For me the aces in tarot represent the four cardinal points of the zodiac.

The Ace of Wands is the first point of Aries, the Vernal Equinox around March 20, when the sun strides across the equator into Aries’ cardinal fire and martian power. This is the most important beginning of all, a primal energy, a spiritual energy, a thrusting energy, a positive energy. The sun is exalted in Aries, which is ruled by Mars.

The Ace of Cups represents the northerly solstice around June 21, when the sun reaches its most northern point at the tropic of Cancer and begins to turn south. This is primal care and protection, to hold what you have and to nurture with all your heart. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer which is ruled by the Moon.

The Ace of Swords is the autumnal equinox around September 22, when the sun moves south across the equator into Libra‘s cardinal air and venusian relativity. This is primal rationality, consideration, judgment, an important new thought or idea, or subject of study. Little wonder that the school/university year begins around this time. And Saturn is exalted in Libra which is ruled by Venus.

The Ace of Coins is the southern solstice around December 21, when the sun reaches its most southern point at the tropic of Capricorn and begins to turn north once again. This is primal materiality, a coalescence of all that is practical, manifesting substance, reality. Mars is exalted in Capricorn which is ruled by Saturn.

Copyright Francis 2022