The Emperor

THE EMPEROR III


Divinatory Meanings: Father. Grandfather. Boss. Chief. King. One who has authority. One who is just, stern, kind. A wise man. A good man. Usually it refers to somebody’s father or father-like figure such as coach, teacher, or even a president. Affluence. Material success and wealth.

Yes or No: Yes.

Numerical Value: 3

Without a doubt Barak Hussein Obama has captured the imagination of the world and given us all a newfound sense of hope in the democratic political process. The first black man in the white house, something that during the times of slavery in the south would have been unthinkable, is now a reality. Obama is a perfect representative of “The Emperor”, the Philosopher King who brings justice and well-being to his Kingdom.

The Emperor is the principal father figure. He is the good shepherd, making sure that all his flock are not lost or injured by the many wolves who abound in the world. But this shepherd is not one who nurtures the spiritual and psychological needs of his people: he simply the enabler, provider. The meal-ticket. Father might not always know best when it comes to feelings and what is needed inside by his children, but he will make sure that the refrigerator is full and that there is enough money for new shoes.

He is the master of matter. He brings to his family affluence and success. He takes the raw matter of a person and transforms it into surplus. He gives work. He makes sure that children are fed and that they have warm beds to sleep in.

He is also the justice-giver. His word is the Law. He can make and break whoever he likes or dislikes. He is not bound to any Law but himself because he is the ruler of the physical realm. This makes him also protector of the innocent. And of course, executioner of the guilty.

The Emperor is a peaceful but stern man. He will not have his authority questioned by anybody, but he will give generously to all. His needs are the needs of his people and his welfare is the welfare of his people. He has a divine duty to the land, and thus his element is earth. His empire is always expanding. He is especially fond of large homes and castles.

Around him are a court of aides and service-men. His authority is principally a military authority because he is the Lord of Hosts, commanding men to defend the realm. But his nature is peaceful. He has no desire for fighting, no lust for destruction.
As the primordial father, he is also the Grandfather, the leader of the clan, the elder, the statesman. His power is over the cities and towns and he must always be accompanied by many who do his will. But his pleasure comes from the service he provides for his children. Children are his primary attribute because he is the one who “brings home the bacon”.

He is also always accompanied by “The Empress” his eternal wife. Together, they form the dual aspect of God known as “The Lord” and “The Lady”. Their unity in duality appears also in The Lovers, The Devil, The High Priest and the High Priestess, The Tower…In fact, they are represented in all the cards to a lesser degree. It is the balance between them that makes reality possible. Their Ying and Yang is delicious in the fact that they live the one for the other. Love is their principal glue. But their union goes beyond simple love and touches on the divine duty of each one of us.