Ariadne

Tarot Card of the Day + Ophiuchus Full Moon Tarot Spread

Jun 12, 2024

Working with the Incidental Tarot today for the Ophiuchus Full Moon Tarot Spread sample reading made me want to research Ariadne, one of the extra cards in this 80-card Tarot deck.

Ariadne’s Story

The myth of Theseus and Ariadne is one of the best-loved tales from Greek mythology. It intertwines themes of heroism, love, mysticism, betrayal and—ultimately—healing and redemption which are themes that fit well with the upcoming Full Moon next week.

The Tale of Theseus and Ariadne

Theseus, the hero of Athens, sets out on a perilous journey to Crete to defeat the Minotaur, a half human/half bull creature dwelling within the labyrinth constructed by Daedalus (yes, the father of Icarus). The labyrinth was designed to be so complex that no one could escape it. Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos and mistress of the labyrinth, falls deeply in love with Theseus and resolves to help him against her half-brother, the Minotaur, thus alienating her birth family.

Ariadne provides Theseus with a ball of thread, instructing him to unravel it as he navigates the labyrinth so he can find his way back after slaying the Minotaur. This simple yet ingenious act of providing a thread symbolises Ariadne’s role as a weaver of fate, carefully crafting a plan that would lead Theseus to victory and safety.

Ariadne: The Weaver

In many cultures, weaving is associated with the deities that control fate and destiny. Ariadne’s thread not only aids Theseus in navigating the labyrinth but also metaphorically represents the connection and bond between them. By granting Theseus the means to conquer the labyrinth, Ariadne weaves herself into his story, influencing the course of events.

Ariadne As a Minoan Snake Goddess

Ariadne is also linked to the Minoan snake goddess, an ancient deity revered in Minoan culture (the culture of ancient Crete). The snake goddess is typically depicted holding snakes, symbols of renewal and life cycles. This connection underscores Ariadne’s role as a figure of power and transformation.

In Minoan culture, the snake goddess is also a symbol of fertility and rebirth, indicating that Ariadne embodies not only the weaver of fate but also the essence of life and transformation. The dual nature of Ariadne as both weaver and divine serpent wisdom keeper highlights her complex and multifaceted character within mythology.

The Wounds of Ariadne

Ariadne's life is marked by moments of profound loss, betrayal and abandonment. After aiding Theseus in defeating the Minotaur and escaping the labyrinth, Theseus abandons her on the island of Naxos. This betrayal inflicts a deep emotional wound. The pain of abandonment and the loss of her homeland and purpose in Crete forever changes her.

Transformation Through Suffering

Despite her abandonment, Ariadne's story does not end in despair. On Naxos, she meets the god Dionysus, another deity associated with serpent symbolism, who recognises her pain and chooses to marry her. This divine union transforms Ariadne, elevating her from the depths of her suffering to the heights of divine love and purpose. Her personal transformation through suffering embodies the essence of the wounded healer.

Ariadne's journey of healing and transformation positions her as a figure who can guide and inspire all of us in dealing with our own labyrinthine challenges.