Book Description
The Emperor is the progressed Magician who has married the High Priestess. Their union elevates them to the status of Emperor and Empress. His Scepter is a rough hewn ankh; a vigilant eagle deigns to perch upon it. The eagle, lord of the air, symbolises the Emperor's diligence in maintaining his realm.In his left hand, the Emperor clasps a crystal ball, sybolising his need of the Empress's clarity of vision. This bearded mature mature man sits on a wooden throne (with carved Arian rams) overlooking high red (Martian) cliffs.The aggressive masculinity of Aries and its planetary ruler, Mars, indicates the Emperor's source of authority. Yet his Martian aggression is tempered by his innane solar temperament (characteristic of the Magician, his young self). A solar sigil glows on the breast of his tunic, aligning him with the solar perspective of the Magician.

He wears the antlered crown of the pagan Green Man or Horned God, consort of the mother goddess in pagan fertility rites. He is thus a more shamanic figure than traditional Emperors. The convoluted knotted spirals carved on the throne symbolize the complexity of his path. Yet, like Emperors of traditional decks, he keeps a watchful eye on the defense of his realm. He has staked out his territory and will pounce upon anyone or anything threatening it. His protective attitude extends to the protection of the land and people under his domain. He protects his community with firm, fair leadership and protects his family with love.

Book Meaning
The patriarch; an effective leader wielding great power; a leader capable of exercising authority and willing to listen to counsel. Mature decisions; establishing,pursuing and attaining goals; sacrificing for the greater good; laws and regulations governing the community. A weak Emperor is immature, ineffective or indecisive; he can exhibit aggressive or violent behaviour. Corrupt leadership; laws or customs that diminish rather than enhance the community.

My Impressions of this Card
The striking heavy, wooden chair, carved with ram's heads on the arms and back, resonates with power, of the natural kind. I sense it is backed by intelligence and feeling rather than the power of aquired wealth. This Emperor is not adorned with the rich trappings,normally associated with someone of his stature. His orb is a crystal ball (links with the other world), not a golden jewel-encrusted sphere of a king. His scepter appears to be made made of wood and in the shape of an ankh, with an eagle perched on top, suggests to me of viewing surrounding through the eyes of the this bird (King of the skies), a sort of bird's eye look at nature. The power of the Natural world is enforced by the Emperors headdress of the skin and head of a stag, complete with antlers! Symbolising the leadership of the countryside, forests and fields.

He could be called "medalion man" wearing the huge, golden chain and circular 'medal' covering his chest. I see it as a symbol of the circle of life and elements and their directions.

WitchHazell
hazelll@e-post.nl