Summary: Symbolism of the Tarot by P. D. Ouspensky CARD III. THE EMPRESS. I felt the breath of the spring, and accompanying the fragrance of violets and lilies-of-the-valley I heard the tender singing of elves. Rivulets murmured, the tree-tops rustled, the grasses whispered, innumerable birds sang in choruses and bees hummed; everywhere I felt the breathing of joyful, living Nature. The sun shone tenderly and softly and a little white cloud hung over the woods. In the midst of a green meadow where primroses bloomed, I saw the Empress seated on a throne covered with ivy and lilacs. A green wreath adorned her golden hair and, above her head, shone twelve stars. Behind her rose two snowy wings and in her hands she held a sceptre. All around, beneath the sweet smile of the Empress, flowers and buds opened their dewy, green leaves. Her whole dress was covered with them as though each newly opened flower were reflected in it or had engraved itself thereon and thus become part of her garment. The sign of Venus, the goddess of love, was chiselled on her marble throne. "Queen of life," I said, "why is it so bright and joyful all about you? Do you not know of the grey weary autumn, of the cold, white winter? Do you not know of death and graveyards with black graves, damp and cold? How can you smile so joyfully on the opening flowers, when everything is destined to death, even that which has not yet been born?" For answer the Empress looked on me still smiling and, under the influence of that smile, I suddenly felt a flower of some clear understanding open in my heart. Read by Graham Glover Graham has been working with Tarot for the last five years. He was first introduced to it through a Wiccan Witch. He has written a command line program in Python to do Tarot readings when at work, and realized the iPhone could be easily adapted to do Tarot readings anywhere at any time. He works in technology, and his real-world business card shows him as a Mathemagician. He lives with his wife, daughter, and guinea pig in Virginia. Download or Listen to the Card
