Tyldwick Tarot

Emperor What I notice in the Emperor card: Lots of neatly arranged books (library) Bust of Greek philosopher (Pythagoras possibly) Armillary sphere Globe Black and white checkerboard floor Antique writing desk I love books, so the library in the background immediately caught my eye. I bet if you asked the Emperor what the native flora and fauna were in his kingdom and he could immediately go to the right books and pull them out. This guy is educated and enjoys learning because it helps him become a better ruler. The neatness of the books is also a hint that he is very organized. I have a tendency to feel more centered inside when my environment isn't chaotic, an…

Empress What I notice in the Empress card: Ephesus statue of Diana/Artemis Outdoor garden with roses and other flowers Tall oaks behind garden wall Planter urns on wall (at least one filled with ivy) The statue of Artemis/Diana is modeled on one discovered in Ephesus. On the lower part of the figure are rows of animals; beside her were probably two deer before they were broken. Archaeologists argue whether she has eggs, breasts or bull testicles on her chest, but regardless, they all are forms of creation and fertility. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals". Though she was a protector, she also led t…

High Priestess What I notice in the High Priestess card: Egyptian goddess Isis statue 2 obelisks (different bases, one light and one dark) Statue sits on clock (possibly) Arch-like design on tapestry behind statue Ornate table with “arches” underneath According to Wikipedia in an article about Isis, "many of her priests and priestesses had a reputation for wisdom and healing, and were said to have other special powers, including dream interpretation." This fits nicely into the traditional meaning of the High Priestess as one who has hidden wisdom and the ability to help us tap into our own intuitive knowledge. She sits because she knows this wisdom is within - th…

Magician What I notice in the Magician card: Puppet Theater Quilt-like wall covering Knife, cup, disk, wand/stick Two drawers in simple table The puppet theater shows the entertaining and manipulative side of the Magician. He "pulls strings" to get the figures to perform as he would like. It is easy to get lost in the show and forget that someone else is behind the scenes doing the controlling. I wonder if there is a connection between the artist mannequin in the Fool and the puppets here, as they both can be manipulated. The wall covering resembles a quilt. According to my friend (and quilter extraordinaire) AJ, two of the patterns used in it are the "flying gee…

Fool What I notice in the card: Mirror/looking glass Mardi Gras-like jester mask looking out of mirror 6 different butterflies around mirror Greyhound balanced on edge of black and white marble mantel Metronome or pyramid-shaped paperweight Featureless artist mannequin The mirror reminds me of "Through the Looking-Glass," the tale of Alice who climbed through the mirror to an alternate reality. Things are not what they seem! The jester mask is on the inside of the mirror, about to come into our reality. Again the mask underscores the fact that what is on the outside is not necessarily a true reflection of what is. The jester's wisdom may not come across as poli…