 When
I first noticed this card, I was drawn to the image of the
garden, the bounty of nature and of an independent woman
who seemed content. I was excited about the possibility
of creating this lush garden. But as I worked on the quilt
through late winter, lush images of flowers faded from my
mind. The garden still sustains the woman, but in a less
exuberant fashion than when first conceived. Instead, I
particularly enjoyed working on the figure and the details
of her costume.
In keeping with the imagery of the traditional card,
she is standing in a grape arbor. The pentacles represent
material prosperity. The woman has achieved her comfortable
place in the garden through her own efforts. Prosperity
has not come to her without labor or sacrifice, but through
her hard work. For thatreason, it is even more valued.
As one looks deeper into the meaning of the card, it
addresses two other important themes in society today.
As our natural world shrinks around us, is the pursuit
of material wealth any compensation for the treasures
we might lose? Surely the sacrifice of our habitat, the
garden that sustains us, cannot be worth another shopping
center or fast food restaurant?
In addition, as we frantically pursue our material goals,
we fill our lives with a multitude of electronic stimulation,
superficial relationships, and endless busy tasks. The
value of solitude, quiet meditation, and contemplation
of nature has been lost. The woman depicted in the card
is alone, but not necessarily lonely or unhappy. She is
content with the fruits of her own work and at peace in
her own mind.
Susan Brittingham
Floyd County, VA, USA
Website:
Material Images: Art Quilts by Susan Brittingham
All text and images copyright
© Tarot Art Quilt Project 2003. All rights reserved.
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