Ace of Wands - Pursuit of a Creative Vision

The Ace of Wands is a hope filled, powerful card that hearkens raw creative energy, a force of nature, signifying that there's an adventure to embark upon, in pursuit of a creative vision.

Drawing this card today strengthens, is life affirming, and it's message I need to hear right now. The Ace of Wands instills in me confidence, knowing that concrete limitations can always be challenged and overcome. It's message is a simple, but a powerful one.

"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light. I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."
                              
                                                        - Sarah Williams

Ace of Wands - Grandmother Moon

A card embodying the king of the gods, Zeus, the 'invisible creative power that generated the manifest universe'. It also represents our own creative power of our imagination. Symbolizing the beginning of a great journey into the world of vision and imagination.

This Harvest Moon that I call Grandmother Moon is a great time to tap into our imagination and creative, intuitive impulses, and embark on an adventure in pursuit of our own vision. It's a time of an emotional high tide. New things are always possible, and we can challenge and overcome what we perceive to be as concrete limitations, with faith and trust that life will never be the same again.

Grandmother Moon - Photo - Catherine Meyer 2016

This kind of challenging adventure might feel scary and risky. I believe any challenge worth while should feel a little scary, otherwise we will probably never get out of our comfort zone, and it probably isn't really a worthwhile pursuit.

Inspiration and creation with raw energy that abounds are all represented in the ace. Everything is springing to life in the Ace of Wands. Aces signify largesse and new beginnings.

The Last Timber Wolf - Colour Pencil - Catherine Meyers

The Ace of Wands - Work Vs Drudgery

 I'm in the thick of what I call my painting project adventure. It would be easy to feel overwhelmed, that I'm about to go doolally thinking about what this involves, but my approach is, one painting at a time, one brush stroke at a time. It is the the same outlook I have about life. It's an adventure, one day at a time. It's not all fun and games til someone gets their eye poked out. It's about fun, discipline, work, balance and living life to the fullest. the good, bad and the ugly.

So, drawing the Ace of Wands embodied in the mythic figure of Zeus, is certainly an affirming card for me today. It speaks of having abounding energy for a new project, enterprise or course of study. I certainly can use all the creative energy I can get right now!

I often hear it said, when you have a job that you love you, you'll never work again. Well I don't agree with that statement. There is work, then there is drudgery. Whatever your vocation or chosen career,  I believe it is vital to one's happiness and health, that you have a passion for your work or at least feel it gives you a rewarding kind of satisfaction, and is not drudgery. But doing what you love does not mean it is not work. There are always going to be days when you'd rather being doing something else, or nothing at all, regardless if you are very happy with what your work is.

Even having the worst jobs in the world, you can always find something positive about it I think, but who wants to be spending all their energy doing work you don't love or enjoy or you can't stand. I've had a few jobs that were pretty rotten, like repairing stinky, maggot filled milk stainless steel tanks. We've all had a crappy job, because we have to work to sustain ourselves one way or another. These jobs always build character and you learn what you're made of. They also make a person very appreciative and grateful when you do find employment that not only suits you, but is very meaningful in some way, especially if it is a vocation.

Work should not be your life nor should life be about work. I have heard it said, that workaholic-ism is worse than alcoholism because you are never home at all. If you are sloshed at home, well you are home, and maybe not sloshed all the time. I know that might sound crazy. It sure as heck is not the ideal home life and both of these behaviours are extreme. I speak from personal experience.
Having a good balance between life and work, makes all the difference to your well being.

My work is my art that I create. As an artist, creativity is my lifestyle, the way of thinking that gives me a sense of freedom and purpose. Being creative is really what makes me happy. If I choose not to create art, I still don't have to be an artist to be creative, because it is a way of thinking, a lifestyle and as the Ace of Wands represents, a force of nature.

Ace of Wands - Inspiration Vs Motivation

The Ace of Wands is a welcome card this morning, as it is embodies the well spring of creative energy, and is all that individuals can ask for, especially when taking on creative endeavours. Like all Aces, it brings new beginnings with raw energy. Here is abundant growth, imagination, and inspirational vision propelled by that abounding energy.

