Oh, Snap! You Got the Power!
When our Tarot card for today, the Emperor, commands your attention, he is asking you about how you’re using your power: Are you using it wisely—or are you abusing it?
The Emperor sits on a throne, signifying that he is a person of power. He is a leader, and is in a position of authority. In our world today, he could represent the Royals, any world or political leaders, thought leaders, business leaders, any head of any organization.
And that would include families, as the family is the first “organization” we are a part of in our lives. For some, that would be the father, or father figure. But with the changing faces of families in this day and age, it can mean any individual who assumes the position, which takes that beyond traditional gender roles.
The Emperor’s throne has ram heads on it, which is a visual nod to the astrological sign of Aries. Aries, ruling the head, reinforces this idea of “being the head.” Think of some of the common phrases we use: “heads of state,” “head of the table,” “being the head and not the tail,” “having a head for business,” being “headstrong.”
And how about the opposite: “I’ve lost my head,” “running around like a chicken with my head cut off,” and “I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached to my neck.” The words we use to talk up—and to downplay power—and the responsibility that goes along with it!
When we look at power in the external sense, at the people around us in positions of authority, the Emperor is asking how that power is being used. Are these people using power in its best and highest sense—or are these people “lording it” over others, coming off as tyrannical dictators and control freaks—letting the power go to their heads, and corrupting themselves in the process?
And how about when we take a look at ourselves? The Emperor acknowledges that we, too, are powerful people—no matter our station, position, or status, in life. Being a card of self-empowerment, of personal power, the Emperor asks us to consider the ways we retain our power—and the ways we give it away, whether consciously or unconsciously. If you have found yourself giving your power away, the Emperor is asking you to consider ways to begin reclaiming it.
I always think of the song, “The Boss,” by Diana Ross, when I see this card (Did I just date myself—and reveal that I like disco too? Uh-oh!). You are “the boss of you.” Dr. Phil often says that we are our own “life’s manager.”
And then he follows with the question, “How’s that working for ya?”
So, for today, consider how your life is working—and begin to take command of the parts that aren’t working so well. The Emperor, also being a card of structure, order, and discipline, is asking you to come up with a plan—and then work your plan. After all, you are your own best authority on you.
And as the song by Snap! goes—you’ve got the power!
Your partner in using your power wisely,
James
If you’d like to know more about my work with Tarot–as a tool for your self-empowerment–please visit my Tarot Consultations page for all the details.