My Description of the Card
Against a background of cool blue skies and mountains sits The Emperor. Dressed in a green cape trimmed in rich gold and red he sits on a gray throne. In his right hand he holds a golden wand ornamented with a golden eagle(?) . His left hand steadies a globe that is perched on his left knee while holding the Egyptian ankh. There is nature around him in the form of the mountains, the green fields, the sheep(?) and the water (perhaps a small lake) in the background and in the foreground flowers (tulips). Unlike the profusion of nature on the card for the Empress with its warm colors, here all is in cool colors and all is orderly. Instead of looking directly at you, like the Empress, the Emperor looks slightly off to the side, seeming to look at you but not look at you. To me there is a feeling of cool, calm, confident orderliness.

From "A New Handbook for the Apprentice"
KEY: Balance and authority, mind over matter, experience and knowledge.
REVERSE: Positive direction is needed, lack of control, need for self-discipline.

MEMORY: Truth and justice known within; Forgiveness means admitting sin.
REVERSE: Butterfly flits and knows no way; Man must plan and work each day.

GUIDELINES: A controlled person who relies on his own intellect, not easily influenced. Someone who is well respected and holds a position of authority. Can indicate versatile abilities; important to retain inner balance.
REVERSE: Possible that you are feeling the weight of responsibility; someone is becoming a burden. Someone could be after something you have. Be sure you understand the motives of this person. Do not tolerate anyone who does not appear to be self-sufficient; he can become a great responsibility.

My Impressions
The Empress, Creatrix of the starry night, said, "Let there be Light" and out of her womb burst forth the chaos of Lux Aeterna, Light Perpetual. And her Creator Husband, the Lord God Almighty smiled upon this new creation and spoke the words, "E=mc2" and Form and Law was given to the Chaos. And those creatures of the starry night and the glorious day, stars, suns, moons, and planets, where given the light of life.

Susan
marquis@bayserve.net