Busy Bee

From the PetraK Tarot, the Empress; from the Astrodice, Mercury in Pisces, Fourth House:

The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions.

—Claude Levi-Strauss

The Empress represents unconditional love, mercy, passion and creativity. But above all, she is the power of change and renewal, a force that nourishes but also modifies. She's only a hologram on her throne; she's constantly busy designing what she thinks those around her need. Mercury in Pisces has an intuitive, empathetic communication style; people on the receiving end feel they are listened to and understood. It's not just the ears but the heart that hears and offers them home-like comfort. This roll emphasizes the need to ask questions and listen in order to understand what people need instead of assuming we already know. This method is kinder and much more useful.

Creativity and Connection

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Empress; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Lovers:

There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.

—Edward de Bono

I had a good chuckle with this pair of cards - talk about cause and effect! But what if I told you the Empress wasn't a baby-making factory? What if her children were named music, dance, painting, and gardening? Somewhere along the line, things for practical uses became part of our cultural heritage, used to create beauty, feeling, and relationship. What a boring life this would be without these pleasures. The Lovers represents connection, and as Steve Jobs stated, "Creativity is just connecting things." Our imagination is fed by curiosity, through people, places and things. We synthesize and recombine them, making connections between what was previously unrelated. It's no surprise that Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way suggests a day to explore and pay attention: "a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist."

Replacement

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Empress; from the Meditation Cards, Dissolve Into Now:

The shallow satisfaction of having is always replaced by more wanting. 

– Eckhart Tolle

This plump, bodacious version of the Empress reminds me of the prehistoric Venus statues. Anthropologists suggest these well-rounded forms were symbols of prosperity and fertility: in harsh, freezing climates, being overnourished was a crucial asset.  In today's world, however, most of us do not live on the cup's lip of survival or oblivion. The Empress reminds us that we have enough, though the ads in media or comparing ourselves to others may influence us otherwise. Dissolve Into Now offers a verse by Thich Nhat Hanh:

When I drink tea, there is only me and the tea.

The rest of the world dissolves.

There are no worries about the future.

No dwelling on past mistakes.

Using our senses, what can we appreciate right here where we are in this moment? As Kristin Armstrong stated, "When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in."

Boomerangs

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Empress; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Sea Eagle:

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.  —Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Empress is the loving Mother, the joy of abundance offered freely. She represents altruism, the unselfish concern for the well-being of others, distinguished by actions that prioritize other people's needs besides just one's own. It is the glue that connects and binds people together, helping all to survive and thrive. The Dreamtime story of the Sea Eagle tells of a selfish boy who would not share any of the food he caught with his family. He was eventually turned into a sea eagle, a wise guardian of the ocean who taught the people the laws of sustainable hunting. Like a boomerang, our actions can return to bite us, forcing us to change or be miserable. As Krishnamurti stated, "I must see the nature and structure of my relationship with the world – and in the very seeing is the doing."

Embodied Abundance

This week I'll be using the Alchemical Tarot Renewed along with the book Alchemy and the Tarot, both created by Robert M. Place and published by Hermes Publications. Paired with it will be the Oracle of the Radiant Sun deck and book set, created by Caroline Smith and John Astrop and published through Eddison-Sadd Editions. The draws for today are the Empress and Adaptability (Moon in Gemini):

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.

—Wayne Dyer

Many indigenous cultures view the land not as a resource, but as an active, living being. It is not surprising that the Empress is seen as an embodiment of the land, a symbol of natural abundance. While there are many who do live in poverty, there are also those of us who have plenty yet live with a mindset of scarcity. Often this is because we get caught in the comparison trap, but we may view resources as a means of control. We may mistakenly think they can protect us against all of life's uncertainties. Moon in Gemini folks process emotions through talking, thinking, and analyzing to understand them fully. Rather than live in fear of never having enough, this card asks us to take a logical look at what we have and how our needs are being met. We may discover that we are rich in ways we never considered.

 

Power Claimed

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Empress; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Butterfly:

If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.

―Michelle Obama

The Empress may not have the authority of the Emperor, but she definitely has power. While he is concerned with control (law and structure), she's interested in flow (growth and sustenance). Hers is an inclusive approach; she rules with empathy and understanding, seeing all the parts and not just a conglomerate. Butterfly is given the keyword fragility: as a creature hypersensitive to the ecosystem, it is a symbol of the climate crisis. This insect reminds us that regardless of our station in life, we can still raise awareness when things have gone off the rails. As Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Not in Rage

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the Empress; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Elder (Ruis):

They knew intuitively they would not find restoration in rage.

—Tom Brokaw

The Empress is She Who Loves Fiercely. As a creator of life, she knows how precious and brief it is, thus she is patient and merciful. She nourishes and nurtures but also renews and restores as well. She is Nature and tells us we must respect its laws even if we don't like them. Elders (Ruis) are known for their intense, rapid regeneration, often regrowing from base shoots or broken branches. It is a symbol of change, growth and the ability to endure great challenges. The past doesn't get any do-overs, but wise intentions and actions today can create a better tomorrow.

