III. L'Imperatore - The Big Emperor

[fire cat pickles]

Minchiate card deck - Florence - 1860-1890 - Trumps - 03 - Papa tre
A. Baragioli (editor) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Moving along our path, we arrive at III. L'Imperatore, "The Big Emperor". He also has his back turned to the right and he is facing to the left or to the past, as does the Grand Duchess. If the Grand Duchess can be seen in the position of offense, ready to calmly take on the world, perhaps this card is in a position of defense. As these cards allegorically reflect stages in our lives, so this papi, Papi tre, takes a defensive stance in his chair. As we continue to find our place in this world, we are often put in situations where action is necessary for self-preservation and survival. Ankles not crossed, one foot is drawn back as if he is ready to jump out of the chair at a moment's notice. He grasps his globe firmly and he stares attentively at the eagle perched regally atop it. 

 

 

Past mistakes are an issue with all of us as we bumble through life. It's what we learn from our mistakes that matter. We are bigger and better for them. Often it's not our reactions to life's curve-balls that are thrown at us, but the actions we take to intercept them. Sometime we can get caught up more in our successes than our failures. This is only human nature.  In contrast to the Grand Duchess, this is a card of activity, not passivity. The overconfidence of the Grand Duchess has given way to arrogance. Perhaps the Big Emperor is active to the point of aggression, though, and more aggressive to himself than to others. He can be his own worst enemy. There is still much for the Fool to learn along his journey.

 

 

He is having to balance the good and bad decisions he's made in life. Forgiving oneself is essential to self-discovery. There's no use beating yourself up. "Love and learn" as they say. The Big Emperor still has lessons to learn in life. Perhaps he is too big for his britches? Ego in the way? His back is still turned away from the future. At this stage in life it is important to take stock of our decisions and not let setbacks make us jaded or bitter. It is equally important not to allow ourselves to become self-centered. This could be a card of self-reflection at its best. At it's worst, it can be self-destructive.

Edited May 5, 2019 by fire cat pickles