Shamiana

Shamiana

I've longingly dreamt of having a horse drawn Vardo Wagon to do my Tarot Readings, traveling the countryside. I'm not a world wanderer or even a traveler these days, rather I'm someone who's more of an inner world traveler now.

Realistically obtaining a Vardo is not something that's likely going to materialize. So I've come up with the next best thing. It's a Shamiana which means tent in Hindi, a very popular Indian ceremonial shelter used for outdoors parties, weddings and a variety of events. The side walls are removable with multicoloured external fabric, with exquisite textile designs. The four corners are supported with wooden poles.

Today I did a lot of on line searching and am pretty excited about getting a 12'x10' Shamiana that I've found at a very affordable price. It's second hand, but in new condition. So here's hoping I'll get it, and I'll be able to set up a Tarot reading shop in my Shamiana this Summer!

The history of Shamiana dates back to 1526 with the ancient Mughal Empire and era.

The Empress in The Red Tent

 I won't be exactly The Empress in The Red Tent but it'll be close enough for me!

Ace of Swords - It's A Movement

 

Yesterday I was sent a link to watch a movie free of charge from The Red Temple. I watched Things We Don't Talk About, which is about The Red Tent/Red Temple movement. I was thrilled, because I had really wanted to see it, but had no way of doing so. It was both very moving and inspiring.

And so, it was fitting that I drew the Ace of Swords today illustrating Athena, the goddess of Justice, with her sword cutting through muddled thought and the mercurial air, with the raw energy of change. 

Athena, being a warrior, gained her power not through violence, but through her intelligence and wisdom. There is now an awakening of our mental powers. She was once considered the mother goddess, and some how got relegated to the virgin goddess. I prefer to think of her as the mother goddess of Justice, with her scales being equally balanced between wisdom and intelligence.
The Ace of Swords augers change in one's life, that can often threaten the old order. We are however urged to let go of old habits, and to invite change in spite of ensuing struggle.

Like Athena The Red Tent or The Red Temple, encourages us to reclaim our inherent power, via a " state of mind ". It is the way of the woman warrior, on the front lines of a grass roots movement, that has always seen women gather from the beginnings of time.  And with this new state of mind comes freedom, and with freedom, comes responsibility.




“The ‘Red Tent’ is many things to many people. It is a womb-like red fabric space, it is a place where women gather, it is an icon, and it is a state of mind—all concepts inspired by Diamant's book.” –Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost, PhD.
 

http://redtenttemplemovement.com/

 “A circle of women may be the most powerful force known to humanity. If you have one, embrace it. If you need one, seek it. If you find one, for the love of all that is good and holy, Dive in. Hold on. Love it up. Get naked. Let them see you. Let them hold you. Let your reluctant tears fall. Let yourself rise fierce and love great. You will be changed. The very fabric of your Being will be altered by this. If you allow it. Please, Allow it.” ~ Author Unknown

Queen of Cups - The Red Tent

The Queens of Cups might bring to mind that awful mean Red Queen of Hearts that was in the story of Alice in Wonderland. She was a weird and scary one for sure. The Queen of Cups is nothing like that Queen fortunately. This Queen lives her life from the perspective in believing that it is better to be loved than to be feared, the polar opposite from the way the Red Queen of Hearts sees life.

I don't believe there are any solely good or bad cards in the Tarot decks. There is a positive and a negative to be found in life, and it is the same in the Tarot, because it is about the journey of life, told through the cards. The Queen of Cups can be self-indulgent and morally wayward if she lacks a development of her inner life that reflects her soul qualities.

I was happy to draw the Queen of Cups this morning. I see this card as an strong affirmation for me, as I identify so much with her, and the element of water. Being a person who has been involved in trusting, and deepening my intuition for many years now, I relate to the Queen of Cups, as I greatly value and follow my gut and my emotional intelligence over my intellect. During the times when I stopped trusting my intuition is when I went off the rails and lost my way.

Cups (Hearts)are represent the emotional, relationships, friendship and romance. The colour red is also associated with hearts, love, passion. In ancient societies red also symbolizes strength and female power.

Recently was told about The Red Tent which is now a growing contemporary movement based on the ancient tradition of women gathering during the time of their menses, or moon time, and women gather to support one another, their families, communities and the world at large. I can imagine the Queen of Cups sharing her strength and power through her own stories with her sisters all gathered to celebrate their strength and power, heart to heart in The Red Tent.