The Equalizer

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Empress; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of the Mill:

Mother Nature is the great equalizer.

—Christopher Heyerdahl

The Empress represents creative energy that can bring warmth, joy and beauty. But this particular Empress holds a shield bearing the crest of the Holy Roman Empire, a sign of power. She understands that we live in relationship with all things, and if that balance is upset for too long, she'll give our bare legs a good switching. She loves all of creation, not just a small part of it. The Island of the Old Mill had a supervisor who called himself "hell's own miller." The mill ground corn but also treasures of the wealthy and stingy - a judgment on those who were selfish and greedy. As both Mother Nature and the psychologist Erich Fromm realized, "Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction." Avarice hurts much more than it ever helps.

Know Your Own Welfare

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Empress; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Myrrh:

Don’t give up your own welfare

For the sake of others’ welfare, however great.

Clearly know your own welfare

And be intent on the highest good. 

—Dhammapada, chapter 12

The peony is a beauty that can stop people in their tracks; the Chinese call it the "flower of riches and honor." Ants are attracted to the nectar on the outside of its buds, though they do not cause harm. In fact, it's likely the ants deter other harmful insects. This Empress has figured out how to give abundantly while also caring for herself. Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted by making cuts in the thorny tree Commiphora myrrha. The resin has been used as an analgesic for toothache pain, bruises, aching muscles, and sprains. There is evidence to suggest certain compounds in myrrh interact with central opioid pathways in the brain. Extreme sacrifices can be like a drug, making us feel we are making a difference when we are really only harming ourselves. Know your own welfare.

Seeing With the Heart

From the Middle Way Arcana, the Empress; from the Vertical Oracle, Vertical:

Unless we view things with our hearts, we can see nothing. But if we look at the world with a love of life, it will reveal its beauty to us.

~Daisaku Ikeda

The Empress could easily be known as the Bodhisattva of Grace: all that she creates and nourishes is fueled by her unconditional love and compassion. Rather than judging worthiness, she gives her abundance freely to all beings. Her only interest is the well-being of others. Vertical reminds us that there is a power greater than ourselves, whether it's called Nature, the Cosmos, Reality or some other name. It is humbling but also freeing to know we're not in charge of how the world spins. Our focus only needs to be on engaging kindly and respectfully with our horizontal relationships, whether human, animal or the earth itself. The Empress could teach us a lot about embracing it all.

Muscle Memory

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Empress; from the A'HA Oracle, Reliability:

If people long to create a better world, then we must nurture imagination - hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives, belief that the way things are isn't the way things need to be. 

―Katharine Viner

Creativity is a quality that we can bring to whatever task we're doing; it requires a mind propped open and curiosity. These are the nurturing characteristics that help us grow, adapt and heal in a world that is constantly in flux. Yet as the card Reliability reminds us, these tools are to remain in our tool belt, not put up on a dusty shelf until we get bored or desperate. Like anything we do often, they'll soon become like muscle memory when we need them most.

Acting From Love

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Empress; from the Handl Rune Oracle, Kenaz:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ―Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Empress stands with her children for a family portrait, yet in truth she feels all beings are an extended family. She rules with a strong but tender heart, seeking to improve the well-being of all. The Empress understands that the kingdom will run smoother when no one is left behind. Kenaz is often translated as 'torch,' suggesting a light that brings clarity. Today, my family and I are participating in our local "Hands Off" political protest. Sometimes you have to raise a torch to shine a light on atrocities, especially when so many beings are negatively affected while a handful benefit.

Benevolence

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Empress; from the Curious Oracle, Gargoyle:

Love conquers all difficulties, surmounts all obstacles, and effects what to any other power would be impossible. —William Godwin

The Emperor uses force to bring people under his control and laws to keep them in order. The Empress uses love to bring people to her, and unconditional benevolence keeps them in her favor. In her world, there is no "mine and yours," just "ours." Yet the Gargoyle - symbolizing a guardian - warns that people can overuse and take advantage of her resources. Often, those with the most want more, while others are barely holding on. The Empress might be a creative nurturer, but she cannot tolerate such imbalances. She'd agree with Bruce Springsteen: "Nobody wins unless everybody wins."

Gifts

This week I'll be using the Anna K. Tarot, created and self-published by Anna Klaffinger (though now published by Llewellyn). Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Meditation Cards, a deck created and self-published by Asha Greer. All the keywords and quotes for these cards have been added by me. Today's draws are the Empress and River of Humanity:

Look after the land and the land will look after you, destroy the land and it will destroy you.

—Aboriginal Proverb

Judging by the dangerous smile of this Empress, it's likely someone tried to hurt the ringtail hiding beneath her dress. She is the archetypal Mother Earth, supplying beauty and resources in abundance, yet she demands these things not be used indiscriminately or without respect. Like the typical mom, she loves to give but won't hesitate to dole out some discipline when it's needed. The quote for River of Humanity is written by Satish Kumar:

When we write a poem, we make a gift. When we paint a picture or build a beautiful home, we make a gift. When we grow flowers and cook food, we make a gift. When all these activities are performed as sacred acts, they nourish society.

