A question about the Empress

[Mithrea]

I have a question about the Empress but I think it's better to put it in a new thread because many of us have moved on from the discussion of her.

I have four decks now. In three of them, the Empress is in profile. And in only one of these is she pregnant so that is not why. Any thoughts on why the Empress is shown in profile?

[Lavender]

Can you describe the cards? Like which direction is she facing? What else is in the card with her? I think these things would give you a clue why she's in profile.

[Mithrea]

Wildchild, I had access to a scanner today so I scanned them and posted them in the discussion of the Empress :)

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=268915#post268915

They aren't all full profile but they are noticeable turned when they are compared to the other cards in the major arcana in their respective decks. Thanks for looking :)

[Silver Venus]

Just a thought ~ maybe look at what other cards are in profile in the 1st deck and the 2nd and see if the cards have a theme with the profiles.. this may tell you something.

Also in the 2nd deck I dont think she is really in profile, is this just the deck style or renaisance style/way to paint women?

They are all beautiful pictures!

Hmm the right side, Im not clued up on this but isnt that your more practical side, and she is a very pratical lady (more than a spiritual one of the high preistess)

[Mithrea]

That's the thing, she is the only one in profile in the decks and all of the other major arcana in that deck are face forward so I don't think that's just the style . . . . :huh:

[Silver Venus]

O hmm a curious one then ;)
Ive just had a look at my Secret deck and yes shes in profile too! where all the others are in full frontal, except for Temperance which shows a lady turned to the left!

In my other two ~ Mythic and the Sacreed Circle shes in full and shown as pregnant! So there seems to be a theme here..

[Mithrea]

Perhaps then the ones in which she is in profile but not pregnant have evolved from the pregnant ones. I mean she might have originally been shown in profile to show she was pregnant but now as she is less often shown as pregnant (because of progressing viewpoints of what is female) she is still shown on profile, just not pregnant anymore since that is no longer seen to be what makes a woman female? (The english teacer in me just screamed RUN ON SENTENCE!!) hehe

Or maybe they are in profile to show she is NOT pregnant.

I don't know but it's nice to see you back Silver :D

[Silver Venus]

Yeah that would make sense!
& I think she is turned to the right as its our pratical side, and she is known for this!
Thanks, its great to be back :)

[Silver Venus]

Ive been thinking more about this as the Empress is a card all about new beginnings, new promise and a new positive outlook on life, looking to the future ~ maybe that is why she is one sided and looking towards the right ~ to the future.
Also again about the issue of the right side of the brain ~ the reality/practical side ~ would fit with how she is all about inner strength and understanding reality.

:)

[MoonRaven]

I went through my decks (and my BF's decks, shhh....) and she's not in profile in any of them, though in one of his, she's holding a baby., and in mine she's surrounded in rainbows and there's eggs at her feet. I see the new beginnings theme though.