9 of Pentacles

[qos]

I have issues with the portrayals of the Queen of Pentacles in most tarot decks.
Well, issues may not be the right word. It's not that I think the artists are wrong in their depictions, but that I don't see any part of myself in those images.

My favorite Pentacles card is the 9 (from the Robin Wood Tarot) --



This is me -- or someone I would like to be.

I was talking tarot with _storyteller_ the other night, going through the deck and sharing our thoughts about the cards, and this one came up. I said that to me the hawk symbolized the woman's ability to go beyond the gates any time she chose.

_storyteller_ had a different interpretation: that her harnessing of her "flighty" nature is what allowed her to enjoy the affluence and security of her garden. She hadn't destroyed it, but she did take control of it.

I like his interpretation better than mine. At least right now. It speaks directly to where I am in my life and what my struggle has always been in regard to the earthly/mundane aspects of life, which must be tended with care if I want to have the kind of peace and security this card symbolizes for me.

The other thing I noted for the first time is that she is picking a single grape: not the bunch. She takes only what she needs, only just enough. She does not overindulge.

Also an important lesson for me in this realm as I work on my stewardship of resources and my relationship with food.

Comments

[a-belletrist.livejournal.com]

I've always liked that particular card's energy ... I like the story it tells. This depiction is really nice. I haven't looked at the Robin Wood deck much at all and, for no good reason, I'm surprised at how much I like this card of hers. Maybe it's time to look at that deck more closely.

What is your favorite Pentacle?

[qos.livejournal.com]

Like you, I own more than a few decks, but the Robin Wood is the only one I actually read with anymore -- unless I'm doing an exploration of a particular card's meaning in various decks. You'll be welcome to look at mine when you come visit next week. :-)

This is my favorite Pentacle.

[femalegamer.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I poked around to find the Queen of Pentacles in some of my favorite decks, where they are actually on the web.


This, from the Llewellyn is pretty, but kind of boring, and not very active.


Here, in the gilded, I like the flash, and I love her smile.


This, though, from the Bohemian Baroque Cats... I like that one, and I'm not entirely sure why.

I'm not sure this is one of my favorite decks, but it's one I could find an online pic of the Queen of Pentacles. :) It's the Animals Divine, with her portrayed as White Buffalo Calf Woman. It's okay, but I think I would be more into it with more knowledge of Plains Indian religion.

[qos.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing these!
The Gilded Tarot is a beautiful deck. I own it, but don't use it for readings (I stick to my Robin Wood).

[bookchick.livejournal.com]

As a fellow 9 of Pentacles gal >wink<, I gotta say I like _storyteller_'s version, too. Some day, I'll have to meet this guy.

[qos.livejournal.com]

I'll be happy to introduce you as soon as we can find a time to get together!

Did you get my email about getting together Dec 2 or 3?

[bookchick.livejournal.com]

Yeah, had to get an idea of our schedule. What time? Pretty much Saturday afternoon works best for me right now, as David and Jess have Chinese class Saturday morning.

[qos.livejournal.com]

I'm entirely open, so whatever works best for you.

Do you want to come down here, or have me come up there?

[bookchick.livejournal.com]

How about 2ish at your place? I'm thinking your child is much better at entertaining herself and leaving Mom to her guest than mine....

[qos.livejournal.com]

Perfect! It's on my calendar.

Bring your tarot cards?

[bookchick.livejournal.com]

DEFINITELY! :>

[professor-mom.livejournal.com]

I like the way the tendrils from the grape vines are intermingled with the stars. She has the stars as a backdrop of her life, and yet, she is grounded, which is shown by the hawk being tethered. This card shows that she has integrated two opposite values of her life and has experienced abundance as a result.

I also like your discussion of the fact that she's taking only one grape. She has the entire orchard at her disposal and yet takes what she needs.

Thanks for sharing this.