Whatever we offer with an attitude of love is a worthy gift. And how we treat the gifts we're given shows our nature as being entitled or selfless and appreciative. 

Abundance and Fallow Fields

From the Gaian Tarot, the Gardener (Empress); from the Goddess Oracle, Kali:

Even beneath the lively bloomed flowers of spring, always lie the dead fallen leaves of autumn.

― Lakshya Chouhan

The Empress represents Nature's abundance - is there anything more sensual and creative than Nature herself? She tells us that we all are fertile with seeds of vision and innovation just waiting to be planted and promises to help us cultivate them, empowering us with nurturing and love. Unlike her husband, the Empress has no boundaries - her motto might be "More!" Yet Kali, the fierce form of the Hindu Mother Goddess, reminds us of impermanence and death. Both terrifying and tender, she teaches us to be free from fear, accepting that there is a time to plant and a time to plow under. Fallow fields encourage the development of fertile, rich soil, and allow us to sow and grow new seeds. 

Respect Runs Both Ways

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Empress; from the Elemental Dice, Earthquake (Darkness + Earth):

Devotion and creativity 

Are born in the center of the heart.

―Margarete Petersen

The Empress, with her split pomegranate and exposed flower's throat, personifies receptivity, deep emotion, and creativity. She brings warmth and beauty, love and acceptance, sensuality and connection to whatever she touches. Nature is her reflection. Unlike the Emperor, she has no filter on her devotion; she willingly breaks open her heart without considering any consequences. Earthquake suggests that energy has been building and will shake our foundations. It asks if we have been complacently disregarding our part in a situation in which we need wake up and be mindfully aware. Boundaries don't just help keep us sane and healthy, they help others become accountable and develop responsibility too. 

If you spend your life sparing people’s feelings and feeding their vanity, you get so you can’t distinguish what should be respected in them.

―F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

The Power of Different

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Empress (Dark Madonna); from the Tattwa Cards, Earth/Seed of Water:

My grandsons' elementary school had very few white children, so it wasn't unusual to see brown Santa decorations around Christmas. Humans tend to like their heroes to look like them. But it was unusual for the Black Madonna to show up in the predominantly white-skinned Europe. It appears we prefer our miracle workers to be different and unique. This Mother of Miracles encourages us to wish for the best outcome for all concerned, keeping our heart open and not limiting any situation by our definition of 'best'. Earth/Seed of Water suggests boldness in putting a new venture in motion, yet accepting the help of our allies when doing so. However, those partners may be different than we imagine. In the words of Bonnie Hammer: "This is the person you think is your antagonist, who ends up being your greatest ally: the person who pushes, criticizes, and challenges you to meet a standard of excellence you might not otherwise achieve."

Having Enough

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Empress; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Effort:

“Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

― Hans Christian Anderson

The Empress is the Earth Mother, the one who provides for all creation. There could and should be enough for all, but humans in their greed and fear have created deficits for others. We have forgotten that we are interdependent, existing only in balance with the whole. Effort suggests we exert ourselves, not to have it all, but to make sure we leave plenty for the rest of earth's inhabitants. 

The secret of having it all is loving it all.

― Joyce Brothers

Creative Force

From the Enchanted Forest Tarot, the Green Mother (Empress); from the Mystic Mushrooms, Dotted Stem Bolete:

The Green Mother/Empress is a creative force; her focus is on developing, growing and nurturing (unlike her husband who focuses on limiting, protecting and guiding). She knows that what we attend to is what we will come to love and nourish. To borrow the words of Dr. Daniel Siegel, "Where attention goes, neural firing flows, and neural connection grows." The Green Mother asks us to consider where all of our energy is flowing and what we are nurturing. The chunky bolete mushrooms seem made by a child out of clay (the Greek bolos, in fact, means 'lump of clay'). Rather than having gills, they have tubes with pores beneath their caps that release their spores. The Dotted Stem Bolete has yellow pores when young that become red as it matures. The fleshy solidity of this mushroom reminds me that whatever I aspire to create needs something more than fleeting attention and half-hearted action. It needs the commitment of a good mother.

What Women Want

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Empress; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Albatross:

The chains in this illustration of the Empress make me want to spit nails. I'm sure she is told things like, "it's for your own protection." So she's destined to be sequestered away, as if she didn't have a brain, popping out heirs for the king like some queen bee. This card brings to mind a story from the legends of King Arthur. While the king was hunting one day in the woods, he was accosted by a knight. The knight told him he would spare his life if he could answer within a year the question of what women most want. Arthur's luck almost ran out until a woman (of course) gave him the answer: "What women want most is the same as men want, sovereignty over their own lives." Women want the freedom to choose how to live their lives, what to do with bodies and minds, and how to nourish their spirits. Please, men, do not even attempt to consider you know what's best for us. Albatross is a seabird with a large wingspan, making it capable of riding the ocean winds and gliding for hours without rest. Mariners said they were the souls of lost sailors; killing them would bring bad luck (thus the saying "an albatross around your neck"). Albatross tells us to return to our navigator within, to seek our own fulfillment instead of letting someone else decree it.