Quick question for you guys; how would you interpret the High Priestess in terms of physical attractiveness, and what separates her from the Empress in beauty? Both these cards speak of the essence of femininity, but I was just a little stumped as to what sets them apart. Is the High Priestess the femme fatale or woman of mystery? But then I guess that would make her attractive in a sense that is not as tangible as physical appearance...who's got more sex appeal? Her or the Empress?
Imo, and really we all see attractive, beauty and sexuality very differently so it is all subjective...
I see the HP as the sexually aware but very self possessed woman. She might like sex, but she uses it to manipulate and control the men in her life.
I see her as the independent feminist woman that burned their bras in the 60s demanding to be treated like a man, but in the process loses touch with their feminine side. They have no problem with the one night stand or a fwb arraignment because they don't get emotionally involved easily.
Of course not every woman is the nurturing mom type.. I also see the HP as the driven career woman who is honest enough to admit to herself and any S/O that she doesn't want a family, doesn't want to be a mom.
This woman can be very attractive... Her sexual independence can translate into using sex to climb the corporate ladder, or simply to alleviate her loneliness with a night at the bar flirting with all the guys, getting free drinks and quite possibly taking someone home for a bit of a roll, not really caring if her chosen guy is married or not... After all, if he doesn't care about his relationships, why should she..
Then there's the Empress.. She's the high school sweetheart that every guy wants. She is the one that will stay up cramming with her guy so that he will pass his test with better grades than he would have gotten. She's the girl that loves kids and wants to be a mom.
She's also that woman who upon discovering her sexuality revels in it. She enjoys sex and while she may use it as a weapon, it's more likely that she will prefer abstinence to random sex with strangers because she tends to prefer an emotional connection.
She can't do FWB very well, because she will catch feelings and want more. She is a generous lover and a big hearted woman. She may have affairs but she does because she is involved emotionally.
She may be an independent woman, capable of living without a man, but she prefers to have someone she to love and lavish her time and attention on. And if a man isn't available, you can bet she has pets, or may even have other family members living with her; Parents that need care, grandchildren, adult children, foster kids, teen moms, etc. She genuinely has a need to love and care for someone.. Sometimes anyone.. Which can be bad..
I think either women can have any look, although I think in general the HP you'd find more at home in a power suit or a tight navel baring evening gown (think Cher). While the Empress would be more girl next door or Whitney Houston..
Both types of woman can be attractive.. Just in different ways.