Somewhat Daily Tarot: The Empress as Guide

I love the Robin Wood Tarot deck. Created by Robin Wood, this deck has a Celtic or Druidic feel to it, although it also has Wiccan overtones as well. I’m not Wiccan, but I appreciate its influence nonetheless. It’s not always easy being a solitary witch and Wicca has wonderful information to draw from. It’s akin to the DruidCraft Tarot deck given it’s nature influences but it’s smaller so I can shuffle it better.

After drawing three cards for today’s reading, I decided to draw another as either significator or outcome. I don’t always know the direction the cards will take, so I always reserve the option to add more if something isn’t clear or if I just want to know more. Occasionally I’ll draw a card that on its own seems to need more information so I’ll draw another for further clarification.

The initial cards drawn were The Empress, the 3 of Swords, and the 3 of Wands, all cards with the value of 3. Added together and we get 9. From Grimoire of a Crone, we know that the number three embodies catalytic energy, the trinity, health, joy, creativity, Triple Goddess¹. Nine is the number of completion, psychic awareness and sensitivity². Wands and Swords are the suits represented in the initial cards drawn, Fire and Air are their Elements respectively.

Because of the 3 of Swords, I decided to draw the additional card, in this case, the 2 of Cups, adding Elemental Water to the reading’s influences. You never know with the 3 of Swords, so I thought either a significator was necessary or an outcome card would be appropriate. In this case, I think it’s an outcome card.

Beginning with The Empress, she sits at her spinning wheel, smiling and happy. She appears to be with child and perhaps she’s spinning wool into thread to be used for clothing or perhaps a blanket for the newest addition to her family. To her right sits vegetables gathered from the garden. The spinning wheel itself bears astrological symbols, a symbol of the cyclical nature of life. The Empress represents abundance, pleasure, elegance, and graciousness. She is a receptive presence that rules the unconscious realm. As the Mother Aspect of the Triple Goddess, the Empress represents both Venus and the Moon and is the essence of fertility and creativity.

The 3 of Swords is next and can indicate betrayal or emotional loss of some kind. A potential drama triangle may be occurring. The swords point downward into the physical aspect of Self, our focus there. Three different swords pierce the heart, blood dripping, rain falling, blown in the direction of the past. Something is happening, a catalyst of some kind, resulting in something new. This much damage can only result in transformation. The strength of the center sword suggests that in the midst of chaos, we must align with Self in order that we understand the truth of our experience. Center, align, and know. A card of intellectual presence, it may also be suggesting to balance our heart with our mind.

The final card of the initial three card spread is the 3 of Wands. The man looks out over the ocean, waiting for his ship to arrive. Crystals adorn each wand, illuminating his way. The bright yellow of the card suggests success is coming as he stands in the center of the wands, alert and waiting. There’s a synthesis suggested by this card, and that prosperity is based on cooperation.

Our outcome card is the 2 of Cups. In this case, the success foretold by the 3 of Wands is relationship based. The couple exchange cups of loving presence and commitment. Equality, balance, and partnership are felt in this card as well as reciprocity and healing.

Putting all of this together, we have fertile energy available to create whatever we choose. Caution should be taken when involving ourselves in too much drama. It never turns out well. It’s better to step away from the conflict and wait for something else to come along as evidenced by the man waiting for his ship to come in. The final outcome is positive, as he gives his heart to the woman. Instead of drama, this relationship is based on balance and respect, coming together for a greater purpose as suggested by the winged lion and the two intertwined snakes above them.

The Empress as our guide shows us that in her Mother Aspect, she’s given herself over to the creative force within. Although we maybe distracted by the drama that inevitably surrounds us, we can stay aligned in Self, awaiting the next new experience to arrive. We proceed in balance and equanimity, a successful outcome assured.

What a cool reading! I really love this deck and I recommend it highly. It’s easy to respond to the cards intuitively with the focus or essence of each drawing so clear. And as we go about our day, we remember to remain in balance, aligned with Self, allowing love to lead the way.

Blessed Be

~ Jan

References

1. Erickson, Jan. Grimoire of a Crone (2016). (Kindle Locations 1540-1541). Kindle Direct Publishing.
2. Erickson, Jan. Grimoire of a Crone (2016). (Kindle Location 1527). Kindle Direct Publishing.