Was waiting for my coffee to finish brewing, and drew 2 cards from the Lovers Path Tarot. Sort of a mini preview of what's to come today, cross my path, you get the idea. Wisdom & Judgement. I love the veil she wears, her eyes speak for her. And the book she holds, has all the answers to her questions, she just has to take the time to read it. A hunky man is reclining behind her, his sword just within reach, but he knows he will not need it in her presence. And that beautiful scarlet curtain, embossed with pomegrantes, the power of the female. He seems entranced by her. She is his Wisdom, his inspiration, his power. A man that has everything, and she is the one thing that is important to him. Going into the next card, she had shed her heavy blue gown, for a lighter, softer frock. And her heavy crown is replaced by a light band of woven flowers. She is leaning over the balcony smiling at a man at work, even strangers that cross her path, stop and talk to her. Wonder if they had the sign 'Man at Work' back then. Everytime I see one of those signs, I laugh. Where is the 'Woman at Work' sign? Anyway...back to the cards...
Once upon a time ( a little story to go with these 2 cards...)a wise woman lived outside a small village in Rome. She had learned the art of listening. Hearing...the sounds of nature, they spoke to her. She wondered why others could not hear the voices of the wind, water, silence. Ond day the King, while searching for a Wise man, stumbled upon the story of this woman that was amazing. He just had to find her. He listened to her for hours, entranced and charmed by her stories. He made his important decisions based on her Wisdom. Even the grounds keepers would seek her presence. She knew what people really needed. Not money, or power, or sex ( well maybe sex), she knew what they really craved was to be heard. And she listened. When it came time for the King to choose a mate, he was more impressed with her gentle wise spirit, than all the other flashy,greedy, shallow women. And maybe he was a Wise man, too. For he chose her. Wise choice. And they lived happily ever after...

Welcome to the Emperors of the Tarot Deck. I see this as the Father, Husband card. He is ruled by Mars, very fiery and passionate about whatever he sets his mind to do. And he is a doer. He loves to create, build, rule. He is the King and wants everyone to know it, especially the woman he's with. In every version of this card, he holds a scepter, or a huge sword to remind you of his power. He loves power. His robe is red, blood red. He would be the one to understand why we need to fight to get what we need. He might even lead the fight. Not fainthearted, this one.
If this card were to come up for me, I would say it would mean to be strong, confident, unafraid, fearless. It can also mean issues with Daddy, or a man that holds power in your life. Watch for a big macho, testosterone riddled person on your horizon. Here is another version of him, I really like this one, he has this tough old bird as his friend. Looks like he, the bird has stuck his neck out a few times, and got his feathers plucked out. And he's still getting the last word. These two are just alike. Crusty old birds. These men will never change, and maybe that's a good thing. We love them just as they are. Everyone needs this guy on your side.

Three versions of the Empress show up today. I really love this card. She is the Queen. She is the married woman, the wife. The partner, equal partner in the marriage. Everything she touches grows, she radiates life and all things bloom around her. She knows how to please her man, and is confident he will have eyes only for her. She rules her home with grace and love. I see her as the woman in the book of Proverbs 31.
'A good wife is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best cottons, and enjoys sewing. She is like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, with money she's put aside, she plants a garden. She senses the worth of her work. She is skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in home making. She's quick to assist anyone in need and reaches out to help the poor. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. She designs gowns and sells them, her clothes are well made and elegant. She always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say, and always says it with kindness.....'
What a woman. A woman of worth. Actually,( I just thought about it!) it was today, 35 years ago I married. That lasted for 17 years. I aspired to be this woman. I really was her, for a time. But what I learned was, unless the husband in this home, does not honor what she gives and who she is, she sadly falls apart. The Emperor is the next card in the deck, and he is her Strength. She needs him, to be able to be this woman. It is a partnership. Two become one thing. And unless both male and female are together, and I mean mentally, best friends, hot sex with each other only. It will not work. I believe she can only be this graceful Emperess, with his strong arm around her. I envy the women that have that in their life, and can relax into his sweet embrace. She is strong, and can make it on her own, but in this card, she chooses to be in the relationship boat, and rows right along side with him. No wonder her husband trusts her, she lives for him, adores him, is a rich blessing in his life. What a lucky guy. I think I will go out and buy myself a special gift today, sort of a Anniversary gift, that might have been. I would do it all agian, it was so worth it. And I will do it again. No regrets. Just lessons. This chic blooms where she's planted, and is a joy to be around, no matter where she is. Her kisses really do fix the scrapes and hurts in life. Just don't forget she needs kissed too, or she will wander off in that beautiful garden on that card, and forget her way back. Sad.

