标题: 【神话塔罗】皇后 [打印本页] 作者: chnchn 时间: 2019-2-11 14:05 标题: 【神话塔罗】皇后 皇后
THE EMPRESS Mythological reference: Demeter Divinatory meaning: Fertility, creativity, abundance, marriage or relationship, children.
THEEMPRESS
The Empress is depicted in The Mythic Tarot as the mother goddess of nature, Demeter. The myth of Demeter and her daughter Persephone illustrates clearly both the love and fulfilment, as well as the difficulties and limitations, which motherhood brings. When Persephone was abducted by Hades, the harst unforgiving side of Demeter 's nature was evoked and she refused to rest until she had her daughter by her side once again. Through clever manipulation and blackmail, Demeter obtained a compromise and Persephone was retuned to live with her mother for nine months of every year. The myth does not reveal anything about Persephone's feelings regarding her mother 's actions and demands. What it does reveal, however, is that Persephone deliberately put herself at risk by straying out of the safety of her mother's sight to pick flowers. We are also told that she voluntarily ate the seeds of the pomegranate, fruit of conjugal love, which suggests that her loss of innocence was not altogether undesired. Nevertheless she obeys her mother 's wishes and retimes for part of each year to Demeter 's bri ght sunlit world, though no words are ever spoken about the dark months she spends with her underworld husband. Does she comply with Demeter just to please her powerful mother or can Persephone herself not cope with the separation? How many of us cannot follow our true wishes and desires because they conflict with those of our mothers? And how many mothers can genuinely allow their children to make mistakes, get hurt, 'make a mess of their lives'? The first, and therefore most significant relationship we form, is with our mother and this first relationship has a bearing on all the relationships we form subsequently. Although our experience may not be as dramatic as choosing between the earth and the underworld, it is not uncommon to feel as though you are being asked to choose between mother and husband or wife.
As you begin the colouring exercise, allow yourself to think deeply about mother. Give yourself space to consider the many implications the word has for you: as a child, for yourself as a mother, for the part of yourself which acts as 'mother' to you. How good are you at taking care of yourself? How well were you taken care of? Is the image you have formed within you of mother a positive or negative one? Whether your feelings are comfortable or confused, it is still useful to examine your relationship with mother.
As you embark on a guided imagery exercise imagine yourself to be in the rich, fertile landscape of the Empress. Feel the hot sun beating down as you stand near the cool waters of the waterfall. Smell the different scents of the meadow and observe the many varieties of plant and vegetation. Approach the Empress now and strike up a dialogue with her. Record your fantasy once you have completed.