Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD)The attribution for The Emperor is Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, a cardinal Fire sign known for having strong leadership ability as well as for being impulsive, energetic, and quick-tempered. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, planet of energy, force, sexual desire, and aggression.
One World Tarot by Crystal Love 
The Emperor is associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio (a Water sign associated with sensuality, secretiveness, intense emotion, imagination, and psychic ability). Interestingly, Scorpio is traditionally ruled by the planet Mars, just like Aries (above). Crystal Love writes that The Emperor "represents hidden knowledge, the arcane, the profound and the mysteries."
A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
The Emperor, Trump 4, is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer (Water), the fourth sign of the zodiac. Thierens writes that the people are ruled by the sign Cancer, and emperors traditionally got their power from the people: "This chosen dignitary was nothing of a tyrant, originally, nor did he have anything to do with rulership or warfare; he was simply the highest and most pure expression of the soul of the people or nation."
The Celestial Tarot by Brian Clark
The Emperor is linked to the zodiac sign Aries. Clark explains that Aries was not always the leading sign of the zodiac. He writes "When Hipparchus systematized the tropical zodiac in the 2nd Century B.C.E., he began the zodiacal year at the vernal equinox. . . The Vernal Equinox in the stars of Aries paralleled the gradual triumph of masculine values, which culminated during the Roman Empire."
The Emperor is associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio (a Water sign associated with sensuality, secretiveness, intense emotion, imagination, and psychic ability). Interestingly, Scorpio is traditionally ruled by the planet Mars, just like Aries (above). Crystal Love writes that The Emperor "represents hidden knowledge, the arcane, the profound and the mysteries."
A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
The Emperor, Trump 4, is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer (Water), the fourth sign of the zodiac. Thierens writes that the people are ruled by the sign Cancer, and emperors traditionally got their power from the people: "This chosen dignitary was nothing of a tyrant, originally, nor did he have anything to do with rulership or warfare; he was simply the highest and most pure expression of the soul of the people or nation."
The Celestial Tarot by Brian ClarkThe Emperor is linked to the zodiac sign Aries. Clark explains that Aries was not always the leading sign of the zodiac. He writes "When Hipparchus systematized the tropical zodiac in the 2nd Century B.C.E., he began the zodiacal year at the vernal equinox. . . The Vernal Equinox in the stars of Aries paralleled the gradual triumph of masculine values, which culminated during the Roman Empire."
The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
The Emperor is associated with the zodiac sign Aries, manifesting "self-assertion, authority, and power over the instincts."
The Whispering Tarot by Liz HazelThis deck links The Emperor with Aries (ruled by Mars). Hazel points out that the Sun -- commonly representing the ego, individuality, the power of self, and the conscious will -- is exalted in Aries.
As we can see, while The Emperor is often associated with the sign Aries, this is not true for every Tarot deck. Both Thierens and Love offer a Watery attribution -- interesting, given that the elements Fire and Water are viewed as unfriendly, weakening, incompatible, and antagonistic toward each other. Note the dominance of the color red in most of these cards, representing the association with the element Fire and with Mars, whose nickname is "The Red Planet."
I welcome your comments!
Zanna
I welcome your comments!
Zanna
I find this very interesting, while I never assumed the Emperor to be anything different than a Aries sign. That was so clear and understanding to me.
ReplyDeleteThis post your wrote sure brings new thoughts to my mind.
I also found this very interesting, and can associated Aires being ruled by Mars as appropriate for the Emperor.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say here though Zanna "interesting, given that the elements Fire and Water are viewed as unfriendly, weakening, incompatible, and antagonistic toward each other".
Has got me thinking about the Emperor and how the watery attribution would fit in. I guess we can see the Emperor as that strong father figure who can be loving towards his children, so maybe that's where it can seep in, that is if the fire element doesn't turn it to steem first!
Extremely informative! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I'm glad you found the post useful.
DeleteThe emperor is associated with Aries, not scorpio
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the system you are using, which is kind of the whole point of my post. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI can see how Scorpionic energy fits in with The Emperor with the traditional ruler of Scorpio being Mars, like Aries.
DeleteI was watching a video recently that talked about the traditional planetary assignments for the signs and how all of the planets have masculine/feminine energies expressed in the sign pairs... Mercury - Gemini (M) + Virgo (F), Venus - Taurus (F) + Libra (M) ((The Empress)), Mars - Aries (M) + Scorpio (F), Jupiter - Pisces (F) + Sagittarius (M), Saturn - Aquarius (M) + Capricorn (F), Sun/Moon - Leo (M) + Cancer (F).
They're all elemental opposites or counterparts. As I see it, the elements become destructive when they're out of balance, but when they're balanced, it's creative energy. Just look at The Empress upright: she's all the Queens, she has and knows how to use all of the elements to create.
I was under the Impression from all other Astrological Readers and those with degrees in the “Scientology “ ; ARIES .. is the Emperor not Scorpio.
ReplyDeleteScorpio has its Astro sign , as “ Death”. Based on many well studied, and well versed, in the areas of Astrology. Thank you 🌟🧡🌟
I agree with you that Aries is the most commonly used astrological association for The Emperor. It's the one I use. However, I do think it is interesting that other systems and thoughts exist "out there" and I wanted to share those with my blog readers. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI saw another post of someone saying the Leo should be or is the Emperor. Funny why is everyone concerned with being emperor arcana? Aries is the "Emperor". Other signs do not really compare. Scorpio or Leo I could not see them as such. Especially Scorpio LOL
ReplyDeleteI welcome your contribution to the discussion!
DeleteThe Emperor represents BOTH Aries and Scorpio because of its association with the planet Mars. Scorpio is known as an”honorary” fire sign although it’s a water sign. Phoenix rising from the ashes is fiery Scorpio and water plus fire equals steamy sexy hot.
ReplyDelete