Wheel of Change Study Group: The Tarot Tree ~ Third Level

Tarot Tree Post

The number three reflects the Triple Goddess in this heavily pagan-influenced deck. Goddess trinities are common in ancient mythology and usually follow the form of Maiden-Mother-Crone. So the third level of the Tarot Tree, containing three cards, is dedicated to the Goddess in her three-fold form.

Spread designed for this level

\m/ Kat

The Star

The Star represents the Goddess in her Maiden form. As the centre of her galaxy, she is represented as becoming aware of her Self and her individuality. She is young and newly independent - learning still how to exist in a world without being defined by that which brought her forth. As such, her ability to empathise with other beings is limited - she is self-absorbed without being selfish. As a Goddess-figure, she represents a force or energy in a person's life, rather than a definable event or phase. This is the force of confidence in one's own skin, as defined only by one's own parameters. The opinions of others matter little here - either they are part of one's galaxy, or they are not.

\m/ Kat

The World

The Mother aspect of the Goddess is represented by The World, as a cosmic incarnation of the Empress. The figure of the World is literally that of our world, having taken the form of a fertile woman. The Sun, Moon, galaxy and even a comet attend her, for she commands the great forces of creation. Garlanded in victory, she represents success, achievement of a complete way of being, and celebration. By modern standards, her body is heavy; yet she dances, a slow, stately dance to the music of the spheres. We cannot hear it, but through her we may come to experience it.

\m/ Kat

The Moon

The Moon faces us up to fears. Set in the night time, with feral-looking wolves, sinister-seeming plants and those ragged, pointing, finger-like standing stones, it gives one a chill to look at. And yet, the magical skyscape bestirs one to excitement, possibility, a world beyond. The river of blood links the Crone to not only her ancestors and descendants, but to every human - even every animal. This Goddess looks deep within and delights in discomfort, that of others and also herself. She impies cycles and the vastness of time, coming as she does at the end of this sequence of cards. But the image is strongly suggestive of potential; even now, past her "prime", the Goddess has much to share.

\m/ Kat