The Tarot of Eli, LLC. -Major Arcana: Thoth Tarot-ATU IV- The Emperor & The Mystic Palette Tarot-Key 4-Emperor

#tarotthothqabalahelitarotstrickingly.com

Above all things, know thyself!

Setting your own rules and boundaries.

Contrary to what is printed on the Thoth Emperor card its designated Hebrew letter should be the Heh/He' rather than Tzaddi/Tzadde. This statement is covered in controversy because some believe Crowley made a mistake with this letter and others say he didn't. Since all the Western Hermetic Qabalists I have learned from say it should be the letter Heh, whose explanations make more sense than what's printed on the emperor card; Therefore, I am also convinced it is Heh.

Hence, the Tree of Life and Tarot card illustration above shows the emperor card superimposed with the Hebrew Letter Heh. I will explain throughout this blog, for now, attributed to the Thoth Tarot- Emperor-ATU 4 is the Hebrew letter, Heh. The Path of Heh runs between Tiphareth (Beauty-the Solar Logos) to Chokmah (Wisdom-Lesser Creator who rules over manifestation) and is known as the Constituting Intelligence (Dr. Paul Foster Case).

As stated, when one looks at the Thoth Emperor card, they see the Hebrew Letter Tzaddi on the bottom of the card, rather than the Hebrew Letter Heh. They will find the letter Heh errantly placed on the Thoth Star Card. Confusion reigns here, as even Crowley seemed uncertain about the Path of Tzaddi and the Path of Heh. Hence, he wrote: "It is finally to be observed that the white light that descends upon him indicates the position of this card in the Tree of Life. His authority is derived from Chokmah, the creative Wisdom, the Word, and is exerted upon Tiphareth, the organized man". [page-78 of the Book of Thoth]. This puts the emperor on the 15th Path of Heh that is from Chokmah to Tiphareth.

The Mystic Palette Tarot shows the Hebrew letter-Heh as well, agreeing with the decision that the letter Tzaddi is an error. Also shown is the Ram and sign of Aries.

Then there is the amalgamation of multiple states of the One Energy (upper supernal triangle), known as the Garden of Eden. Here again Crowley proposes an interchange of the emperor (Tzaddi) with the Star (Heh) which most Tarot Scholars of Qabalah disagree. In dealing with the Star, the scholars describe the emperor as the "fiery aspect of the Garden of Eden", to which the Higher Self relates, while the Star is the Eden of personality. Therefore, the Emperor is the Self-Observation of the One (Self-Awareness) and therefore, Heh/He', meaning "window or Sight", which is Heh-The Window that reveals the Light (Energy) of the Father (Chokmah). It is also the first path to which a sensual function is attributed in the Sepher Yetzirah (primary book of Qabalah), suggesting that "I" (eyesight) sight is the first of the senses as Aries is the first house in the sequence of the Zodiac. Aries, as the first sign, emerges directly from Chokmah, the Sphere of the Zodiac.

Also, as shown on the traditional tarot of the Rider-Waite-Smith Emperor and on most traditional Tarot cards, the emperor sits on a grey granite throne which is the color attributed to the sphere of Chokmah, and completing the throne on the Traditional and Thoth Cards is the Aries Rams decorating the throne-crown.

Because of our Divine Inheritance from the Demiurge (Lesser Creator-Male aspect-Chokmah) and the Great Mother (Binah-Female aspect of the Demiurge) we are all Souls who are the " Reflections/Copies" of Divine-Consciousness. Modern psychology has called these "Copies" of Higher Consciousness, the Unconscious, the Subconscious, and the awake Self-Consciousness which about every elementary school child of my day has heard of. This illusion of division exemplifies aspects of the One Mind and doesn't really exist.

Again, hearing of a thing is not knowing the thing. Because of the evolution of subjective thought, from Mythology, metaphysics, to fundamental Religions, and now to the modern science of Psychology, and Parapsychology some of us are beginning to easily deal with the "reflections" of higher and/or divine consciousness within ourselves and are experiencing a New Age (The Age of Aquarius/Horus) of enlightenment, eliminating the indoctrinated separation of these aspects of One Mind.

The Higher we realize ourselves in consciousness or on the Self-Tapestry of the Tree of Life, the more the aspirant understands that the Trump or Cards of the Major Arcana only point the way towards understanding concepts that the ego- body mind and/or the brain cannot otherwise grasp.

