Niki de Saint Phalle's Tarot Garden

Death In contrast to the typical skeletal reaper, this image of death is a buxom woman, leveling all from horseback. Dismembered limbs and slain animals are scattered around her steed - this is a lady in a hurry. For all the grimness, this memento mori is a symbol of renewal and regrowth. As Niki de Saint Phalle puts it "Without death, life would have no meaning". An awareness that "in the midst of life we are in death" is a liberation which helps us to recognise what is important and what is not. And it's a fabulous piece of mosaic......

Strength This dragon represents the glittering prize of inner strength and self-reliance that stems from confronting our own personal demons. What seemed terrifying before becomes a source of confidence and courage.

previous (The Devil)

back to list

next (Temperance)