Tarot Study: The Emperor

[mudweed]

Our next card is the Emperor. You guys know the drill. :)

Without looking at your books, and trying to let go of previous associations with this card, take a good deep look, and tell us what jumps out at you. Colors, figures, symbols, etc. If you prefer, you can also make up a story inspired by the card (it's pretty fun, you should try it sometime ;) ).

[Gigi]

Here goes...

The emperor is an older guy. He is a bit proud. Below his emperor’s robe he has armor on, ready for battle. This guy is no old fool. The mountains behind him signifies he is as strong as rock. On his left hand he holds a fruit. On his right hand he holds a sword of state. He is a ruler, a bit domineering.

He looks a bit agitated; as if sitting on the thrown is taking away his time to do something important. He needs to get back to what he was doing.

Orange is the color of the sunset. Hmmm, can this also mean new beginning? This card is letting us know that there’s something to be done, we need to get a move on it? We will also need strength to endure it, or that we have the strength to take on the new beginning.

Like always I feel that the meaning of each card is best understood by reading the surrounding cards. From this card I get strength and the feeling that something needs to be done. To get ready for whatever it is.

I'll try to do a story for the card later. :-)

[aftershocked]

Ok.. Sorry, I didn't get a chance to jump in on the Empress. I read the post though. Good suggestions, all. Now.. the emperor.

I don't mesh with him very well at all. As my stubborn, ambitious Capricorn self, I tend to shy away from authority figures like him. This is one of the first things I notice about him- he's the cock of the walk, the leader of the pack... definately in control. The stone that the throne is made of represents his steadfast nature and his determination- very few things can crubmle his resolve. On the throne, he is the king of the castle, whether he is the father figure or the manager of a business. The rams on the throne show that he can be stubborn and butt heads with those who challenge him. The armor on his feet show his warrior side- he is willing to stand up for those whom he cares for, and to protect all he's managed to build. The red is the color of blood (sacrifices he's had to make to earn his position) and passion (a key ingredient of any leader's personality).

When drawn in a reading as a person, I see the emperor as a father figure, perhaps a male teacher, or even a boss or a controlling SO- someone who seems to possess a power over the subject of the reading. If it represents something other than a person, I see it as meaning stability- good card to pull when looking for economic answers. On the other hand, it can seem to mean stagnation or refusal to change, which can be bad in relationships and lifestyles.

[Rowan MoonDragon]

Okie dokie. um........he's a very stern man. very authoritative. but likes balance since he has something in each hand. he's very strong and wise, shown by the mountains in the background. Man of high ideals. ummmmmm. that's all I"m getting anything else and I'd be repeating the above.

[Gigi]

Here's my small story...

The Emperor impatiently waited on his thrown. His patience growing weary, he tapped his armored foot against the steely floor. Tap, tap, and tap! When will this begin? The days come and go, as does the children, and tolerantly he must wait.

“Hmm, on my left I can eat of my fruits.” Tap, tap, and tap!

“As emperor, I must hold onto my scepter and give of my fruit.” Tap, tap, and more tap!

The Emperor smirked and shifted on his right butt cheek, easing the weight of indecision. Gluttony smiled at him seducing him for a luscious taste of his fruits and for a sunset rendezvous. For many years he has held his position with strength and endurance. This was no different point in time. Only the call of the mountain seems to sing a softer lullaby, a much more seductive tone.

Tap, tap, tap…tap, tap!

Can the Emperor’s will endure? …

[mudweed]

Wow! That was a really great story! Much better than anything I had in mind. :nyah:

[Gigi]

Wow! That was a really great story! Much better than anything I had in mind. :nyah:

Thanks! I almost shied out of posting it, but I took a deep breath and sent it.

Glad you enjoyed it!

[Gigi]

I have communicated with Mudweed today, and she has expressed interest in a little exercise that may help us associate the Tarot cards to our environment/communities.

The thread is under "Tarot Study: Card Association Exercise".

I hoped to somehow connect this thread to Mudweed's Forum, but I think that may take time from the administrators to do. So in the meantime, if you would like to participate please search the thread noted above.

I thank you in advance for participating! :flowers:

[Eowyn]

Taking my deck as always... (The Tarots of the Sphynx)

At a first look the Emperor looks a bit scary (maybe because I have a problem with father figures or something) but after a closer look he looks really nice, but determand.

And there's an eye of Houros or something at his left and I think that represtens religion or something... Im not that sure though. And there's the little bugg that represents eternal life. So I guess that's religion.

Maybe he's religious? :p

Well I think mostly of a father figure and determenation when I look on this card.... and religion somehow... But that's me

[Faery-Wings]

My UW Emperor:
First I notice the orange sky and red and orange robes. Even though he is sitting, this speaks of huge amounts of energy, vitality and virility. He is sitting erect- he is proud, and wants to seem very unyielding. But there is something in his face, that also makes me think he is caring and compassionate. The staff looks similar to an ankh- a symbol of life. His armor shows that he is tough, but fair. He doesn't look like a cruel warrior but one that follows a knight's code of chivalry. He has power- and a firey nature- which I see from the ram's head that decorate his royal throne. he rules - and he knows it.

[Faery-Wings]

The Celtic Dragon Emperor:
Here he shows more of a blend of royalty and ruling withthe family and compassion aspects. He has a regal crown, and rich robes. but a much more relaxed stance. Again, underlying the outer demeanor, I see that he is very watchful of the children. Nothing slips past his gaze. The dragon supports him both pysically and mentally. They know it is their duty to protect the next generation of both species- which you see by the children who are holding the baby dragons.
The flowers show life and vitality again.
I feel that the children he watches are those of him and the Empress.