People born under the sun sign of Aries, which falls between March 21st and April 19th, are often associated with certain characteristics. Keep in mind that these traits are generalizations, and individual experiences may vary. Here are some typical characteristics of individuals born under the sign of Aries:

1. Assertiveness: Aries individuals are known for their boldness and assertive nature. They are not afraid to take charge and lead others.

2. Independence: Independence is a key trait of Aries. They value their freedom and autonomy, often preferring to make their own decisions.

3. Energetic: Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of energy and action. As a result, individuals born under this sign tend to be energetic, dynamic, and enthusiastic.

4. Courageous: Aries individuals are known for their bravery and willingness to take risks. They often face challenges head-on without fear.

5. Impulsivity: The impulsive nature of Aries can sometimes lead to spontaneous actions. While this trait can be adventurous, it's essential to balance it with consideration.

6. Competitiveness: Aries individuals have a competitive streak. They enjoy challenges and are driven to succeed, sometimes turning everyday activities into competitions.

7. Short Temper: Aries individuals may have a quick temper, but their anger tends to be short-lived. They express their emotions openly and move on quickly.

8. Optimism: Positivity is a common trait among Aries individuals. They tend to approach life with optimism and enthusiasm.

Remember, these are general traits, and individuals may exhibit a mix of characteristics from their sun sign, moon sign, rising sign, and other astrological factors. It's always essential to consider the full birth chart for a more accurate picture.

By beginning to understand the Top 5 Trumps/Paths, [THE EMPEROR, THE EMPRESS, THE PRIESTESS, THE MAGUS, THE FOOL], the aspirant will be developing the consciousness of the Sun/Son of The Divine Creative- Horus (Egyptian) and/or Adam Khadmon (Western Hermetic Qabalah) ----the 22nd century heavenly human awareness that was created as the Archetype of the Heavenly Human.

Because of modern Physics, we know that there is only One Energy that cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed, and the student of the Tarot knows that all the 78 cards of the Tarot deck represent Transformations of the One/Fool and/or Supernal-Self. From the One, emergence the opposites, which are activating the formative, Male (Electric-I) and Female (Magnetic-AM) communion and/or the original High Mass. Therefore, it is accurate to state that all Male figures are Chokmah (Jah) and Binah (YHVH Elohim) is that of all females.

The robes they wear, represent the different planes and/or dimensions of our multiverse, which are vibratory rates and/or "mindscapes" that are either Force (male) Chokmah or Form (Female) Binah, and/or their intertwining of vibration/frequency (The Divine Union of Goddess/God...the dance of creation) that makes all things possible.

Unlike a normal tree, the Tree of Life developed from the top down; from Kether to Malkuth. Malkuth, the "I AM Being" the goal of "I Will Be" and/or Kether. Hence, the upside-down tree of the Norse mythology as Yggdrasil-The Norse Tree of Life, having its roots in heaven and limbs down into the earth, bespeaks a metaphoric truth-we came from the above to the below and not vice versa.

Life began long before the earth was ever created. (Some of the latest geneticist has found the human DNA to be Trillions of years old. The Earth is only about 4.6 billion years old and couldn't have evolved the older DNA molecule.)

Since we live in a multiverse, Robert Wang in his Book the Qabalistic Tarot-tried to show a multidimensional Tree of Life on the Cover and it is stated that every Sephiroth has a complete Tree of Life of their own.

The Weaving of frequency/ vibration and/or microwaves, is the foundation of all things in this fractal Multiverse; However, that would make the Tree of Life Image a jumble of lines and spheres that could confuse the viewer. Hence, a 2-dimensional drawing of Kether, the 1st Sephirotic Being is shown alone on top of the Tree, and Malkuth-The 10th Sephirotic Being, is alone on the Bottom of the Tree of Life, proclaiming the World of Assiah, which is the goal of Kether whose God Name is Eheieh-meaning-"I Will Be". You are the goal of Kether, for you are "I AM Being"

Qabalist know that the "Big Bang" came from what is the Source of Will and Energy, Kether/Eheieh, thus the ejaculation of Energy, making the 2nd Sephiroth- Chokmah male (Male is not a sex here, but an action). The One became Two, Androgynous, when I became, I Am, which is known as Chokmah and Binah, which should be stated Chokmah/Binah, just as Yin/Yang or Time/Space are known to be inseparable and established at the same moment. Therefore, with some authority we can say that the “I “is male and the “Am” is female, for one is Wisdom (Chokmah) and the latter is Understanding (Binah)...and we can't experience one without the other!

