Matthew Arron's blog

Arronimus


mantic tarot

  • 0 (fool) – blind man’s bluff
  • I (Magician) – poker
  • II (priestess) – ouija
  • III (Empress) – hunting
  • IV (emperor) – chess
  • V (high priest) – snakes & ladders
  • VI (lovers) – truth or dare
  • VII (chariot) – race
  • viii (strength) – gladiatoria
  • ix (hermit) – solitaire
  • X (wheEL) – roulette
  • xi (justice) – tug of war
  • xii (hanged man) – riddles
  • xiii (death) – clue
  • xiv (temperance) – larping
  • xv (devil) – labyrinth
  • xvi (tower) – jenga
  • XVII (star) – star explorer
  • xviii (moon) – werewolf
  • xix (sun) – catch
  • xx (judgement) – peek-a-boo
  • xxi (world) – storytelling

KEY III – THE HUNT

Historically, hunting has been an essential human activity, integral to community sustenance and cultural rites. It mirrors The Empress’s themes by directly engaging with the fecundity of the earth, which she represents. The act of hunting, whether for necessity or sport, involves a profound understanding and respect for natural life cycles, mirroring The Empress’s association with creation and seasonal cycles.

The symbolic representation of The Empress as a life-giver and nurturer can be juxtaposed with the hunter, who must intimately understand the environments and behaviors of their game. This connection underscores a balance between taking life to sustain life, reflecting The Empress’s nurturing yet pragmatic aspect. Hunters, like The Empress, must be attuned to the rhythms and balances of the ecosystems they engage with, embodying her spirit through their interaction with the natural world.

Moreover, the term “game” in hunting also resonates with the notion of “games” in human culture, encompassing sports, strategy, and play. This linguistic overlap suggests a shared conceptual space where structured pursuit—whether of animals in hunting or objectives in a game—reflects underlying social and cultural values. Hunting as a game involves strategic thinking, knowledge of the terrain, and a respect for the quarry, paralleling strategic games that also require understanding of the environment and opponent to achieve success.

The Empress’s symbolism extends to the ethical dimensions of hunting, where the nurturing of life includes responsible stewardship of wildlife populations. Sustainable practices in hunting ensure that natural abundance is maintained, directly engaging with The Empress’s themes of protection and sustainability of the earth’s resources.

Thus, hunting can be seen as a reflection of The Empress’s principles when approached with respect for the natural order and an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. It is an activity that requires both reverence for the natural world and a strategic approach to the environment, aligning closely with the nurturing yet pragmatic essence of The Empress tarot card. Through hunting, participants can engage with the primal aspects of The Empress,