Welcome to the newest member of my Ancient Spirits art series, Pythia. Her story is fascinating, and she holds a special significance for me as a sacred guide on my Tarot path.
When I first began to learn Tarot, my teacher was a very intuitive woman who always offered clarifying insights during my lessons. During our initial class I was asked to pull a card to signify my Tarot journey, and I got the High Priestess—a card representing spiritual connection, deep intuition, and trust in the inner voice. Over the next several months of training, this card appeared frequently for me, a happening my teacher saw as an indication that the Tarot was surely my meant path. Near the completion of our time together, when the High Priestess appeared once again, she shared that she was seeing the Oracle of Delphi—Pythia—represented by the card, and felt there was an ancient connection there for me.
As time went on my connection to the spirit of Pythia intensified. I discovered a Tarot deck based on Pythia’s story that, although supposedly out of print, I was able to purchase from the creator. When the deck arrived I felt an instant bond, and it has become my go-to deck for profound personal readings. My cat Chloe—who is still with me in spirit—felt the deck’s magic too, and insisted on being nearby whenever I was working with it.
Then there’s the beautiful bronze figurine of Pythia that I tried to resist purchasing, but gave in when she kept popping up, and now sits inspiringly atop my shelf of decks. Indeed, the Oracle of Delphi—Pythia—has become the guiding spirit in all of my readings.
Over the years I’ve had the niggling idea of creating an art piece to honor her, and I believe this final rendition of her image feels right. She will be on display in the studio to lend further inspiration to my readings, and perhaps offer a reminder to all who view her to trust the inner voice.
The Oracle of Delphi’s story: Pythia was the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, considered one of the most important religious figures in ancient Greece. She was known for her role as the oracle, delivering prophetic messages believed to be inspired by Apollo himself.
Pythia's role was deeply significant in ancient Greek culture, and her pronouncements were highly regarded. People from all over the Greek world, including kings and generals, would travel to Delphi to consult the oracle. The process of giving oracles involved Pythia entering a trance-like state, possibly induced by inhaling vapors from a chasm in the temple, though the exact methods are still debated by historians.
The term "Pythia" was derived from the name of the ancient serpent, Python, whom Apollo is said to have slain at Delphi, marking the location as sacred. Over time, the title "Pythia" came to refer to the high priestess who spoke for Apollo.
If you feel called to discover your own inner voice, my Tarot readings are available on-line or in-person. I’d be honored to meet you on the healing path.
Blessings,
Torie
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