Focusing Fire

From the Spiral Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Sacred Journey Cards, Focus:

          This wand seems to be responding to the nearness of the hand in the sky. If it were actually touched, it would probably bloom into something like a red hot poker. I imagine we would be amazed if we could be aware of all the potential opportunities we have to do something. But because of various reasons and excuses, we often never strike that match. As Thomas Edison once said, "What it boils down to is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration." But once we do start that fire, we need the Focus found in the SJ card. I think a lot of creative or ambitious people have a feast or famine relationship with their muse. Once those ideas start coming, it's easy to have way too many irons in the fire and forget to keep the blaze going. The other caution that comes from this card is the kind of thoughts I entertain. If I'm in a low mood, my inner critic can keep me from accomplishing anything. But if I'm full of fire, I may not be willing to listen to any wisdom and guidance. Sometimes I need to observe from a detached point of view to see what is real and what isn't.