In the wisdom of Tarot, THE FOOL represents the One Energy-"I"-but "I" in a passive state. Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth- is "I" in an active state and therefore, activating the Fool. THE MAGUS and the PRIESTESS, are the Macrocosm Energy beginning the transformation into Microcosmic Energy, creating the first differentiation of Male and Female energy polarity. Pure Consciousness, known as the "root of Water" is represented by the PRIESTESS and her consort, THE MAGUS, is considered psychologically as the Will. Hence the term I Am, is understood as the intercourse of consciousness and will.

Like I've said before, "I AM" is your Real name, what the "I AM" thinks it is, is all assumption. Thereby creating "freedom of Choice" (only if you are your only authority and without the media controlled "false ego"), implying that you, the "I AM" is free to choose whatever it "thinks it is" as a "ME".

This creation of a "Me" falls under the rules of the emperor, the downflowing of Chokmah, who sets Color/Measurement/Law as the 4th Sephiroth-Chesed. 

Although the Thoth Emperor is shown passive, it is his authority that rules logic and rationale; therefore, there is no battle. However, he is granted this authority by the Great Lady Binah-The Empress as she gives him the authority to set boundaries to creation and/or measurement. This is a short lived or mortal authority as shown in the Mystic Palette Tarot by the mask of authority breaking away and the fading away of the pillars/boundaries of authority.

Also shows the Hebrew letter-Heh (window) as part of the crumbling mask off of his left cheek and the sign of Aries with its ram's head.

In the Thoth Emperor Card, there is a mating of the PRIESTESS, to the MAGUS, as described in Robert Wang's book: THE QABALISTIC TAROT as, ".... the activity of the directing Will of the One on the Great Ocean of undifferentiated consciousness which It has Itself projected” [Big Bang] (The bracketed words are my own).

Here we think of the reflexive qualities of the Divine Creative; He as Will-to-Force temporarily creates, idea/thought that is data carried by light, then the Mother Binah and her Ocean of Mind/understanding/Will-to-Form, receptively begins to mold that thought into information.

Now we have the concept of the Universe as a Mirror, where everything is the perception and reflected activity of the Divine Spirit on its Dark Energy/ Mater Self (Mater is Latin for Mother), a process which the various and varying symbols of the Tarot are attempting to suggest.

We also begin to approach the understanding that information/data is not the goal here. Knowledge is. For information to become knowledge it must be experienced as in-form-action and/or in the "lower tree" of manifestation. Just like light carrying the temporary bursts of information along fiber-optic cables, the microwaves of light carry information to our brains.

The reason Crowley has positioned THE EMPEROR, so that the body forms a triangle and a cross, is because he is representing the alchemical symbol of Sulfur (red eagle on his shield). This representation is because of the Alchemical explanation of the Divine-Self Interaction in terms of Sulfur, Salt, and Mercury. In Tarot, Mercury is THE MAGUS,

In alchemical symbolism, the combination of Mercury, Salt, and Sulfur—represented by the Magus, Empress, and Emperor in the Thoth Tarot—creates the Philosopher’s Stone, the legendary substance said to grant spiritual enlightenment, immortality, and the ability to transmute base metals into gold.

In Crowley’s system, these three elements embody the essential principles of creation and transformation:

1. Mercury (The Magus): The fluid, adaptable principle of Spirit and mind. Mercury is linked to consciousness and transmutation, facilitating change between states.

2. Salt (The Empress): The passive, material principle, representing body and form. Salt gives structure, containment, and form to the elements, grounding the forces of nature.

3. Sulfur (The Emperor): The active, fiery principle, associated with will and action. It drives the energy for transformation, bringing intensity and purpose.

The union of these three is foundational in both alchemical and Hermetic philosophy. Together, they symbolize the integration of mind, body, and will, achieving balance and a perfected state—an inner alchemical process toward enlightenment. The result is spiritual "gold," or the realization of the Higher Self, which could be seen as the ultimate aim of spiritual transformation.

