Comparitive Study - The Empress

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Mimers	07 Dec 2003
I am going to start this study with The Ancestral Path Tarot by Julia Cuccia-Watts. I will also include a lot of the interpretations given by Tracy Hoover in the book that goes with the deck. I will put any words from her book in quotes. The Empress wears a very loose white gown that flows over her body almost like water. She wears her femininity. She is very pregnant. Representing nuturing, growth and motherhood. She holds in her right hand a schepter topped with a globe of the Earth, for that is her domain. She wears a pearl necklace which Tracy Hoover points out "signifies her married status". On her head she wears a crown of 12 5 pointed stars. Each star representing the signs of the zodiac and mastery of these paths. The five points represents to me the 5 senses. She sits on a cushey throne of comfy red pillows. The throne itself is made of tiles the color of water which flows into the ground with a cresent moon inbedded into it. Her left foot touches the cresent moon. According to Tracy Hoover this "reveals one source of her authority obtained during her tenure as High Priestess. There is a sheild with the symbol of venus on it leaning against her throne, "emphasizing that she is protected by love". Wheat grows in either corner of the card and in the backround we see a waterfall and pool surrounded by lush greenery. "The waterfall represents female active energy, as water symbolizes the feminine in its most powerful state. The waterfall also presages the breaking of the waters of birth." Mimi

Belladonna	07 Dec 2003
In the Buckland Romani deck, the Empress reminds me of the beginning of the Snow White fairy tale, where Snow White's mother sits sewing (or was it embroidering) something in preparation for the birth of her child. She pricks her finger and draws three drops of blood and well... I diverge. This card portrays a young woman in colourfully embroidered clothes busily embroidering something of her own. She is creative, skillful and practical. She seems to be capable of providing clothing for herself and others. She seems completely at ease in her role as she gazes off into the distance. She is steady, yet productive. She sits against a backdrop of a wall from one of the elaborately gold and blue painted covered wagons. It would seem that she, in turn, is also well provided for. Behind her there seems to be an open cabinet, with blue and white china, and an oil lantern. This seems to be inviting, comforting, and alluding to meals and comfort. The whole effect is very motherly and calming. I feel like sitting at this woman's knee and letting her sing lullabies to me!

Mimers	18 Jan 2004
What a beautiful Empress card. She is dressed ornately with a red gown with silver sleaves. The red gown is decorated with golden flowers. The Empress herself looks rather somber. Her responsabilities way heavy on her much like the heavy blanket/cloak that is draped around her. It is her duty to create like the fruit at her feet imply. There is also, at her feet, a beautiful tree with pink blossems. It reminds me of a bonsi (sp?) tree. The bonsi needs such maticulousl care. It needs love and constant attention, also at times it needs to be pruned and carefully shaped into a beautiful, living work of art. Is this not what motherhood is? She takes pleasure in creating this work of art. In return, the tree offers delcious, sweet fruit. In the backround we see all the other things that being the Empress entails. The things she loves that come after her duties. Being a mother. Look at the mother in the backround of this card with her two babies. What an expression of love that is on their faces. You can see the love. They are almost one, the bond is so strong. I know how she feels. I felt it the first time I held my children in my arms. Nothing will come between her and her children. There is also a fountain in the backround. Fruit adorns this fountain. The waters like the emotions, cascade out. Emotional expression. There is also a parrot in the backround. I am not sure what this means. The parrot stands on a pearch with an arrow pointing towards the mother and children. Hmm, a parrot makes me think of an immitator. Parrots learn how to speak by immitating sounds. I will have to look this up in Karen's book......"The birds and fruit o this picture are again signs of fertility and vitality". It is this card (and the Moon card) that prompted me to purchase this deck. I quite honestly after looking at all the cards on the website, was impressed, but not enough to spend the money. I decided to save my money for the Golden Tarot that was to be coming out soon. Then my sister asked me if I wanted a new deck for my birthday, and the Golden Tarot was not released yet. I chose this one and am so glad I did.

Mimers	18 Jan 2004
The Empress - Creative I must start by saying that this Empress card is so lush and green. It reminds me of this park I used to walk the dogs in when I was a child. It was called Oscawana. It is right along the Hudson River. It has lakes and little waterfalls. The paths through the wood are lined with trees and evergreens. The sun would shine through. There were water lillies all over the lakes and mushrooms and moss grew all along the paths. It was peaceful and full of life there. Oh, what fond memories. Back to this card. White birch trees in the backround. I always would look at these trees and think how it looked as if God took a paintbrush and painted them there. If you have ever seen one you will know what I mean. On a tree stump, The Empress sits. The bunny seeks her out standing for fertility. Along side her are her paints and brushes. This is a card about creating art. There are '3s' represented every where here. signifying the birth of ideas. Three mushrooms, rings on her dress in threes. Three waterlillies, oh, look at the pretty daisys! Three dragonflies, three White Birch trees. Did I mention, I love her dress? She wears a dress of brownish green with beautiful beads hanging over her pregnant belly. On her head she is adorned with a star tiera and a holly wreath. On the white collar, is the symbol for Cancer. Cancer is a water sign that is the known for it's motherly side. In her lap are 3 apples. The sacred fruits of Venus. This symbolizes desire and fertility. This card is about creating beauty. It is also about bringing about growth.

Mimers	05 Feb 2004
The pink sky, the blue fey, the golden child she holds in her arms all bring about a feeling of comfort and safety. She sits tall and proud with a gaze that seems so contented. The Empress sits behind the entrance to her castle which she towers over. Atop the castle's towers are beautiful green gardens. Her size emits her power. Yet at the same time she looks so gentle. While one hand strokes her pet, the other is clenched in a fist. Ready to dominate anyone who messes with those she cares about. Her home is quite open and airy. Not closed in at all. There is a feeling of freedom, security, nature, and growth here. Love surrounds all who enter.

The Comparitive Study - The Empress thread was originally posted on 07 Dec 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.