Art Journey through the Tarot Continued...

     I woke this morning to grey skies heavy with rain and a headache between my eyes. So I eased into my day; sipping hot chamomile tea, holding a warmed lavender pillow to my forehead, and going slow. Feeling the headache eventually lifting I decided to sit down and right a blog post on the latest series of collages I've done continuing the deep dive into the Tarot through art that I am exploring with a friend. So, I sat down and composed a blog. Not this one. I hit something wrong and completely erased the first one after two hours of writing! Seriously...really? I always wonder when that happens if it was just an accident or if...meant to be. So let's try again. This time I explored VI, The Lovers, VII, The Chariot, and VIII, Strength. All deal with making choices, with courage and with personal power...movement on different levels. I am using the Gilded Tarot as my guide, my oldest and first deck. So let's dive in.

     The Lovers, a passionate couple embrace and are lifted upwards representing a commitment to a union with a higher spiritual aim. I find that I look at this card though and its not so much about a relationship with another but rather with oneself. I find it intriguing that the original artwork for this card was actually a man choosing between two women. He may have had a romantic vision of a perfect wife and an idealized dream of the perfect marriage but what is the reality that stands before him now and how does he make a balanced and good choice? Could it not be rather that he stands with the vision of two different sides of himself, one that he sees with his heart and the other his mind? To "Know Thy Self" fully and make choices based on that knowing is living with true authenticity. And also could we look at it as the relationship we each have within of the Sacred Masculine and the Divine Feminine and coming into balance with those energies? All points to ponder...

 

      I chose images of the elements for my collage- gentle ocean waves representing Water; a lush tree canopy for Earth, a Monarch butterfly migration for Air and a flaming iron torch for Fire which I have the couple emerging from. My thought being that each decision we make in life should be centered within each element because we need the energies of each in making balanced decisions and creating a strong foundation. Water brings a deep connection with our emotions, it's heart centered, intuitive, and sensitive. Air brings intelligence and thought, logic and communication. Fire is of course about passion, a strong will, being energetic and enthusiastic and finding inspiration. Earth is grounding and practical, and values common sense over impulsiveness. The fifth element is Spirit, the bridge between the physical and celestial realms, between body and soul. I have white lilies strewn about the collage representing rebirth and rejuvenation, the commitment we are asked to make to our decisions. 

     The Chariot, I had fun with this card and its images. A regal woman rides side saddle on a motorcycle rather precariously. She is not concerned with where she is going or what is in front of her. She may be riding into trouble but she is not concerned in the least. She represents achievement but not understanding. The woman crowned in purple Orchids also looks away but she has an air of dignity  about her. She knows she is admired. She recognizes her own strength and celebrates her accomplishments. She knows that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. In the center a woman drives a horseless chariot drawn by sphinxes. There is movement here even though she has no reins. It shows us that we must keep going, that there is always something new to learn and more to experience. Life is about movement, don't come to a complete stop. Use your will power and control to steer your way through the chaos. Learn to trust yourself and your journey. 

      I must admit I LOVE the images I "found" for the card Strength! They came fast and furiously. My dilemma was how to squeeze them all in. The stance of the Woman, Her back straight and strong, Her thick braid, Her hardware, the weight of  Her earrings all made me believe She is a warrioress with Purpose. The lion represents her animal instincts that she holds in reserve; strength, courage, and power. She can call on them whenever she needs them. The bejeweled silver chain neither binds her nor weighs her down. She adorns herself with them. She has learned to walk in her power and with her gifts and strengths. She neither denies her Power nor is controlled by her strengths, she has learned to live and work with them. She stands confident and Self-Aware. 

     This journey into the tarot is rich and delicious and if you are interested in other tarot collages please see previous posts starting with the The Fool. And I encourage you to dive into the conversation and collage along. I usually start with an intention, pull the card and then start searching for images in magazines that "ask" to be used. You will know, they call out, catch your eye and frequently if you have passed them by they will call on you until you pay attention. Listen. Cut and paste and follow your instincts. Enjoy the journey...