Tarot Study: The Emperor

[Gentoo]

Someone needs to get on me about doing more of these threads

The next card is the Emperor:

The first card is from the Rider-Waite deck, the second card is from the Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, the third is from the Ferret Tarot by Elaine Moertl.

What are your first impressions when looking at these images? How is the meaning of The Emperor conveyed in the different representations? How can we expand on the conventional meanings for this card?

 

[Willamena]

Authority... Rulership... And parenthood.

 

[Mr Cheese]

not starting afresh huh? ok....

card 4

well we see obvious ram heads, aries one would assume
male and fire...which makes sense

we see an orb, which has several meanings, often depicted as alchemical symbol for vitriol... but it does not seem to containa cross, so just an orb, for earth... maybe then this is a capricorn card?

The sceptre of course looks a lot like an ankh, as such it amy also be an alchemical symbol (much like the hanged man), if it is, it escapes me...

The attribution on the tree that is non standard places this between chockmah and chesed, wisdom and mercy. Clearly then, this card is akin to Solomon.

This card is obviously as we can see in all 3 pics, a master, a holder of the way, he resides and rules something big.....

 

[Gentoo]

not starting afresh huh? ok....

The first four card threads are still open for anyone to comment on. This isn't meant to be a strictly one card at a time discussion.

 

[Guitar's Cry]

A lot of responsibility in them there cards! Especially for that adorable ferret.

I think the first two represent victory over opposition due to the leg armor of the first and the laurel crown (right? Or is that wheat depicting wealth?) of the second.

 

[Mr Cheese]

accordign to my book, the rider waite emperor is depicted as Charlemagne

note this third image as it relates to the second card, from wiki:

note:

There were multiple symbols for the element antimony. Antimony was sometimes symbolized by the wolf. The metal antimony represents man's free spirit or animal nature.
Todd Helmenstine

http://chemistry.about.com/od/periodictableelements/ig/Alchemy-Symbols/

Antimony: A metalloid, antimony, resembles metal in its appearance and physical properties, but does not chemically react as a metal. This elemental alchemy symbol represents animal tendencies found in humankind – a wild nature in all of us – wear this symbol when you are feeling meek – it will remind you of the animal power that dwells within you.

Elemental Alchemy Symbols

 

[Gentoo]

Here's what my books have to say about the Emperor:

The message of the Emperor is that of healthy stability. Create an environment that allows you to function at your best. Seek well-functioning order in your life in terms of your home, your workplace, and your relationships. Appreciate the rules of society that allow a smooth and peaceful life.

Be aware of stifling and stagnating rules and regulations. Creating order in your life simply for the sake of order alone in inhibiting, not liberating. Learn when it is time to question the obligations and mores of society.

~The Gilded Tarot Companion Book by Barbara Moore

The struggle for independence. Refusal to submit to others' authority. Pushing back external influences which encroach upon one's territory.

~The Lord of the Rings Tarot Deck by Terry Donaldson

Key words: I Realize
Ruled by: Aries
Element: Fire
Attributes: Balance, Stability, Leadership, Authority, Father image, Knowledge, Action, Power, Truth

~ How to: Read the Tarot by Sylvia Abraham

So all that being said, how can we look deeper into this archetype, beyond these basic definitions?

 

[blackout]

My own associations...

Emperor from the latin Imperator.

The Imperator was invested (robed) with
Full Regal Authority and Power over a given "empire",
and with that, potentially powerful (spheres of) influence
beyond the "empire's" official "walls" itself.

Emperor/Imperator implies/includes/brings to mind...

invested authority
finance/investment
building
structure
the physical realm
stability
strength
order
rule (and measure)
decision making authority
power to execute
potential expansion
sphere of influence
alliances of strength
knowledgable council
protective forces
a strong fortress


Hopefully...

supportive of arts and culture
concerned with freedoms of the individual
fairminded
wise in discernment
wise with resources
responsible in planning
sensible in building
thoughtful of the general landscape
attuned to the whole
concerned with the needs of the "little people"
and the "dependent"
concerned with the community/"empire" at large.
discerning of character
wise in alliance
protective of his domain
contemplative in large decisions
willing to seek good council



To sum up the Emperor for mySelf
I would say this...

Power & Authority of Word
in the form of Empowered 'command'
to bring Things into Being
in the Physical Realm.

It's my LHP take on the card I guess.
It resonates the most with me. :rainbow1:







This is a great exercise,
Thanks Meg.

 

[blackout]

I love The Emperor in The Gilded Tarot
because it looks like he is Ruling the Spheres
The planets, the Zodiac...
The above, and the below...

Each one of us is the Emperor
of our Own sphere.
Our own life.
Our own reality.
Our Own BEing.


Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a territory.
Thus is the rule of the Emperor.

Here's this...

Classical



The Roman jurist Ulpian observed that:

• The imperium of the people is transferred to the Emperor,
• The Emperor is not bound by the law,
• The Emperor's word is law.

It is the last two that interest me. :yes: