NatKat
The Emperor of RWS is a stern-looking fellow who seems completely expressive of the number four. He sits on a stone square-ish throne adorned with 4 rams’ heads. He holds an ankh scepter in his right hand and an orb in his left. The Thoth Emperor sits with his legs in a figure 4 similar to that of the Hanged Man. An Eagle symbolizing the "red tincture" of Alchemy appears on his shield. Both wild rams and a docile lamb appear with him.
In LotD, Marchetti doesn't depict as much "4" symbolism but he leaves no doubt as to the Emperor’s association with Aries – a huge stained-glass ram's head fills the background.
Unlike the RWS and Thoth Emperors, Marchetti’s Emperor is standing. His countenance reminds me of Caesar or some other Roman Emperor. In "Gateway", Marchetti writes his inspiration was both an Egyptian Pharaoh and Roman Emperor.
The ankh symbol appears as the fibula holding his cape. Four columns each bearing an elemental symbol appear behind him. According to "Gateway of the Divine" these represent the Emperor’s dominion over the 4 Kings of the suits. The 2 eagle-topped columns in the foreground seem more artistic than symbolic, but the eagle also is a symbol of Imperial power. Or perhaps he is referencing the eagles which appear on the Empress and Emperor cards of Thoth deck as alchemical symbols?
He holds a staff with an inverted pyramid on top and a solar disc appears behind him beneath the Aries stained-glass window. According to DuQuette, the "red tincture" eagle is associated with Solar power as the "white tincture" eagle is associated with Lunar power. Yet there is no analog for this symbolism in the LotD Empress card.
Although Marchetti has taken liberties with this card, I find its meaning consistent with classical interpretations for both RWS or Thoth. He is Masculine power and the ability to organize and give structure to the creations of the Empress. In a family he is father or husband. In a business, an owner or CEO. Romantically he may represent an older man who is accomplished in his life.
In LotD, Marchetti doesn't depict as much "4" symbolism but he leaves no doubt as to the Emperor’s association with Aries – a huge stained-glass ram's head fills the background.
Unlike the RWS and Thoth Emperors, Marchetti’s Emperor is standing. His countenance reminds me of Caesar or some other Roman Emperor. In "Gateway", Marchetti writes his inspiration was both an Egyptian Pharaoh and Roman Emperor.
The ankh symbol appears as the fibula holding his cape. Four columns each bearing an elemental symbol appear behind him. According to "Gateway of the Divine" these represent the Emperor’s dominion over the 4 Kings of the suits. The 2 eagle-topped columns in the foreground seem more artistic than symbolic, but the eagle also is a symbol of Imperial power. Or perhaps he is referencing the eagles which appear on the Empress and Emperor cards of Thoth deck as alchemical symbols?
He holds a staff with an inverted pyramid on top and a solar disc appears behind him beneath the Aries stained-glass window. According to DuQuette, the "red tincture" eagle is associated with Solar power as the "white tincture" eagle is associated with Lunar power. Yet there is no analog for this symbolism in the LotD Empress card.
Although Marchetti has taken liberties with this card, I find its meaning consistent with classical interpretations for both RWS or Thoth. He is Masculine power and the ability to organize and give structure to the creations of the Empress. In a family he is father or husband. In a business, an owner or CEO. Romantically he may represent an older man who is accomplished in his life.