THE EMPRESS is Salt (white eagle on her shield).

This may seem as little more than obscure abstraction: However, when we consider that THE MAGUS, (Philosophic Mercury) acts upon THE PRIESTESS (Pure Mind) and by Union they are transformed into THE EMPEROR (Sulfur/Rational thought) and THE EMPRESS (Salt) Unconscious/Imaginative/Intuitive Thought whose union makes the Mindscapes we call dimensions), we are considering the quite basic alchemical attributes of our own Psyche into consciousness.

From the previous blog one should be familiar with THE EMPRESS as the Path of Daleth (meaning door) which is above the Path of THE EMPEROR, simply because without her manifestation of form, he would have nothing to rule and/or set measure to. On the Path of Heh, the Emperor is a transformation of the 4th Sephiroth-Chesed-The Architect, who is also a transformation of the Second Sephiroth-Chokmah.

When we are classifying images according to color, subject, or other criterion, we are calling THE EMPEROR into play.

As does THE EMPEROR, we are acting upon form via perspective/observation and giving it measurement and color. Another way to see this exercise of rule, is that if the Imagination (mind of the Empress) didn't send up form from its depths, a stream of images to be classified by the differentiating exercise of reason, the Emperor would have nothing to control or transform into measurement. Therefore, THE EMPEROR, albeit a potent masculine force, functions as determined by THE EMPRESS. Hence as I have stated, THE EMPEROR, is the Path of Heh (Window) and its function is determined by Binah/Empress (Door) who is pure fruition, making The Path of Heh a formative path of rational and classifying activities.

The Thoth and Tarot bright red color is that of Fire/Aries/Mars-and the Blood of Binah (The Great Mother) in the World of Pure Spirit known as Atziluth. The symbol for Aries is the Ram. Fire is considered male in its expression. Albeit, that the male and female forces are seen as more interwoven in the lower levels as we go down the Tree of Life, the assumption that Chokmah and Binah are the only "Pure" states of Male and Female force is in error; As Chokmah (Wisdom), meaning the primary quality of maleness, is a Hebrew female noun.

Taking the point of view that whatever gives birth is exercising a primary female quality at the moment of birth, then all that is inherent in the male is inherent in the female and vice versa. We can mentally see this by understanding that the Creation of Chokmah gave birth to maleness, and femaleness. 0=2. Therefore, the Patriarchal figure of male first, and female second, is indoctrinated misinformation demanded by 2-dimensional art. They are Simultaneously Created.

The students of Carl Jung know that he stated the "male harbors the perfect female image in his unconscious, as the female harbors the perfect male image in her unconscious, these being the "counter sexual component" necessary for the transformation of force and form". Jung also called the "counter-sexual components", the Latin word- Anima (female) in males and the Latin word Animus (Male) male in females. The Animus means courage, vivacity, bravery, will, spirit, soul; the Animus is Latin and in the English translation, Anima, means life, breath, vital energy, (sex energy) and the counter sexual component of the Soul/Spirit. Thus, we can see that THE EMPRESS is Anima/Soul/Psyche/Breath and THE EMPEROR is Animus/Spirit/Will, making the perfectly developed male type on the Paths, THE EMPEROR, and the perfectly developed female type THE EMPRESS/Mother Nature.

These are the pure intelligent forces that we meet and converse with on the Paths. Both exist as one in the Soul, and If we think of the One Soul as a birther of the Human Brain, albeit a simplistic and artificial comparison, then one has become two in the brain, female Right side, and male Left side in One Intelligent collective organism and/or 0=2.

The Tree of Life on the Path of Heh points to such a union. Since the Sun/Son that is Tiphareth is also linked to the sign of Aries, which is the sign of this Path of Heh, we have another indication that THE EMPEROR exercises some control over the solar forces of the Higher Self. Therefore, we justify the term Constituting Intelligence (Coined by Dr. Case) meaning that THE EMPEROR assists in the building up of Golden Sun /Son-Light in Tiphareth from the utter-darkness of Limitless Light of the Supernal Triangle. This Path of Heh could also be considered as the "start of Time" in infinity, for time is a measurement and all creation requires measurement.

In the Thoth Emperor card, the importance of Tiphareth to THE EMPEROR is displayed on the Thoth card as the golden Sun. The Aries forces are emphasized in the overall 2 colored scheme of Martian-reds and Sun-yellows in the Thoth. This is the also indicative of fertility and the fecund "will-to-force" of sexuality.

