The Voyager Emperor

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Khatruman	17 Apr 2003
Just a note first so that it is clear: This is a question I am asking to generate discussion, not because I want someone to find the answer for me. I have found that in the past, people have attempted to answer these for me or to think I have an ulterior motive or criticism behind it. The point of this query it to get us thinking about it. The question originates from my buying the Voyager Tarot, which is a collage deck of many images and was created several years ago. As I was initially looking through the cards, I was caught by an image in the Emporer card (I will attach it below). Nested deep in the collage is a picture of the World Trade Center Twin Towers with the sun setting behind it. Also, in the upper right corner above the WTC is an image of an American bald eagle swooping down in front of a setting sun. Of course, the WTC has significant implications of meaning today, due to Sept. 11. This gives an interesting new perspective, and to me a new feel for the card. So here is my discussion question: Since the image was obviously not chosen as symbolic of the events of 9/11/01, how does one include that meaning into a reading of this card? Perhaps this is a question involving the dynamic between the creator of the deck and the reader of it. Since the deck was created before the events of which the WTC was symbolic, does one ignore the implications of that or can one include that symbology in reading the deck? If you are not clear on what I want to discuss, please ask me to clarify... thanks.

darwinia	17 Apr 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Since the deck was created before the events of which the WTC was symbolic, does one ignore the implications of that or can one include that symbology in reading the deck? I think you could include it. Those towers, their complex in the city, always represented the biggest, the best, the pride of being the best, perhaps having the best empire, and being "on top" of everyone else. The sun in the background reminds me of the sun never setting on the British Empire, which was a point of pride in the 19th century. This is the way it was, it was a symbol. The Emperor is like that. He takes pride in being the best, of having things under control, of ruling and pride in accomplishment. The darker side of that being that what goes up can come down, empires can fall as can rulers, and confidence can become arrogance and brutality. I'm speaking of relating the event to the card rather than a criticism of specific empires or current events. It's like the Titanic: what we thought was inviolate, under control, the biggest and the best, did not turn out to be that way. Oh, and the other thing regarding those buildings was that the engineering or building practices was not sound--this was investigated--which can also can tie into the card as representing the facade of something or someone like an Emperor who is infallible seemingly, but underneath is not, just like the Titanic. It's such a sad image of tragedy, but I think it can certainly add some meaning to the Emperor without being distastefully exploited. The other thing is remembering all the people in those buildings who worked for financial institutions and businesses, which ties in with money and success and loss and the brevity of life, and perhaps a querent who was a successful person could be reminded of the ephemeral solidity of that too. You could tie it in many ways, and indeed might reach someone better since the event is known so well. It's quite a reminder of what is important in life, isn't it? Even today it's a painful reminder of that truth and how things change.

skytwig	17 Apr 2003
Wow! I think any time we see images of the WTC, we are reminded of our frailty. Power is not permanent, at least not the kind we create on Earth. I noticed, too, that the eagle is flying in front of a blazing sun. Spirit? True Power? I think too of the discussions in other threads of the correlation of the Tower with the WTC tragedy. We seem to reach toward "God" in incredible ways that defy reasonableness. Building towers beyond the reach of firemen's ladders! building hollow towers that crumble when 'lightening' strikes. And isn't that part of the message of this card: that we need to 'rule' with our senses keenly attuned to Spirit, lest we become to 'tall' with grandiosity and, in the long run, foolishness?

Khatruman	17 Apr 2003
Quote: Originally posted by freesiaskye I think you could include it. Those towers, their complex in the city, always represented the biggest, the best, the pride of being the best, perhaps having the best empire, and being "on top" of everyone else. ...The Emperor is like that. He takes pride in being the best, of having things under control, of ruling and pride in accomplishment. The darker side of that being that what goes up can come down, empires can fall as can rulers, and confidence can become arrogance and brutality. So the subsequent events have enhanced at least a couple more layers of meaning to the card for you then. This line of thinking has really sparked in me deep ruminations about fatalism, or synchronicity. You could say the same Emperor force which inspired Wanless to use this icon drove terrorists on to successfully tear the same icon down, and inherent in the very Emperorship of the WTC towers themselves are the seeds of its own destruction. That's another one of the wonders of tarot itself: though one could historically show that the creation of the tarot was not metaphysically, spiritually, or oracularly motivated, the very creation of it held the seeds of its own evolution. I am not sure if I got out what I mean by this, but I am trying...*L*

darwinia	17 Apr 2003
Another thing I thought of with this is how his People with a capital "P" are so tied to the Emperor. I remember the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald (one of the companies decimated in the WTC attack), giving an interview and he was stunned, just whacked with shock and horror. They lost a terrible amount of people and their lovely offices and extensive art collection. He said he could rebuild the company but it wouldn't even look the same because almost all the people were gone. Imagine walking into work and you can't get your bearings because in a sea of people you see not one familiar face in a place that was once so familiar. I've never forgotten that. What is an empire or an emperor without his people? Another reminder in this card which ties in with the Emperor archetype. The WTC is part of our mythology and history to draw on. It would be interesting to actually do a reading and tell the story with surrounding cards with this--see what comes up.

skytwig	17 Apr 2003
That is a touching story. He knew his wealth was in the people. His heartbreak was losing people. and that, in many ways, is a key to true Emperorship. whereas, the kingdom that just toppled in Iraq used their people, defied their own wealth for a power that was temporary. And look what has come out of the toppling towers - good values. People becoming aware of 'good government', even in the business world. Learning that the towers were built beyond advice was a terrible shock. We, hopefully, learn to be more responsible in our business (governing) choices. How does the 2ness of the towers strike anyone?

Umbrae	18 Aug 2003
Even though the buildings were destroyed, and the loss unimaginable…the spirit of the Emperor could not be quelled… New York was knocked to it’s knees, but stood back up…swinging. Right next to the WTC on the Emperor, is the Trans-America Pyramid which stands in San Francisco. The Emperor stretches the two extremes with comfort (say what you want about San Francisco, but many do not remember the earthquake there in 1989, and how people pulled together there.

Elle	18 Aug 2003
Not to tear down the "Emperor" of Cantor Fitzgerald, but he got singled out and reamed by the press for not supporting the families in a fair -compensatory way after the tragedy. Emperors and Empires fall...Makes me think of Rome... Warmest, Elle

The The Voyager Emperor thread was originally posted on 17 Apr 2003 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.