Tarot Course: Major Arcana Signs & Symbols

What do these symbols mean? How might you interpret these cards in a reading if you focus on the symbols? 


The Empress

The crystals behind her are connection to to the blessings/gifts of the earth- alchemy and change after pressure. She has a heart/woman sign at her feet- ruling with femme strength and love. She's regal- has crown and gold earrings but doesn't seem ostentatious- she has power and status, but power from within, she wears the crown, the crown doesn't wear her.


The Star

I very infrequently draw this card. A woman with two full jugs, one pouring water back into the pond, the other watering the grass. Nurturing what doesn't have the element, and what does (fill both). A crane takes off in flight behind her, pointing towards the star/s in the sky- a journey but not sure where to. Woman is looking downwards, kneeling, one foot in water the other on land- straddling emotion/water, and more grounded things/material practicality. Growing / helping to nurture the seeds that will grow into the trees in the background- long term projects/labor.

Death
One dead at the feet of horse, 3 alive, two giving offerings / praise while one kneels and looks away. Reminder that all transformation is both painful and joyful/welcome. A flower held up to Death, also a flower in the black flag Death holds- again, new growth out of destruction. On the horizon the sun rises behind two towers/citadels. Even after the darkest period, there will be a new day.