Wow, what a strong card!!!
I don't know who to give credit to, so I am going to give kudos to BOTH Lee and Antonella for the deeper meaning of this card.
To me, I saw the immediate RWS connection of this card to III - The Empress in terms of the nurturing and fertility aspect. A very parental card if I may.....but then I studied the card even deeper and was drawn to the dove on the branch!
Looking up the symbology of doves I discovered this:
(
http://www.manizone.co.uk/dove-totem-a-41.html )
"....Doves, like many species of birds, breed and nest in pairs, they mate for life and build their nests, protect their territory and raise their young with their partners. The males as well as the females produce a milk like substance, called “crop milk” to feed their newborns with. Both parents take responsibility for the hatching and care of their offspring. The males will sit on the eggs during the day while the females take over the task at night......"
"....The Magnificent Dove Totem possesses the following virtues:
Love, gentleness, new ideas, purity, sexual energy, intimate relationships, creativity, peace, family values, centered calmness, tranquility, support, assistance, new relationships, peaceful transition from difficulty, powers of the feminine, friendship....." (VERY APPROPRIATE MEANING FOR THE EMPRESS CARD, DON'T YOU THINK?!?!)
The website also says that doves were connected to Aphrodite (Venus) and the planet that is associated with this card? VENUS!!!
Brilliant, simply brilliant!