Liminal/New Liminal Tarot - Emperor

[Bodhiseed]

 

4 – Emperor

 

This Emperor is illustrated as a sea captain, keeping a watch on the waters all around his ship with a hand on his sword. His companions are a red dragon and a cormorant.

 

If the Empress runs on pure emotion, the Emperor runs on cold logic. He equates emotion as a summer rain that could possibly turn into a flood. His motto would mirror the words of Henry Adams: “Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man.” Like a ship’s captain, he attempts to steer his kingdom toward his goals while protecting it from storms and marauders. The structure provided by law and order is what he relies on to protect his people and sustain civilization. While the Empress’ red dragon suggested a protection of creation, the Emperor’s red dragon signals a protection of civilized society. The cormorant is a water bird known for diving into the water and swimming after fish. It has no oils to let the water run off its feathers, so it must occasionally sun itself and dry out (much like the Emperor when he’s around too much emotional drama). But the cormorant also shows the Emperor’s shadow side.  These birds have been captured by fisherfolk and fitted with rings around their necks and ropes around their feet, then sent out to fish. Because the birds can’t swallow the fish, the fisherfolk can retrieve the fish for themselves. Sometimes law and order can constrict and oppress, especially certain groups of people.

 

The individual cannot bargain with the State. The State recognizes no coinage but power: and it issues the coins itself. ―Ursula K. Le Guin

Edited July 9, 2021 by Bodhiseed