This Path of Heh, THE EMPEROR, is what I call the First "I" sight, while the EMPRESS is the "Am" of understanding (an inner sight I call a "Womb with a view") …together they are the "I AM", the Counter Sexuality (0=2) of the One Mind/Energy/Soul/Psyche.

All this contributes to the understanding that Constituting Intelligence is the first phase of a natural cycle, such as Aries bringing forth Spring. This understanding is also shown as the lamb at the Thoth- Emperor's feet, implying this is a young non-aggressive Aries and the Ram headed wand is the symbol of the aggressive nature of Aries. There is an acknowledgement of Paternal Power which is shown by the bees and Fleur de Lys on the Thoth Card.

The two headed Eagle in front of a crimson disc that is on the emperor's shield, one head symbolizes the Alchemist's red tincture related to the Sun/ Gold and the other as Sulfur. Therefore, there is a similar eagle on THE EMPRESS card where one head refers to the Moon/ Silver and the other to Salt. The Two headed eagle is also shown throughout Europe as the Emperor's sigil, signifying imperial authority.

The Mystic Palette Tarot- Key 4- The Emperor card is a remarkable display of an elder Emperor figure. Unlike the Empress who is Mother Nature, the Emperors reign is temporary. He is an "will-to-force", and ejaculation of energy to establish forced boundaries. The Ram is also the sign of Aries and refers to the first house of spring. Where everything sprouts up and temporarily matures and then dies.

Throughout history, a king ruled one homogenous region while the emperor ruled several heterogenous regions (In tarot-color, measurement and law) by holding several contentious kings together by the authority of will and force of arms. Kings also have a chance of passing their rule onto offspring, whereas emperor's rarely do. Therefore, the temporary mask of control will slip away while the cycles of nature will endure.

When this card shows up in a divination it implies that there is temporary security and stability in your life. That everything may be under your hard-earned willful control, and it acknowledges the hard work of self-discipline to get there. While self-discipline is also a spiritual attribute, it requires constant maintenance.

The crumbling mask of the emperor, remind us that a show of force may win the day, but that such victories are only temporary and that when all is said and done, the mask of authority is a facade, and will crumble away revealing a face who has outgrown it.

As the false mask of personality grows from childhood to adulthood, many facades will be revealed crumbling away under the solvent of analysis. One such collection of masks is our social egregore (false soul) which places masks of word hypnosis indoctrination and dogma (all false authority), covering up any chance to view or even know our real selves.

The emperor card reminds us that the willful control over others is a facade, and the "truth will out". Above all things, know thyself!

The emperor also implies that the one is beginning to see beyond the false and/or artificial boundaries defined by outside authority and that have so far focused one's vision but are crumbling away to the inner scrutiny of divine self-authority.

All that applies to the Thoth Tarot -ATU 4- the Emperor will also apply to the Mystic Palette -Key 4-The Emperor card.

When the EMPEROR card is thrown during a reading it emphasizes:  

• The Principle of Personal Power and Leadership. 
• Building a pure base of Knowledge while remaining open minded.
•  Pointing towards success, authority, stability and ambition in gain or achievement.
•  Self-realization of Life Force and Personal Power.  
• Influence of society.
• Law/Structure.
• Resurgence of energy
• Sexual potency.
• Insensitivity.
• Arrogance.
• Setting personal boundaries and sticking to them.
• Nurturing through strength of presence. 
• Dad.
• Penetrating through concepts into higher and higher forms of "discipline" and the ability to teach those disciplinary concepts on earth. Hence, Power to create.
• If ill-defined by attending cards, the querent is experiencing:
•  Up against a dominant boss, or authority figure (s) who sets rules, boundaries, definitions and analysis.
• Blocked possibility.
• Development of sensitivity.
• High handedness.
• Rationality as a prison.
• Perfectionism.
• The restriction of reality.

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. Your generosity blesses your prosperity. May you live long and prosper.

For more information concerning personal Thoth Tarot readings and/or Master Thoth Tarot Classes, log onto-elitarotstrickingly.com-and click on the Tarot Pricing page. Thank you.

Home page, Tarot Store /layout page, Master Tarot Classes, and nontraditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog.

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog.