Taking Control with the Emperor

The Emperor IV

Check it out bloggees, an actual decent photo taken by yours truly!

As I write this I can see bright blue sky peeking through the gnarly old branches of my flowering crab tree; which makes me want to believe Spring might actually be upon us. I don't know if it was a dream but I am 99.9% positive I seen a chickadee today.  That little birdie has to be a good omen, right? Right??? Right!!!! This Winter has been so brutal over here on the East Coast that I find myself desperate for a little bit of warmer weather and for this snow to finally melt. I know deep inside the Earth's stirring, but maybe it could stir just a little faster? Can we possibly change the recipe from a slow stir to a fast whip into blooming flowers and warm sunny days? Even grim creatures of the night, such as myself, need some Vitamin D every now and then...

In other non-seasonal actual Tarot news, I have been a very, very busy Tarot lady. My weekends are booking up fast and I don't think I could be happier. I have met some interesting and wonderful people over the past little while. I also learned a valuable lesson which is going to be a post all of its own. I sometimes don't know who has more fun, me or the people getting the reading. Being a Tarot Reader you get to wear many hats. Sometimes I am a guidance counsellor, therapist or wise woman. I can be a healer who listens to someones' needs or deepest desires other times I have to provide structured advice, much like the Emperor card. 

When I first started learning Tarot (even a little bit now) I had a hard time getting my head wrapped around this card. I sometimes feel like I am often at odds with the Emperor. Aside from the whole "giving structured advice" bit, the Emperor and I have very little in common. This card is all about structure, authority and control. I always liken this card to a father figure or someone who is older and is well respected or on the other foot- demands such respect. When this card shows up in a reading it can be a sign for a need for structure. To gain back control of ones own life. The card could also signify a strong masculine energy that is surrounding the person getting the reading. The Emperor sitting on his throne decorated in the skulls of rams is a sign of a stubborn person who will not give up. This card falls under the sign of Aries and holds many of the same attributes as Aries people do. There is no wasting time or lallygagging as my grandma would say. If you say you are going to do something you are going to do it. This is what this card embodies. It can be a good sign that you are finally going to do what you need to do, to get where you want to go. Another important aspect of this card is the number four. There are four seasons, four elements, four cardinal points. He is the beginning, action, completion and the result. All of these things are engrained in our society and have never been changed since their creation. This is the way of the Emperor. 

Keys you want to remember when you see this card are: authority, masculinity, father, respect, stubbornness, control. 

Structured Thinking with the Emperor

Put on your stretchy pants, put your feet up and lets think on the Emperor. 

See this card through the eyes of the Fool. What comes to mind when you look upon this stern man sitting on this throne crowned in skulls. Do you approach him? Do you avoid eye contact admiring him from a distance? Allow yourself time to inspect this man. His stern face framed by a long white beard. On top of his head there is a golden crown and in his hand is a golden apple, which he stretches towards you. He beckons you to come closer. As you approach his throne many thoughts fill your head. You push them away focusing. You stand before the Emperor. You look into his eyes, who does he look like? He makes eye contact with you, what colour are his eyes? You feel yourself standing up a little straighter. You smooth the wrinkles in your clothing. You want to impress him. 

Time passes before he speaks. You feel like he can read your thoughts and see into your soul. He hands you the golden apple. Hesitating you reach for it. His eyes smile. Underneath the sternness of his demeanour you know you can trust this man. The apple is large and heavy. Sweet smells of autumn fill your nostrils. The apple smells so good you want to bite into its golden skin. You hold it in your hands anticipating that first bite, but you wait. You know that you must not break the rules. You know you must listen and behave. He makes you feel like a child, awaiting instruction. He speaks to you and tells you that you can bite the apple and when you taste it your mind will open. You will know what you need to do. You will know your purpose. He warns you that this does not come freely. If you decide to taste the apple you must complete your life's purpose no matter how difficult and you may never forget the mysteries once you have seen them.

Will you bite the apple and gain the knowledge? Or will you pass him back the apple unsure if it is the right thing to do. 

Take some time and think on this. Would you want to know the answers to the mysteries but could you handle the weight of this truth? He is patient and gives you time to think as he knows that the right answers often take time to come about. 

Write down this experience. What happened when you decided to try the apple? What happened if you decided to give it back? 

Note: It seems that this meditation has turned into a "Tarot Choose Your Own Adventure", remember those?

Dammit, now I really have a craving for applies. Perhaps apples of the pie or crumble form... 

Like with the Empress, I think we should end our mediation by sending some positive energy to those wonderful males in our lives. Whether its your father, uncle, grandpa, brother, nephew, sexy man lover or your best friends. Make sure to send some good vibes their way. Be thankful to have these men and their energy in your life. Take some time to call them (do people actually call anyone these days?) or go spend some time in their awesome presence. Appreciate the men in your life today. I believe you will be happy you did.