Nine of Fire - Kundalini Rising
As I mentioned with the Nine of Air, the Gaian Tarot Nines depict the qualities of mastery, solitude and wisdom as seen through the elemental suits. In this case, I have departed quite a bit from the RWS 9 of Wands.
This is a man who carries enormous personal power and uses it responsibly and competently. He has retreated to a redrock cave, a sacred spot where energies gather, in order to replenish his own life-force. He seats himself in meditation and soon the kundalini serpent begins to rise. He is radiant with inner fire, connected to heaven and earth. He knows himself as a being of light, as well as a being of flesh and blood and bone. Because of this spiritual practice, he is able to handle anything that comes his way with peace and equanimity.
Oh, what a treat to have been online just as you posted this! Magnificent, Joanna!
Posted by: Joan | August 17, 2008 at 07:53 PM
I love that the energy could be going up or down or meeting in the middle. Kundalini indeed!
Posted by: TarotByArwen | August 17, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Absolutely beautiful!! and such a peaceful expression on his face ... you are an amazing artist!!
Posted by: Angelica | August 17, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Sister Joanna Mermaid,
I am wriggling with excitement as you reveal more and more of the Gaian Tarot. It is pretty darn hard to live in the moment with all the anticipation.
I love the energy of this card. What strikes me most about this work that you are producing is how it evokes lessons learned and forgotten. It is lovely to be reminded.
I am very drawn to the red rock places and this image captures that mystery well.
Posted by: Julie in Virginia | August 18, 2008 at 04:23 AM
Beautiful! I love the expression on his face.
Posted by: Ellen-Mary | August 18, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Did you intend for him to look like he's moving? Or was that a happy accident? Rather than just sitting up straight, there is a definite movement in his body, as if he is doing Shekhinah's rainbow cone meditation, "stirring" the upper body in circles as the energy rises through the chakras. Very cool!
Posted by: Lunaea | August 18, 2008 at 11:18 AM
this card is truly truly beautiful joanna...
deep blessings to you :)
Posted by: Goddess Leonie | August 18, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Lovely, Sister Joanna Mermaid, just lovely!
Posted by: Kim | August 18, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Thank you all -- so glad you like this card! Lunaea, I did not intend for him to look like he's moving, but now that you mention it, you're right, he does! It was just the posture of my model and the camera angle when I took the reference photo. I love these little surprises along the way!
Posted by: joanna | August 19, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Joanna, these are images for the ages. I just love the many layers on which this speaks. We are blessed by your great gift.
Posted by: Beth Owl's Daughter | August 19, 2008 at 11:44 AM
A bit like a male version of the Motherpeace 9 of Wands, only more refined. Exquisite as ever, my dear sister.
Posted by: James Wells | August 23, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Thanks Beth! And James, once again you see my sources. I was indeed inspired by the Motherpeace 9 of Wands.
Posted by: joanna | August 26, 2008 at 08:03 AM