Photo Shoot: THE EMPRESSES
THE EMPRESSES: Depiction: The Empress sits on a throne wearing a starry crown, holding a scepter in one hand. The scepter is representative of her power over life, her crown has twelve stars representing her dominance over the year, and her throne is in the midst of a field of grain, representative of her dominion over growing things. Meaning: The Empress is traditionally associated with maternal influence, it is the card if you are hoping to start a family. She can represent the creation of life, romance, art, or new business. When The Empress appears in your Tarot readings, take a moment to reflect on the bounty that surrounds you and offer gratitude for all you have created so you can continue to build on this energy and create even more abundance in your life. This photo series represents the Empress Card of the Major Arcana in Tarot reading. Two Empresses sit together, connected. Representing life. The lives that were saved when they met, and the lives that were made when they started their adventure together. Life with Tamara began in December 2015, seven years ago. On 18.1.2022 my best friend, my constant, my familiar, Tamara turns 14 years old. She first came to me as a rescue from a racetrack in Galveston, Texas. I had recently had the first step of a very intense two years of invasive hip surgery. I wasn’t prepared to have a dog but I was lost and depressed. I wasn’t planning on getting a dog, I was just going to foster her. But, it quickly became clear that she was meant for me. We’ve been together ever since. We traveled around the United States and Prague. She came with me to courses for my masters program at DAMU (Academy of Performing Arts Prague) almost everyday. She was even at my state exams. We’ve spent so much time together, and grown older together. We have both changed so much from those first moments to now. Each step of the way she takes care of me, lays next to me when I am sad, keeps me going, and gets me outside. She is never judgmental (well sometimes judgmental) and is usually a pretty good judge of character. Breakups, pandemics, depression, and procrastinations (she loves this because we go on really long walks). She’s always there. Now it is my time to take care of her. She’s older, tired, her legs are weak, her body needs rest. It’s my job to make sure she’s comfortable and happy. But, in this time where I know that every moment I get to spend with her is a gift, and that one day, I won’t be able to have her in my life. I want to remeber her as the queen she is. Now as the being that not only changed my life, but saved it. Two Empresses, together. Giving each other life. Concept: Alyssa Dillard Models: Alyssa Dillard and Tamara Photography: Hana Selena @hanaselena MUA: Phil Noirande @phillanoiraude