Cartomancy-The fascinating Ace of Spades

Phoenix Rising

Ok this is some information I have found in a book by Robert Lee Camp 'Destiny cards' On this fascinating card that has intrigued readers and the general public over hundreds of years.

If you notice in every deck of playing cards you will see that the Ace of spades is different to the other aces. firstly it has a much larger symbol and secondly it normally is ornately decorated, often beautifully. Manufacturers will often place there logo or company name on this card. Have you wondered why? Even some of the manufacturers don't know. But this card has become or represents the "Order of the Magi" the secret societies of the ancients.
It is the one card that means secrets! This card has been associated with death. Many cultures has used this card in film and literature as the death symbol. It is one of the more powerful symbols for personal transformation, and in some cases, physical death.
The aces are beginnings, and as such this ace can mean a new beginning in our lives on a profound level. Every new beginning happens after a little "Death" this is where this interpretation comes from.

So this card is that of 'hidden truth' that lies behind the veil of illusion in the world. And with this secret society using this as their symbol, they hid their secrets in this little book of 52 pages.

This ace instils fear into many when it is shown. But people fear what they do not know, but once they know it, the illusion (and death is a illusion) disappears, and in it's place knowledge and light is found.
 

Skydancer

Thanks for info!
I've noticed for years that this Ace was always more ornate, etc.

I wonder what else is hidden in the cards?? !

*S:OS
 

Fulgour

Phoenix Rising said:
So this card is that of 'hidden truth' that lies behind the veil of illusion in the world. And with this secret society using this as their symbol, they hid their secrets in this little book of 52 pages.
I can remember digging into many a nook and cranny
trying to get to the honest truth about this mystery.
In bewteen the urban myths and vague superstions
there seemed to shine a hidden light from this card.
Thank you for the bright illuminations as to the truth.
 

Phoenix Rising

Now I realise the symbol of the "Spades" Dig deep and you will find. Bury that what is to be hidden! only to dig it back up again! When the time is right. Or Bury that which is dead? Plant a new seed to grow!
Now will have to do some research on the other symbols/pips.
 

mooncat2

http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/playing-cards/ace-of-spades.html

What fun when you start looking for information - some great history sites.

Why is the Ace of Spades bigger and fancier than the others.

This is true only for the Anglo-American pack; aces on standard European cards, if they are present at all, are generally the same size in each suit. Often they consists of just the plain pip placed in the middle of the card, or with a minimal amount of decoration around each. However, there is a tradition of pictorial aces (views of two landscapes, one at each end) which began in Belgium.

The Anglo-American pack evolved from the English pack with its Duty ace. Playing-cards were seen by the Kings and Queens of England as a ready source of revenue, particularly when there were wars to be paid for. So the makers, and later the purchasers, paid a tax on each pack. Instances are recorded of taxes being raised in 1588, 1628, during Queen Anne's reign, and from 1711 onwards, until the tax was finally abolished in 1960 since by then it was more trouble to collect than it was worth.

Worth having a look at just to admire the wonderful old designs.
 

Little Baron

Thanks for the info; very interesting.
Also, cheers for the index - didn't want to reply there and clog up what will be a useful resourse.

LB
 

Phoenix Rising

Thanks for the link Carol. Now isn't that interesting that even our 'ordinary(huh) playing cards' being involved in revenue! Now what does that say????