4.
EMPEROR
All
seems blessed on the journey through the archetypes, but
then the fiery EMPEROR appears to command the garden. He
represents power and domination. The EMPEROR is a pioneer,
leader, and explorer. He is a warrior who has the strength
to go forth and succeed. He is a man of action. In imperial
China, the EMPEROR'S symbol was the Dragon that represented
masculine yang energy. (The EMPRESS' symbol was the Phoenix
that represented female yin energy.) EMPERORS throughout
history, from Caesar to Napoleon, possess the traits of
absolute power, dogmatic authority, and iron will; which
if not properly handled can become corrupt.
When
successfully channeled, the EMPEROR can be a dynamic, strong,
focused, and incisive catalyst for change and creation.
Yet he often wants things his way only and can be intolerance,
even ruthless, if others do not agree with his methods.
Or he quickly loses interest and does not complete what
was enthusiastically initiated.
The
EMPEROR is ruled by the astrology sign Aries, so rams surround
his throne in both the Waite-Rider and Crowley Thoth decks.
The EMPEROR is portrayed holding the scepter of masculine
energy in his right hand and the orb of feminine energy
in his left hand. Therefore he does possess the power of
balanced action. The Hebrew letter on the bottom of the
card is tzddi, meaning fish hook.
Divinatory
meaning of the EMPEROR: There is potential for much growth
and movement, and to start projects with fiery passion,
leadership, power, and enthusiasm. Goals must be aggressively
pursued. This is not a time for passive inactivity. Be aware
to not inflict your will on others and insist they do as
you decree. Don't tell them what to do, insisting that it
is for their own good.
5.
HIEROPHANT
The
EMPEROR has conquered and is trying to control. But he is
too inpatient to rule in an organized manner. Aries as the
EMPEROR cannot finish what he begins, hence the stern HIEROPHANT
appears to create laws to maintain peace and order. His
authoritative rulership can be hierarchical, one-dimensional,
patriarchal and repressive.
When
the HIEROPHANT appears in your tarot reading, there will
be structure and order in the land, such as rigid societal
rules that dictate one must work from nine to five and that
children must attend school from nine to three so they are
socialized to work from nine to five. The HIEROPHANT'S system
cannot be changed, for it is ruled by Taurus, a fixed earth
sign, and is inflexible. The HIEROPHANT'S positive attribute
is that he can be a teacher, father figure, or spiritual
authority on religious issues. He can bring codes of conduct
that offer structure, security, and harmony Still, his word
is law. This card appears when one must follow an organized
structure or ritual, such as a school curriculum, the military,
or the experiences of women in the corporate world.
The
Waite-Rider deck shows a religious figure, a Pope, with
two priests below him. The Crowley deck shows the HIEROPHANT
figure surrounded by the four elements in the fixed astrology
signs in the four corners of the card. The lion represents
Leo, fixed fire. The eagle represents Scorpio, fixed water.
The human head represents Aquarius, fixed air. In the left
corner the fixed earth Taurus bull is shown again. The Hebrew
letter at the bottom of the card is vav, meaning nail.
Divinatory
meaning of the HIEROPHANT: Accept your niche within his
structure, conform, learn from the discipline, and plan
it to your advantage. If the rigidity is too unbearable,
you may choose to rebel and leave. (In the rare instance,
this card may indicate the stern yet loving patriarch. Still,
his word is law.)
6.
LOVERS
The
next archetype on the journey, the blissful LOVERS, balances
and unites the extremes of the freedom-loving energies of
the first four cards (FOOL, MAGICIAN, PRIESTESS, and EMPRESS)
and the dominating energies of the last two cards (EMPEROR
and HIEROPHANT).
The
LOVERS is a blending of male and female and is ruled by
the androgynous astrology sign Gemini the twins. This tarot
card illustrates the sacred marriage of dark and light within
one's own being; Synthesis of the subjective knowing inner
self and the outer active observing self. Part of the LOVER'S
mystery is the exhilaration and passion of falling in love.
On a spiritual level, it is the marriage of duality.
Both
decks show a couple joined in happy union. This union is
blessed by an angel in the Waite-Rider deck and by a god-like
figure in the Crowley Thoth deck. The Crowley deck also
indicates light and dark adults and children, and the red
lion and white eagle of alchemy. Blindfolded Cupid (Greek
Eros), the son of Venus, is posed to shoot his arrow of
love. The Hebrew letter on the bottom of the LOVERS card
is zain, meaning sword.
Divinatory
meaning of the LOVERS: More than the concept of finding
a Lover, this card is also the alchemical blend within yourself
whereby you feel in love with the world, and more importantly
in love with yourself. Such positive and good esteem leaves
one open to experiencing healthy, loving relationships.
Also indicated is the ability to freely express emotions
and to trust your feelings.
7.
CHARIOT
After
the balancing of the previous LOVERS card, the focused CHARIOT
emerges to act independently. The CHARIOTeer is drawn forward
on a strong solid path. He travels with a sense of purpose,
discipline, and direction in life. The CHARIOT'S armor is
not to keep people out, but is instead a protective shield.
Ancient Mediterranean images of CHARIOTeers show strong
youths enjoying their games and races. The Greek goddess
Athena (Roman Minerva) is often depicted in her CHARIOT.
This card is ruled by the astrology sign Cancer, cardinal
(moving) water. In the Waite-Rider deck, the CHARIOT is
pulled by two sphinxes, one light and one dark.
In
the Crowley Thoth deck, the CHARIOT is pulled by four sphinxes
representing the four elements; therefore it is a balanced
path. The crab on the Crowley CHARIOT's crown symbolizes
Cancer. The Hebrew letter on the bottom of the CHARIOT is
cheth meaning fence.
Divinatory
meaning of the CHARIOT: Your path is clear and focused.
Energies are harnessed, progress is made, and goals can
be attained. You are a triumphant, victorious, and successful
winner. You can cover much ground.
Back
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SUSAN
LEVITT,
author
of TAOIST FENG SHUI (Destiny Books) and TAOIST ASTROLOGY
(Destiny Books), is a Feng Shui consultant and teaches
Feng Shui at The California Institute of Integral
Studies. Professor Levitt began college in Chicago
in 1973 with an Asian Studies major specializing in
Chinese and Japanese literature. She moved to San
Francisco in 1983 to learn traditional Chinese medicine,
and has studied Feng Shui under His Holiness Grand
Master Lin Yun Rinpoche in Berkeley, California. Visit
www.susanlevitt.com
http://www.susanlevitt.com
to learn more about Feng Shui, Taoist astrology, and
traditional Chinese medicine. Her email is [email protected]
or phone 415.642.8019 in San Francisco. Taoist Feng
Shui Tarot - Palm - Astrology www.susanlevitt.com
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