Rosetta Tarot-The Emperor IV

[GoldenWolf]

Reds and oranges predominate this card since it's linked with Aries which has Mars as its ruler and the Sun is exalted in this sign. There's a ram's head in profile on either side of the Emperor's head. In his left hand is a blue globe, which looks like the earth without any land masses on it, with a equal armed cross on the top. In his right hand is wand with a ram's head on top, again a reference to Aries. His tunic has a honeycomp pattern, a counterpart to the bees on the Empress's dress. I'm not sure of the other symbol on the sleeves though. Is it the glyph for Aries? However, he's wearing shoes and purplish red hose unlike his female counterpart. Maybe he's not as close to nature and more of a symbol of wordly power and authority. His crown has a red stone in the middle, another allusion to Mars.

There are two suns behind him which dominate the background. Aries marks the beginning of spring and the return of longer days.

His shield has the red eagle on it with the astrological synbol of the sun behind their two headsThe top of the throne looks like one of those architect's compasses you see in Masonic symbolism. It forms an upward pointing fire triangle. The bottom of the throne is a red cube, a solid foundation. At its base is a yellow flower basking in the nearest sun.

Despite all the sun and solar energy, the Emperor seems almost confined within his throne which is much more structured than the Empress is. It's a much more masculine, structured, solar, and logical looking card.

[abacus]

It's very timely that you chose this card to comment on today, GoldenWolf, as Mars has just gone forward after being retrograde for a long time. I have felt a lot of my masculine energy being in the forefront today.
Also your observation that the Emperor is not as close to Nature as the Empress seems very relevant to this deck as, according to The Book of Seshet "He is the principle of mind over matter, logic and order over nature."
Also glad to see that this study group is taking off. It's such a rich and original deck but so true to the tradition!

[Babalon Jones]

Just wanted to put a pic of the man himself

[abacus]

Despite all the sun and solar energy, the Emperor seems almost confined within his throne which is much more structured than the Empress is. It's a much more masculine, structured, solar, and logical looking card.[/QUOTE]

Yea, it looks like this card is too hot to touch, like it just came out of a blacksmith's kiln, which is an idea that works so well with this card.

[frac_ture]

I agree about the impression of great heat in this card: but for the little sprout of green growth at the base of his throne, it almost looks like the Emperor could be seated on the surface of the sun itself!

I've also always thought that this Emperor looks a bit concerned or suspicious, too -- kind of an "uneasy is the head that wears the crown" feel, although I don't know if I'm just projecting that in when it's not really there...