The Empress embodies all that is good within nature. She is all of the things that are good, kind and noble. This card denotes compassion, love, tenderness and renewal.
The Empress is a mature woman who is no longer a maiden. She is in late pregnancy, full of contentment and peace with an air of dignity. She is surrounded with a ring of flowers and flanked by waterfalls, above her is a moon in its fullness and roundness. Fertility and life are the twin essences of this card. The flowers are the symbol of fertility; the waterfalls signify the uninterrupted flow of life from the past to the present to the future through childbirth. The moon is round and full as a reflection of her belly. She is content in the physical world, yet there is an air of longing in face and eyes. It is as if she fears the unknown and is resigned to face it perhaps alone. Her robe is open signifying that she is aware that she has a deep underlying strength as well an outward beauty. A bared breast shows her vulnerability and shows her openness to those about her, her willingness to sacrifice.
If there is a negative aspect to this card is it that of possibly being unaware of the evil that is within the world. It is the Emperor who tends to the affairs of state and defends the Empire; perhaps the Empress is not aware of the Machiavellian nature of diplomatic politics or the real cost of maintaining the Empire.
Dignified: This card is the strongest indication of the fertility of the body and of the mind. It is a re-emergence the soul and growth of the spirit. It is hope, promise and loving life. With maturity comes wisdom and grace, the three cannot be separated.
Reversed: This card is betrayal and deception. Some force of forces at work to undo your work and shatter your confidence. It warns of a lack of knowledge and the need for further information. It may bee an upcoming harsh and unkind awakening from complacency.
IV Emperor
The most important attribute of this card can be summed up, as �be careful what you ask for, for it may come true�. The Emperor has everything youth, vigour, strength. Yet how he has unwisely used these gifts has lead to his current state of being. He is trapped and unable to explore the world
He is in portal, a doorway to all his dreams, yet he cannot pass through. The portal has images of authority on it and it is raised up above the land by two steps. Although he has the authority he is unable to reach out or use it. The world round him is alive and lush, yet his would in grey and dull. He has become so focused on the world, the possibilities and the problems he is and has ignored his companion who is standing alone and contemplatively in the background.
In essence and in fact he is a prisoner of his own ambition.
Dignified: The Emperor advises the Querant to look at the problem, look at his actions and perhaps step back for a moment and reassess both the ways and the means. If you strive too hard towards a single goal and have a single purpose you may lose sight of the world around you. Whatever the goal was, what you thought you wanted and although it is exactly what you wanted, it may not be what you thought it was when you began the journey. Your ambition and determination to reach this goal may be blinding you to the problems, other easier solutions and perhaps even other more beneficial outcomes.
Reversed: The meanings are clear and concise, either you do not have all the physical tools at hand to complete this journey or aspects of the physical world are working against you. At this time it would be best to examine patience and humility, and reassess you priorities. Be very careful how loud you speak your dreams and to whom you speak them, the fate are listening and will give you what you want regardless if you are ready or not.
V Hierophant
Whereas the Emperor card has negative connotations and relates to the physical aspects of the world the Hierophant has the inner and spiritual aspects of life and relates to the positive application of faith and liberation.
Where the Emperor is held within a prison of his own making, the Hierophant has found liberation from the daily constrains of the mundane world and is about to step through the gateway to a greater world. The gateway is surrounded by ancient texts, which reflect all the universal the truths, and of that which is good or bad and of morality and judgement.
They speak of that which we should listen to within our inner selves and not be burdened by the demands of the day-to-day world. Sphinxes guard the gateway symbolizing wisdom and strength, they are two virtues required to step �beyond�. The full breathe of the Hierophant�s reach form a triangle with the head of the keystone of the gateway, thus demonstrating a balance between the physical, the mental and the spiritual. The Hierophant is naked which is an example of freedom from the physical world; he is free of all sorts and manner of bondage and commitment. His outstretched arms welcome what lies beyond and what the world has to offer as well as his willing to accept both the reward and the repercussions of all his actions. He is stepping out in faith without fear.
The card is faith with yourself and having the will, the commitment and faith to embrace your dreams and your life.
Dignified: This card represents unbridled potential with faith. Thinking and following with one�s heart and soul, not over analysing with one mind, where reason may be clouded fear and prejudice.
This card is potential unbound and represents unlimited possibilities.
Reversed: The Hierophant is over-zealous ambition without the ability to see what lies ahead. He is chasing pipe dreams with abandon and having illusions of grandeur. Reversed it warns the Querant to seriously reconsider their actions with a more grounded approach. Sometimes the fates and gods answer prayers with a �No�.
VI Lovers
The Lover is the card is the one of equality and fairness. It is balance between the external, male ambition and drive, and the internal female compassion and patience.
There is a strong and youthful adult couple naked and relaxed in a peaceful setting. Sitting back to back they are able to see all things, the long term and the immediate, the potential for success and the potential for failure and they have by being together the power and strength of the warrior, and the compassion understanding of the mother. The clouds in the blue sky are in constant motion, changing, adapting and give life sustaining rain. There is a strong and imposing rock outcrop, yet out of this sprouts trees grasses and vines. There is balance between elements, which are reflected in the balance, and equality of the couple, both are vulnerable and confident. Above them is an image another couple demonstrating the passion of an embrace. The sensuality of this couple is a reflection of true truth and true commitment to whatever cause or need.
It is only within accepting the male/female balance in ourselves can we be truly honest both with others and ourselves. It is within this balance in which like, the balance of nature and the balance of the elements we find that is which to be honoured, the subtle and the enduring.
Dignified: The card represents a balanced approached and a fair and honest exploration of one strengths and limits. Exploring and reach the limits of ones full human potential, not the roles dictated to us by society. It is a balance of the Querants� male and female aspects. Reaching your completion and being successful in all things.
Reversed: The Lovers indicates deceit, deception and mistrust from a love one or a confidant. It may also reflect destruction or failure based on an over developed sense of ego and self-worth. It signifies danger and failure for a loved one of from oneself. Pride and envy are powerful adversaries and their effect remains long after they have left.
