The Black Madonnas of the deck

XI Holy Wisdom from Mysteries of Mary tarot
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Mirror of Justice, Seat of Wisdom – Litany of Loreto

There are many streams of understanding of Holy Wisdom as the Lady of the Mysteries. 

In the Litany of Loreto She is called the Seat of Wisdom.  

The Black Madonna, the ‘Notre Dame Sous Terre de Chartres’; 

Our Lady Underground in Chartres is the representation of the Divine Woman 

as Holy Wisdom in the deck. 

The background tapestry in this shrine I drew and stitched myself.  

It is a replica of the one that hangs behind Notre Dame Sous Terre in the 

underground chapel of Chartres. 

As you enter the chapel you pass underneath ‘the Hand of God’ 

and it is as though are being blessed as you enter the hidden 

underground chamber of Dark Wisdom. 

Notre Dame Sous Terre de Chartres
XI Holy Wisdom
Mysteries of Mary Tarot

The hidden Black Madonna under the earth is seated on the throne of wisdom  

One has to descend through the Chartres Cathedral to access these 

underground passages and chapels, 

all of which are dimly lit and often only by candle light.  

You can only visit this chapel under the guidance of an appointed tour leader and you are not allowed to linger in the chapel to pray or meditate. 

Holy Wisdom is veiled behind the appearance and noise 

of the external world and it is necessary to enter the 

subterranean cave in order to find her ‘still’ voice.

The Greek for Holy Wisdom is Hagia Sophia.  

Sophia is the Wisdom of the divine deity. 

She has been revered as the Wise Bride of Solomon 

in the Judaic tradition; as Athena, the Queen of Wisdom and War 

in the Greek pantheon and as 

Our Lady Wisdom by Christians.  

She is known as Chokmah in Hebrew, and Sapientia in Latin.

When Holy Wisdom is seated on the throne of your inner world, then you are ensured of a wise voice of intuition and discernment.  Following Lady Wisdom is a skill that needs commitment to be developed.   She does not often speak in a loud voice, but often through the words of others, images, nature and your soul.  You are surrounded by the voices of Wisdom, you only have to open your ears and eyes. 

blessings

Hettienne