Keywords
Creativity, inspiration, passion
Element
Fire
Astrological Association
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
THE CARD’S STORY BY: CARRIE HAWKS
I interpreted my Ace of Wands as the Mythological Japanese Monster Cat called Bakeneko/Nekomata. Ace of Wands is a positive card full of personal power and hope for the future. I used a lot of the symbolism and card elements from the traditional Ace of Wands Cards. Nekomatas are known for having forked tails of fire and living in the mountains. Similar to the background traditional card I included a Japanese castle in the distance and the forest in the background. His bamboo lantern wand has the new growth sprouts to represent new beginnings. The clouds from the original card are shown in both the sky and pattern of his kimono. The blue color of his kimono represents the river. My Nekomata is confident ready to take on the whole world or at least this forest & Japanese Castle!
THE CARD’S MESSAGE BY TRISH SULLIVAN
This scheming Nekomata is off to cause havoc with his fireball and his fiery tail. He is driven by his desires, determined and nothing and no one will stand in his way. Be bold! You have the seed of an idea, now you need to let it grow. Inspiration is burning a hole in your soul, begging, pleading and demanding that you act on it. You could create something magnificent, something that sets the world on fire. Be daring, act now, shoot past all the limits you set yourself and let your confidence shine!
MYTHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: NEKOMATA / BAKENEKO
A Nekomata is a Japanese Yokai – a spirit or supernatural creature, sometimes even a demon or monster that previously lived a life – in this case, as a cat. They are devious, sometimes selfish and single-minded and generally have a purpose. A Nekomata for instance may have changed into one to curse a human that mistreated it. They can be shapeshifters, can walk on two legs and oft en have humanoid traits. They can also summon fireballs, and sometimes set fires using their tails as a torch. Given the determination of this cat, plus the firey element to the creature, it was a perfect personification of this card.
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