Description
A hand holds a pentacle, surrounded by lace and clouds, with vines entwining the fingers of the wearer of this mehndi, or henna, design.
Symbolism
Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of Prosperity and patroness of henna, is thought to favor those wearing henna, and to more readily grant prayers said with incense lit by hennaed hands.
In Tarot, the suit of pentacles is sometimes shown as coins. Coins fall from Lakshmi's bountiful right hand, to be caught by those whom She favors. Wearing henna is thought to bring Lakshmi's prosperity to your home and business. She is often shown seated on a lotus flower, which is symbolically seen here in the pentacle's lacy ring.
A predominately Muslim/Moroccan belief is that henna can ward off evil spirits and avert the evil eye, as well as bring spiritual blessings for the wearer. Here too henna designs are used in times of blessing significant events or unions, such as marriages.
Card Meaning
The Ace is a symbol of potential and Pentacles speak to the realm of the material world - including monetary concerns. This card indicates a time of good fortune, an opportunity to be had (especially a monetary one such as a job offer), and a period of potential new growth. You may find yourself at a point to take a potential (or conceptual idea) and have it realized (and made physical) in material form. These are times to be made the most of. Spiritual forces are favorable to assisting you in this endeavor.
Artistic Media
This pentacle is shown painted in henna. Henna is a spiritual medium to work in, and many religions include henna rituals as a means of blessing, before and after significant events.
Artist's Bio
I first started using henna for mehndi around 1997. Until that point I had never heard of using henna as a body art, only as a hair colorant. I made every mistake there was to make about learning to do henna, and there were plenty to make. But I loved it, and so I persisted, and continued to practice on my friends and myself for years until I had improved at the art. In 2001, while pregnant, I was looking for options into a home-based business when a dear friend suggested to me, "Alissa, why not henna?" And so, I started taking my first paid appointments.
Since becoming a professional henna artist, I strive to integrate my personal spiritual beliefs into my work. Regardless of the client's background, I try to see each encounter as a chance to act "as Lakshmi might," and thereby try to take on Her grace and elegance while I work.
Henna has brought me many blessings, both spiritual and monetary, and continues to do so. Each day that it does, I remember to say thanks. Because I have such a tremendous respect for this work, I wanted to use it as a significant part of my Tarot artwork. Now that I offer readings to the public, I find that my Tarot reading is taking a similar path as that of my henna - at first practiced for myself and friends or family, and now to any who might see my time and service of value. Namaste!
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