The Emperor
The Emperor is symbolic of our reasoning powers. As humans grow and mature, our brains develop the ability to think and reason. This tool allows us to understand and control our subconscious mind and emotions. Maturity comes as we learn to be objective and analyze ourselves, other people, and situations. Maturity is acceptance of the truth about us, and human nature. It is working with reality, instead of building Utopias based on our own desires and fantasies, political or superstitious ideologies. It is letting us, and other people be what they truly are, not judging them against an ideological standard created by others and set in stone by them. Maturity is exhibited by non-judgmental discernment of ourselves and others.
We take control of our lives. We set realistic goals based on what we need and want. We examine rationally what is necessary to achieve the goals. We follow the path leading to those goals. When we achieve, we set new goals, reaching ever higher. We compete with ourselves and want to achieve our own personal best. This is rational and emotional maturity. We become complete.
We follow our own path and our own passions. We find ourselves in our activities and achievements. We learn that self-realization is best found in working with others to achieve joint goals. We give of our talents and abilities to others, and find we gain appreciation and all we desire.
IV
The Butterfly People lead ever onward
Weaving circles within circles
Beautifully they blend
Ribbons of colour, singing in the zephyrs
Back and forth, up and down
Round and round
Dancing towards the Ultimate, the Cave of Mirrors
The Emperor
In that Cave sits the Emperor
On the Throne of Strength
The Throne of Perseverance
The Throne of Self-command, Self-control
Many have been the battles fought
The wars over Self won
The Reality reflected in the Mirror, finally accepted
On the Throne of Self-mastery
The symbols of the Ram
The Golden Fleece won by Jason
Chrysomallus, winged Ram of the Golden Fleece
Bore Phrixus to safety over the sea
So, we are borne safely through the trials of life
Gaining Maturity, Life-experience, winning Rule over Self
Protected by the blue Armour of Intelligence
The red Robe of Passion
The purple Cloak of Spirituality
The Emperor wears the golden crown of Victory
Control over Self, Triumph, Honour and Glory
In the right hand the Rod of Reason
In the left, the Sceptre of Authority over Anarchy
Persimmon flames across the sky
Lighting the Mountains
Source of Strength, behind the Emperor
Excitement, Energy, Vitality fills the New Being
Springing forward with Courage
Full of Vitality and Health
Accepting Responsibility and Creativity for Life
You are ready, Beloved
Ready for the challenges ahead
To grow, and embrace the World of Experience
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