Mother or Other?
This Mother of Stones is an expression of comfort, not unlike the traditional Queen of Pentacles, but in this case the comfort is spiritual and balances the material comfort available to her. Is she really "just" a Mother? She seems almost more like a High Priestess. My impressions from this card:
- As Butterfly76 observed, she is surrounded by the symbols of worldliness, including 12 small worlds themselves. In addition to the coins and the buildings there are six blindingly shining diamonds in an arc over her head. But are they? All these images seem to be behind the Mother, not above her. As if she has moved beyond the need for these worldly treasures.
- She appears to be in a perfect meditative state: sitting in a half lotus pose on a platform of energy forming the cross of David. she is undisturbed by the falling coins -- as if it happens every day and should not draw her attention. The book accompanying the deck describes the maze below as being filled with water. It is still water; does it also run deep?
- Is the epiphany surrounding her head one of realization of one's true worth, or is it another layered image? In other words, is this epiphany behind her because she's already learned her true worth?
- The flower in the foreground is Lily of the Valley. A flower often popular for bridal bouquets as it's traditional meaning is for continuing happiness and sweetness. However, this Lily is one of the few flowers that is completely poisonous: the flowers, the leaves, even the bulbs. Even her deadly weapons are concealed in an outwardly delicate package.
- The goat appears to be an angora goat. An agile, steadfast animal that lives high in the mountains and endures much to produce it's valuable fleece. Sounds like every mother I know!
- The book describes the twisted gold images to the rear of the Mother as "horns." MysticHermit thought they were swans -- I thought they were sea snakes! Needless to say, I didnt' see them as an important element.