The Wise Woman's Tarot
A Multicultural, Matriarchal Deck and Book
Maiden of Swords
 |
Maiden of Swords Image - Morrigan - Irish
The Morrigan was part of a trinity of
war and death goddesses revered by the Tuatha de Danaan, the original Celtic
inhabitants of Ireland. This most aggressive deity is shown here in her
maiden (young woman) aspect. She was known to change shape and form appearing
often as a black crow flying across the battlefield, visible only to those
about to lose their lives.
Morrigan was not simply a militant warrior-maiden, but a sorceress as
well - chanting, casting runes and spells to give her people the decided edge
over invaders. Sometimes she used weather magic, such as creating fog or rain
as a protective cover during battle. Perhaps she was the goddess whom Sir
Francis Drake and his coven invoked to create the storm that gave his smaller
fleet the power to repel the superior Spanish Armada.
The Morrigan is shown here with flowing dark hair "dressed in brightly
colored clothes embroidered with threads of glistening gold," her sword
drawn. On her shoulder is perched the black crow and a serpent is coiled around her leg, both being
animals whose form she was known to take. Morrigan stands with pride on a
foggy Irish moor.
By drawing this card, you invoke her stance and demeanor which is one of
vigilance. She is a militant avenging Celtic Amazon. Like her sword, she has
an edge to her personality. She is not the easiest person to be around
because she can be brittle and caustic, but such is the personality of one who
must be a watchdog and a defender of freedom. She is the activist in us all.
<<Return to Tarot
