Nine of Water - Ave Stella Maris

A woman enters a sacred sea cave on the coast of Cornwall, and lifts her arms to receive the embrace of the Ocean Mother.  She sings a song of devotion as waves crash and salt spray kisses her brow.  As she sings in harmony with the rushing wind and the tide, she enters into a mystical state of ecstasy.  When she leaves, she gathers nine white stones that carry the energy of Merlin’s Cave and the song she sang to the Mother.

(This experience took place while on a pilgrimage to Avalonian sacred sites with Mara Freeman a few years ago.  The song I sang was “Ave Stella Maris,” which I co-wrote with my husband Craig Olson. You can download it for free here, or order the CD “Beyond the Cedar Moon” here.  Blessed be.)

Comments

[TarotByArwen]

This moved me to tears. The water seems to be flowing into her--filling her up. Or is she the source of the water flowing out? 9 is such a lovely number, isn't it. For me it's the completion and the next step of the journey. Lovely work, Lady.

[Lunaea]

Yay! You did a great job bringing the water in -- I know you were concerned about that. It's just lovely. *hug*

[judy]

Perhaps one of the best things about creating your own deck is that YOU get to be the 9 of Cups! You go girl!

[Angelica]

WOW! Listening to the music and embodying this picture was an awesome experience!!

Bright Blessings to you both!!
Angelica

[Colleen]

I have so enjoyed watching each and every card appear fully formed on your site. But, this one was especially moving. It is so beautiful. I really appreciate how much you have helped me see depth and new facets of the cards. This image helped me to see the serious responsibility that we assume when we cast our intentions into the world - the responsibility to act in a way that is harmonious and respectful and the responsibility to accept the change we initiate. Thank you so much for sharing your vision JoAnna. I can't wait to see the whole deck, but I will miss watching it emerge one card at a time when you are finished!

[joanna]

Arwen, I love the idea that she is the source of the water, or that water is flowing into her. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks Lunaea, yes I looked at other photos of Merlin's Cave when the tide was coming in. Judy, yes, I am also going to be the 9 of Earth! Angelica, so glad you liked the music and embodied the image. Wonderful. Colleen, I love the message that came to you through this card. And there are still 9 more cards to go! :-)

[kerrdelune (Cate)]

Sister Joanna, there is so much power in this card that it dances right off the computer screen. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant - it sizzles.

[Jaspenelle]

I love this card and that song so calls to my heart. Funny how Spokane sometimes feels a million miles from the ocean at times.

My almost three month old son has been fussing all day (growth spurt) and I started singing that song to him (surprised myself that I had it memorized after two listens) and he fell asleep cooing and smiling.

Then I cried! *happy tears though!* Just wanted to share!

[Pilar]

Oh, I love this image so much! Without reading the synopsis of its meaning, I see a woman in a birth canal...both "about to be birthed" and "waiting for what is to be birthed"...and in reverence, joy and exultation for it. There is such a powerful mystery here at work: things both seen and unseen, understood and never-to-be-known. What an incredible card, it conveys so much.

I am so very happy that you've dedicated this summer to working on this deck. I can't wait to hold it in my own hands :)

[joanna]

Cate, thanks for the beautiful comment. I hope your spirits were lifted. Jaspenelle, I just love the image of you singing Ave Stella Maris to your baby! Pilar, what a beautiful take on the card, of the birth canal. Love it.

[Nancy Green]

lovely. when your deck is done i will use it.

[Johanna Klapper]

I was back to Merlin's Cave myself in an instant and felt the joy rising up from my feet on the cold sand, after a minute of looking at the picture discovering salt spray on my face, too - pure tears of joy, of remembering one of the happiest moments unexpectedly (winning an author's scholarship and living in Tintagel, Cornwall, with 9 other women for 3 weeks - pure bliss).
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this fantastic picture and the sea spray and overflowing joy it gave back to me!

[Joanna Powell Colbert]

Thank you Johanna, so glad the image brought back the memory of being there yourself. You are so welcome!