into your life. Remember, an Ace is like a seed: full of promise, but it still needs a little sunlight, water, and action to grow into something tangible.

So, what kind of action are we talking about? That depends on the other cards in your reading, so I always like to consider how the cards accompanying an Ace may influence its meaning.

Let’s start with the Ace of Cups. Cue the symphony and release the doves. This card is all about feelings. So. Many. Feelings.

Personally, I find this one a little more abstract than the others, it’s like an emotional readiness you can sense more than explain. It could mean you're opening up to loving yourself more deeply or tuning in to your intuition on a previously unexplored level.

From The Falling Card Tarot. Jenni Mclaughlin.

If Cups are the heart, Swords are the head. The Ace of Swords is your invitation to consider thinking differently. It’s sharp, clear, and full of innovative ideas. Imagine stumbling across a book that flips your perspective upside down. That tiny spark of insight? That’s Ace of Swords energy. A new way of thinking that has the potential to change everything.

From The Falling Card Tarot. Jenni Mclaughlin.

Next, ring the alarm because the Ace of Wands is one fiery card. It’s the creative spark, the urge to say yes to that wild idea. Whether it’s the decision to finally book that flight, a sudden idea for a screenplay, or simply the daring decision to commit to an adventure. It’s bold, bright, and it refuses to hide in the shadows. However, the fiery enthusiasm of this ace won't burn forever.

All this emotion and inspiration is great, but it all feels a little fly by night. Our final card is here to remind us to get our shit together, its the Ace of Pentacles.

From The Falling Card Tarot. Jenni Mclaughlin.

The most grounded of all the Aces, the Ace of Pentacles deals with the tangible stuff like money, routines, health, the physical body, and even nature. Sometimes, I like to read the cards quite literally, so I see this Ace as an actual seed in the ground representing a time when we are spending more time in nature, connecting to the world around us. This Ace can also represent a business idea with the potential to reap long term rewards. On a practical level, it can symbolise a tiny new habit, like healthy eating or setting aside a little time for a hobby.

So that's the Ace of Pentacles, she's not flashy, but she gets the job done.

From The Falling Card Tarot. Jenni Mclaughlin.

In the end, Aces are just the beginning. They show us what’s possible, but it’s up to us to roll up our sleeves and do the work. They matter because every big, beautiful thing starts with a single spark of inspiration. The Aces are there to remind us to pay attention to the stirrings within telling us its time for something new. Who knows what it could lead to?

Jenni Mclaughlin Art.