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Aries, brainstorming, character development, Christopher Vogler, Corrine Kenner, elements, Fire, Joanna Powell Colbert, Leo, Major Arcana, Meet the Cards, plotting, Raelyn Barclay, recommended reads, Sagittarius, tarot, Tarot for Writers, The Emperor, The Writer's Journey, writers, writing
Or in this case THE BUILDER (despite the misprint on the card itself). This is the four card in the Major Arcana and represents stability, think of the four corners of a building.
- Symbolism: Authority and power.
- Element: Fire (see Tarot Elements)
What I See:
This is an earthy card rather than the fiery one I’d expect from a card associated the fire element. That pillar he’s working on gives me a sense of strength and structure, not to mention beauty and creativity. The stacked firewood tells me he’s responsible and prepared for winter. I see a man taking care of his family, providing them with shelter and warmth. Looking at this image I’m struck by the old adage, “a man’s house is his castle.”
Light (upright) Reading:
Embrace authority and lead by example.
- Keywords: Order, Control, Power, and Status.
Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:
Beware of micromanagement and being too harsh or emotional.
- Keywords: Tyranny, Coarseness, Abuse of Power, and Impatience.
Plots:
The Emperor is often compared to Zeus so perhaps your story is a retelling of a myth or fairytale. How about a coup over a dictator? Maybe focus on the number four; the four seasons, the four points on a compass, the four dimensions, the four phases of the moon, or the four elements.
- Themes: Leadership, Stability, Defining Limits, Masculinity, Protector/Provider, Fatherhood, Logic, or Discipline.
Characters:
The Builder creates the systems that enable people to live and work together.
- Archetype: Father, Creator, Patriarch, Animus (the male element in the female unconscious) — Vogler refers to this as the Shapeshifter, or Husband.
The Shapeshifter archetype is also a catalyst for change, a symbol of the psychological urge to transform. ~The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler
- Mythical Figures: Mars, Zeus, Ares, Jupiter, and Jehovah.
The personality enneagram, a nine-pointed array of personality types, might also be a useful reference for character building.
The Emperor is E4: Tragic Romantic, Individualist, and/or Connoisseur
- Self Image — I am different
- Passion — Envy
- Virtue — Equanimity
- Narcissistic Trap — Authenticity
- Avoids — Ordinariness
- Speaking Style — Lyrical or Lamenting
E4 people are relationship oriented. They are concerned with what others think of them, image and prestige. They see themselves as being for others and often believe they know what’s best. They dislike being alone and may feel sad or inadequate.
Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.
When the Emperor card shows up in the course of a writing project, it’s a sign that you can be daring in your approach. Pick your battles and your conquests. ~Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner
Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide
Maria Zannini said:
I am surprised on several counts about this card. It’s not what I expected from the Emperor card. But I can see also how it can be the builder. It has an almost guarded feel to it, protecting a flame so to speak. At least the way it comes across to me.
Raelyn Barclay said:
I agree Maria, it is not a typical Emperor card. And I love that 🙂
“It has an almost guarded feel to it, protecting a flame so to speak.” Yes. I get the same feeling but couldn’t quite put it into words when I was writing up the post. Thank you.
I’m glad you stopped by Maria!
Ciara Knight said:
I’m with Maria. This card surprises me. Not what I’d expect from the Emperor card.
Raelyn Barclay said:
Yes. There’s no throne, none of that ‘do as I say, not as I do’ feeling I get from a lot of Emperor cards. Instead we have a man leading by example. For me it is a much more positive card.
Thanks for stopping by Ciara 🙂
Angela Brown said:
As you were giving your impression of what you see in this card, I could truly feel it as well, the leadership, care and protection from the small details and the large. Thank you so much for sharing.
Raelyn Barclay said:
Thanks Angela. I really like this card. The picture doesn’t do it justice.
Glad you stopped by 🙂
Liz Fichera said:
I also like the detail and care he’s putting into the building–e.g. he’s just not slapping stuff together.
Raelyn Barclay said:
I agree, lots of wonderful details in this card.
Thanks for stopping by Liz!
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Lena Corazon said:
Oh, this is fascinating, Raelyn. As soon as I read the opening, I knew which of my characters fits this archetype. He is very much a protector and a builder (and, as Liz notes above, someone who doesn’t just ‘slap things together’); on his bad days, however, he can cross the line into tragic and a bit melodramatic, and I have to slap him upside the head to get him to behave, lol.
Raelyn Barclay said:
Love that you identified a character with the card Lena!
Thanks for stopping by.
Angela Wallace said:
Beautiful card. I think as the Emperor it’s a lead by example kind of image. I also find it interesting that though he’s the Builder, he appears to be working on the more aesthetic part in the picture–carving the decoration into the pillar. I don’t know what the meaning behind that would be. Maybe take pride in your hard work?
Raelyn Barclay said:
“Take pride in your hard work.” I like that Angela!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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