I have a party of High Priestess's holding court this quiet Sunday morning. Gee, I wonder what the waiter would hear as he served the tea and crumpets. Or Bloody Mary's. These chics are usually the silent, mysterious energy in the Tarot. But deep, really deep.
Most are covered up with a nun-like gown. Except the Celtic Tarot's Priestess. She reigns from an ancient, ornate, stone throne. Her gown is falling down, as she is busy removing the veil from her face. She is easily approachable, looks like a good friend that would have time to listen and share her grapes and apples that lie by her feet. What each one would do is really feed your spirit. Wow. Someone that would be 100% present and really hear what you are saying and not judge you, just listen.
The Durer High Priestess has a serpent with an apple in its mouth. Reminds me of the Garden of Eden, seems to have been hanging around since then, like the beginning of time. She actually represents the Holy Spirit. The feminine aspect of the God head. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Wonder why they couldn't just say, Father, Son and Divine Feminine. Got to keep those women down. This group may be quiet, but they know who gets the last word. They know the answers before you ask the questions. She is Intuitive, Perceptive, Out there. Some are leery of her, but that is just fear, like she can read their minds. And most of the time, she can. She just doesn't tell you that. In this card, with the snake, she holds the golden keys. The keys to knowledge, to choices, to whatever you want to really ask. If you are brave enough to ask.
The Golden Tarot Priestess sits on a red velvet pillow, in an ornate gold and white throne. She holds up a red sacred book, the book she has written and is quite selective about who is worthy to read it. I don't see it at Walmart, in a bargain bin. Holy Secrets that apply to life and what only the elite shall read. If, she chooses.
The Priestess of the Tarot of the New Vision sits with her back to us. She had 2 students bowing in reverence to her Holy presence. This scruffy brown owl is her animal totem. All he can say is 'who'. As she knows the what, where, and why. He sits on the pomegranate, it is a symbol of the Divine Feminine, the red juice, the red blood women cycle with, the eggs they hold within their bodies, reminds you of the female genitalia. All about her. Cool. I really like her. She sits meditating on the waters and the moon in front of her. She is quite happy with her solitude. Silence is her friend.
The Priestess of the Fantasticial Tarot Deck looks about a thousand years old. No offense, she is proud of her ancient wisdom, and doesn't suffer fools gladly. Don't waste her precious time with silly questions. Read the book and come back when you are serious about learning something. She's not doing it for you. Sort of dramatic, but I bet she could spice up a party, once she lets her hair down a bit.
And my Tarot of Transformation Priestess, out in the garden, soaking up the energy of the tall green grasses that surround her. Nature talks to her. Nature heals her. Nature teaches her, and she writes it down to remember it all. She would know that what we do to our planet, we do to ourselves. I bet she's a tree hugger. She looks a little intimadating, but that feels to me, more for show. And to get your respect. She has worked hard to earn her position, don't waste her time with trivial talk. She can be moody, as the moon makes an appearance on 2 of the cards. 2 others show her in a Chapel, 4 appear to be outside.
If she were to say something, I think it would be that we already have all the answers within our souls. We just aren't listening. Shut up, and get quiet. She is the gentle voice that whispers the answers at the exact time we need them. Not a moment before. Relax, she's got your back.
Today, I think they would be talking about the war in Israel. Wondering why people just don't get it. They would be talking about the cures to all the diseases on the planet, are right here on the planet. Stop fighting and find another way to resolve things. But, hey, she's a woman. If she would have to fight, she would use her mind and go to the source of the problem. What you think creates your world. Go back to the beginning, change the way you think about it. In the book, 'The Way of the Peaceful Warrior', Dan Millian said something I think is so 'High Priestess-y'.....Silence is Strength, and Meditation, Wisdom. How profound.