The Empress Times Four

This is the fourth entry in a series in which I share four versions of a particular Major Arcana card, and write a poem that takes us through all four versions. To read all of the poems to date, search “Times Four” in the blog search field.

To simplify the process for myself, I am going to go in alphabetic order by deck. In this post, representing The Empress, we have:

• Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall (U.S. Games)
• Cat’s Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin, DVM (U.S. Games)
• Celestial Tarot by Kay Steventon and Brian Clark (U.S. Games)
• The Celtic Dragon Tarot by D.J. Conway and Lisa Hunt (Llewellyn).

The Empress Is. . .

by Zanna Starr

In her helmet headdress and rich robes,

With her leopard companion at her feet,

The Empress is a sensual creature,

Forceful when necessary.

Strong.  Satisfied. Serene.

In her cloak of thick white fur,

With her children curled in her shadow,

The Empress is a nurturing creature,

Protective when challenged.

Monarch. Matriarch. Mama.

In her guise as Venus, goddess of love and beauty,

With her child, Cupid, close at hand,

The Empress is a captivating creature,

At home on earth or in heaven.

Compassionate. Cultured. Creative.

In her vibrant red robe and soothing blue gown,

With her dragon companion on her shoulder,

The Empress is a life-giving creature,

Offering birth, hope, and magic.

Goddess. Guardian. Guide.