[mudweed]

Some meanings of the emperor card (did I do this already? *lost in a fog*)

authority/ rulership
blessing
father figures
intellect/ logic
responsibility
success
patriarchy*
strategic planning
ambition
repression of natural urges for the good of society

"I have the power and discipline to achieve my highest ambitions."

*patriarchy: Some readers have negative reactions to this card because of this association. What do you think?

[Gigi]

authority/ rulership - agree
blessing - ? I just don't know. What do you mean?
father figures - yes
intellect/ logic - yes
responsibility - agree, towards people who follow him, and his children
success - yes
patriarchy - yes, also more noticible in the Celtric Dragon
strategic planning - I would agree on this
ambition - ? What kind of ambition?
repression of natural urges for the good of society - Does this agree with my interpretation that he wants to be able to move into action, but is forced to serve on the thrown as a leader?


*patriarchy: Some readers have negative reactions to this card because of this association. What do you think?

I can see why people may get this reaction in that the Emperor is powerful and those in his level would feel a bit - how do you say this? - intimidated, maybe. The Emperor, to me, feels good, I feel more confident if he's on my side, guiding me. He is a teacher, and as such, must discipline us for our own good. He watches over us, and because I know this, I don't get negative reactions from the card. More so, I feel that with his power and skill, we are keeping him from acting out his urges to take action. I feel bad to keep him from roaming and conquering as his heart desires.

[Dryad's Wyrd]

Whew! I'm finally back online! Major computer troubles had me down......need to catch up on what's been happening!
Love & Light
D

[Aidron]

The Emperor from my deck evokes a calm demeanor, regal attitude, and quiet observance.

The Emperor sits upon a rock, dressed in attire of earthly tones, from brown to various greens. This signifies that he does not need to advertise his position, but that he knows who he is and what his purpose is. A sword rests in its sheath at his side, ready to be pulled and used if need be, and he seems ready to do it in the blink of an eye. This gives me the feeling of hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst should trouble arise. He wears a golden crown atop his head, the only part of his attire that would signify his status. I imagine in the card that he wears it mostly as a reminder to himself and his duty.

Behind him sits a large, blue dragon, which in turn shares his calm demeanor. It seems watchful and ever alert, yet manages to exude a tranquil aura for the benefit of all, just as The Emperor does. His blue coloring reflects this, but also hints at wisdom. In my mind's eye it his companion, guide, and friend.

Above them are what I believe to be dogwood trees, symbols of life in my eyes. Perched on the branches are two birds which seem to be drawn to The Emperor for his guidance and the protection he offers.

Down in front of The Emperor and his companion dragon are two young children. A boy and a girl, and they seem to be symbols of balance on a deeper level to me. Masculine and feminine, one with dark hair, one with blonde hair. The Emperor and his dragon companion watch over them, which denotes his position as a protective influence in the lives of everyone and a guide, offering wisdom whenever the children need it, but content to let them play and enjoy life until they come to him. They play with two small, white dragons, which reflects the purity they and we all posess in the beginning of our journey, when we need someone like The Emperor to watch over us the most. Around them are various flowers of red, yellow, and orange, which are symbolic of life and the youthful energy that the children posess.

Key words & phrases I associate with The Emperor:

Masculine/God influences
A protector
A wise & powerful man
Leadership & stability
Caretaker
Responsibilities
Misuse of power
Controling others
Ignoring your responsibilities

[Theres]

Aries, Sun, law, structure (but NOT rigidity), foundation (being the number 4 card in the majors - see 'the Naples Arrangement').
at this point the Fool has recieved his basic physical foundation, and is ready to continue his journey into the higher intellectual and emotional realms (Heirophant, Lovers, Strength, etc).

[Shatril]

As with the Empress the name of the Emperor changed to Grandfather during the French Revolution.

This guy brings us more into the real of the world, unlike the Empress and High Priestess who are the spiritual matriarchal realms. This is the fellow who will make order out of chaos. He is the one who will build a box/square around the chaos to bring order. He stands for leadership, power, and dynamic action. He is related to all the mythological Great Fathers such as Zeus, and Jupiter.

The number of the card is four, and is significant in many way as an ordering factor: The four directions, four corners of the earth, the four prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea), the four seasons, the four letters of the Hebrew alphabet that represent the name of God (yod, he, vau, he) JHVH, the four basic operations of math, (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). There are creation stories that tell of man being created out of the four elements; a grain of dust from the earth, a drop of water, a breath of wind, and warmth from the nature of fire.

In a reading he represents the fulfillment of ambition. He may mean that you have caught the eye of a powerful person, and he may be willing to mentor you. It also means that you will gain high achievement, honor and renown.

If he shows up in a reading and you have been having a rough time and suffering from a lack of confidence he is a good sign. He means that, that time will be over soon. It indicates that you have some gift or talent that will bring victory and a rising of your status. However, remain humble and magnanimous in your victory.

If the card is you in the reading you will have a great influence over the situation.

Power, Influence, Magnanimity, Fatherly, Order from Chaos, building.

Well that is it for this one. Shatril :sunny:

[mudweed]

Hmmm. I think this is where I fell off of my own bandwagon. :)

My emperor is a ruler surveying his kingdom. "Look," he says, "all this before me, I control." His gesture encompasses the town, the mountains, the sky... all that can be seen. His balcony is carved with the symbols of all four suits, implying that not only does he have control of the physucal realm, he also presides in some ways over the spiritual realm, as well. The two people on the road below are shadowed, literally and figuratively, by the distance the emperor has put between himself and them. But to whom does he gesture? It looks like he's showing, perhaps, his son the realm that will one day be his. Think The Lion King. More likely, he is showing us... saying: "Look! You control all that is before you; you are the master of your own domain."

I think most of the meanings I posted fit this card.