The benevolent figure in card 36, Initiation,is Taweret, the Great One. She has the body of a hippopotamus, the paws of a lion, and the tail of a crocodile-- each of these animals is strong and fierce, but ancient Egyptians were most impressed with the female hippo’s protectiveness toward her young. Taweret was a popular goddess among ordinary people of ancient Egypt, who saw her as overseeing childbirth, the inundation of the Nile, and rebirth after death.
In this image, Taweret accompanies a confident initiate, probably a woman pregnant for the first time. The initiate holds the ankh, symbolizing life, while Taweret grasps the tayet, the girdle of Isis, possibly a fabric version of the ankh. Initiation in Taweret's mysteries may have signified accepting the responsibility for birthing and nurturing new life.
Symbols within the cartouche include the eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, tzaddi, meaning hunter, alongside a letter of a celestial alphabet, and a snake hieroglyph symbolizing feminine energy and birth because of its resemblance to an umbilical cord.
The lower part of the cartouche features a circle enclosing the hieroglyph for rope and a seated figure that appears to be a teacher, suggesting instruction before initiation.
The card's title field incorporates the symbol for Mars, the letter H, and the numeral 9. Mars, suggesting war, contrasts with the card's feminine theme, but perhaps highlights Taweret's fiercer qualities. Nine may signify courage or strength. (This numeral appears six times in this deck, always accompanied by the letters H, O, or Y.)
The teacher hieroglyph, the initiate's garment, and Taweret herself are depicted in a startling pink, contrasted against a vibrant yellow background. This color scheme represent feminine powers standing out in bright masculine sunshine. (Egypt's sun god, Ra, was male.)
Stuart Kaplan describes the object Taweret holds as a protective amulet made of plaited papyrus. He interprets the upright card as representing childbirth, feminine power, progress, and artistic inspiration, with reversed meanings indicating sterility and financial challenges.
Nelise Carbonare Vieira associates this card with the Ten of Wands. Traditionally, the Ten of Wands presents themes of responsibility, overwork, and losing sight of one's goal; this could be linked to the idea of a pregnant woman overwhelmed by the approaching responsibilities of child-rearing. Vieira, on the other hand, writes that Card 36 refers to breaking down old structures, stability and security for the start of a new construction, and liberation from dependency.
Envision yourself as the small human figure, supported by Taweret’s physical presence and wise teachings. Confidently step toward your destiny, embracing both responsibility and empowerment as you continue on this new journey.
Taweret: Goddess of protection, childbirth, and rebirth, combining fierce and nurturing qualities.
ReplyDeleteInitiate: A confident figure holding the ankh (life), guided by Taweret, symbolizing new responsibilities and empowerment.
Tzaddi (hunter): Represents pursuit and determination.
Snake hieroglyph: Feminine energy and birth.
Rope and teacher hieroglyphs: Guidance and preparation for new endeavors.
Pink (feminine power) contrasts with yellow (masculine sunshine), emphasizing Taweret’s nurturing energy amidst strength.
Interpretations:
Upright: Childbirth, feminine power, progress, artistic inspiration.
Reversed: Challenges such as sterility or financial difficulties.
Vieira’s Insights:
Breaking old structures, building stability, and achieving independence.
A new phase of responsibility and liberation from dependency.
Guidance:
Step forward confidently, supported by Taweret’s strength and wisdom. Embrace the balance of responsibility and empowerment to create a stable and fulfilling path forward.