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William Blake Tarot
NatureThe figure is biblical Bathsheba, King David's favorite wife whom he took in adultery when unable to resist her beauty. She gazes lovingly at her first-born son on her left (sinister) side, the child taken as punishment for David's sin. His left foot leads him into the water (of oblivion), and he is flanked by lilies of sorrow. Bathsheba's second son Solomon is on her right, with his right (spiritual) foot leading away from the water. Solomon, who became the great king of Israel, is flanked by roses of glory. Both types of flowers also symbolize the archetypal sexuality of this card. In Blakean iconography, the woman is Vala, the Emanation or female portion of Luvah, the Zoa of Love, associated with elemental Fire. Vala represents, on one hand, the irresistibility of natural beauty (the feminine qualities) -- and on the other hand, the delusions implicit in the physical world that seduce us away from spiritual reality. Blake also calls her Babylon, the Harlot. Her 'unveiled' nakedness emphasizes both her beauty and her power: "The nakedness of woman is the work of God."The William Blake Tarot explores the mystical vision and artistry of the renowned English painter and poet. Through rich interpretations focused on creative undertakings, it has long been the deck of choice for artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers. For more information about this deck, or to buy your own personal copy, go to www.blaketarot.com.
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