Indicated in this card, that the goal may be difficult to attain, and has not yet been manifested in reality. Most important though, is that we move forward with confidence, and take the risk, whether we reach our goal or not. There will always be a next time.

Many folks will say, I just can't seem to get inspired, or I need to be inspired to create. Personally I know I don't wait for inspiration. I believe it is always there at the surface. Motivation and inspiration follow not necessarily in this order, but I do need to get started, to keep at it, and follow through.

The bottom line is, I know no one else is going to do it for me. I am the only one responsible for doing the creative work necessary to actualize my creative vision, and I would get nothing accomplished if I waited to get motivated or inspired. That said, I think I was born inspired to be creative, because inspiration comes from the soul, and I am following the creative path to where I want to go. My motivation is more about the discipline to get the work done.

I have read that motivation and inspiration are very different. Motivation is an external  push and inspiration comes from spirit and is an internal pull. I do believe this is true. However I can be inspired to create internally, but it doesn't mean my inspiration will be obviously manifested or apparent, perhaps it's hidden for one reason or another. We can't always feel inspired. This is when motivation can pick up the slack, and is the back up for me to follow through. Ultimately I think inspiration is the catalyst for my motivation.

What inspires and motivates you?

Ace of Wands - Pure Creative Energy

The Ace of Wands is a powerful card to draw. It deeply embodies the creative force of nature, the creative power of the imagination. The Golden Fleece is seen as the symbol of creative vision. It is an affirming card that reminds me of how creativity is not simply for the 'artist' but for everyone.
Many people have misconceptions about creativity in that they think creativity is only reserved for those directly involved in art and craft. Not so.

Yesterday I heard an interesting item on the radio about creativity and the guest was purporting that creativity is found in every aspect of work and individual job, and so it goes for individuals. We all have, and are all born with a great capacity to be imaginative and creative, but many of us need to know how to tap this force. If we have been blessed to have grown up in an environment where creativity was nurtured especially as children, it stays with you, but there are ways to develop this creative energy and to foster it.

What helped me immeasurably channel, and understand my creative energy, was when I came to know The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and Mark Bryan, back in the 90s. An art friend, and art therapist recommended I read this book, that changed my life twenty years ago.

Today it colours every aspect of my creative process as an artist. It empowered and enabled me to fulfill dreams I never imagined possible. I share this book with younger women I meet, or with any one creative individual, who may not be aware of it.

I related wholeheartedly to the basic principles, that were a confirmation, affirmation, and clarification of what I’d believed for so long. I am so grateful  to now have over thirty years of journals to draw on, as I write everyday which enables me to be a better visual artist.

Upon reading and putting into practice the basic principles of the Artist Way, I have been writing regularly in daily practice for over twenty years now. My writing for me has been like prayer in so many respects.
I now realized on a deep level how to live my life as a creative person.

Being introduced to Julia Cameron's book was so affirming, and I felt like I wasn't crazy, which may sound like an extreme adjective, but wanting to pursue art often left me feeling like I was different than the mainstream and it wasn't really okay. After applying the principles of The Artist Way I no longer felt alone. I not only felt like I'd finally found my tribe, but I felt empowered. You might say, the Artist's Way has been my Ace of Wands.

Carp Diem! - Ace of Wands

 I always love to see the Ace of Wands come up in the Tarot. New beginnings and inspiration, with the force of the creative imagination bursting and busting out! A very positive card that urges us to Carp Diem, seize the day and grab hold of your creative ideas and apply them in pursuit of a vision!

Well in spite of this affirming card I have to admit I can be one of the worst procrastinators when it comes to seizing the day, and getting certain things done resulting in restlessness and dissatisfaction. I have over the years, worked hard trying to change my proclivity to procrastination.  Frankly, I see it as being familiar to the disease of alcoholism, in many ways.

I once was told by a fellow 12 Step member, procrastination is like masturbation, because the only person you screw is yourself! True, but there are others who can be greatly affected by our own individual procrastination, whether we are aware of it or not. Creditors, family members, friends, employers, to name a few, all can be causalities, and on the front lines of our private war with procrastination. Most of all we disappoint and hurt ourselves.

The best way I have found to cope with, if not overcome procrastination, is in the same way I learned to cope with my own addiction. Seek help, reach out, and take it one day at a time. Applying the 12 Steps to life can work for everyone I believe, regardless of their struggle. There is always hope for the hopeless, living one day at a time.

Ace of Wands - Energy Abounds - My Inner Turtle

Really?

Zeus represents the unseen creative power and energy of the imagination.

It can be difficult to focus on the creative endeavours when you are feeling burdened, overwhelmed, and stressed.

 This is the second time the Ace of Wands has come up in the past eight days.
I've been struggling to get my house in order, and it's been a real challenge finding the energy and trying to get out of my own way. I know it is one of the main reasons I have been feeling stressed and I feel at times I'm living in the "hurry up an wait" world.

 I don't function very well when my house is messy, and I feel that things are getting out of control. I've always equated my state of mind with my surroundings, in that the messy mind, is a messy house, and vice versa. Granted I have been making strides slowly. I'm trying to be patient with myself, with persons, places and things.

 The most important thing I believe, is that I am making steady progress. I worry and have anxiety and get impatient.  So, today I turned it all over to the God of my understanding. This is an important thing for me to do, not just when I am  feeling stressed or in some kind of crisis, but I need to practice a daily maintenance. I compare it to making a daily deposit into my spiritual bank, so I have resources to draw upon, when I really need it. I know my spiritual wellness, is directly proportional to my daily spiritual practices, and maintenance.

 That said, I am excited about my creative endeavours that are slowly starting to spring to life, as the Ace of Wands indicates. There is inspiration, and new beginnings. I know I have the power within, to envision a future potential different than my present reality and am learning to live in the now.

I trust in my intuition, and that new things are possible. I have regained my energy and connected with my inner turtle! Slow and steady wins the race.

Ace of Wands - Creative Vision & Imagination

Well this it the card for me today. Here he is, Zeus, the King of the Gods, with the Golden Fleece over his shoulder, and his great big wand! Wands are the suit of action and energy, signifying growth. He embodies the symbol of creative vision, and the power of the imagination within us, which sometimes, we just can't quite seem to grasp. I have learned that I must trust that creative power, and take risks with new ideas, and embark upon the great journey into the world of creative vision and imagination.

Only one problem, motivation is a factor when it comes to " gettin' at it and to it ". That's me today. Letting other issues get in the way, and just plain procrastination. All creatives struggle with this periodically.
The more you talk about it the less you do, this is what can happen. Zeus he may be the King of Wands, embodying creative vision and imagination but sometimes I feel like the Queen of procrastination embodying coffee, sloth and loathing!

I have a whole new project start. So I'd better shut up and get to it, and at it, " so the day does not go down in debt. " as Leonard Cohen said.

Ace of Wands - Creative Vision

The Ace of Wands is a wonderful card, great affirming news. It challenges us to get out of our comfort zone, in order to pursue what is at present, an undirected goal or what I like to call a kind of creativive vision quest. This can be daunting, because we don't know what the outcome will be, but it is exciting at the same time. We have to decide that we want to commit, to be ready, and up for the challenge. We need to believe we can achieve our creative goals.

Inspiration and new beginnings. It could be the beginning of a new enterprise.
In the Mythic Tarot we meet the King of the Gods Zeus, who Jason must obtain the sacred Golden Fleece, the symbol of creative vision. This creative vision inspires, and motivates us to move away from the confines of convention and explore new paths that open our imaginations.

Zeus is the embodiment of what all our creative vision can be, the sky is the limit, and this creative energy is a force of nature within us. Trust this creative power and energy. There is adventure ahead in the pursuit of a vision. Be brave!