Aces symbolize beginnings, the start of something new and the seed of new growth. Swords represent reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air. The Ace of Swords often represents new ideas, new thoughts and concepts; being aware of the potential for a brand new lifestyle direction or schedule.  It could suggest the need or ability to communicate or manifesting your philosophy in a different way.

I think this ties in beautifully with what I've been considering lately.  Since Elizabeth's meetup on Monday I've been giving a lot of thought to how to implement my desire to create a professional Tarot reading business.  I need to change my mindset about this whole process.  Instead of letting my fears and inner bitch get the best of me, I think it's time I took up that sword and cut away at all that crap that's been holding me back.  Like a surgeon, excising the dead tissue to make the body healthier.

When I look at the Secret Ace of Swords I see a sword sheathed in a stone block with what could almost be demons adorning the bottom.  This represents me burying my sword in all those inner demons that torment me with self-doubt and criticism.  They are all those people who told me I couldn't accomplish something, that I "think too much", that I use "million dollar words".  These are the gargoyles of jealousy, envy and spite that tried to undermine me so that I couldn't be "better" than them.  The Healing Tarot Ace of Swords shows what happens once those demons and gargoyles are vanquished and I am now freeing my intellect, my thoughts and my words to soar into the atmosphere and change the world.  I have cut through the ignorance and obtuseness that blocked me in and now I can release all those positive thoughts, concepts and ideas into the Universe.  I can use my words to change things for others.

Looking at this card has shown me that I haven't quite gotten there yet but I'm close.  At least now I'm ready to address the issue.  Instead of combating those critics, I internalized them.  Instead of disarming them with my wits and words, I let them encase me in a block of cement that tied me down and didn't let my spirit soar.  But it is not their fault that I did this, it is my own.  The truth is that others cannot oppress us if we do not allow them to do so.  And I was so afraid to shine or stand out or be special because it often alienated me from others.  Even with that lack of self-confidence, I still managed to do very well for myself.  Imagine what I could have achieved if I hadn't clipped my own wings.  Well, no more.  I can finally see and accept the truth and, as they say, the truth shall set you free.   I am not going to hide my genius anymore.  I deserve recognition and I deserve to feel good about what I can offer to the world.  I can do this and I want to do it.

Do I think I'm being a bit melodramatic, of course I am.  But I am also very serious.  I have a gift with words and I can either use it to amuse others but make no significant impact (the gadfly) or I can use it to change my world and the perspectives of those who share it (the scorpion)  I want to be significant.  I want to make a difference.  I want to soar.

You know, maybe Obama's campaign had more impact on me than I realized.