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In Mr. Waite's Tarot, the symbolism of the Emperor emphasizes his correspondence to Heh in the alphabet. Ram's heads, representing Aries, adorn his throne. Another is embroidered on his cape. Straight lines drawn from the apex of his crown to his hands, and from hand to hand, will form the upright triangle of Fire; and Aries is a Fire sign.
Beneath a red robe, like the Magician's, he wears armor. This connects him with Mars, which rules Aries by day, because iron is the metal attributed to Mars. In the major trumps Mars is represented by the Tower, which is 16, or 4 x 4. Again, the Sun, which is exalted in Aries, is 19 in the major trumps, and the first reduction of 19 is 10, which is the extension of 4. I have no space to explain these correspondences; but 1 call attention to them so that earnest students may work out the doctrines implied for themselves.
The Emperor's crown has twelve divisions. Five (the number of Heh) are visible. Surmounting it are three small circles, arranged to form an inverted triangle, to remind us that Chesed corresponds to the element Water. Note the distinction between Binah, the "root of Water;" and Chesed, to which Water itself is attributed.
In a sense, too, the Emperor reflects the High Priestess, beneath whom he stands on the Tree of Life. His number is the square of hers, and his power is, in one aspect, the duplication of hers. In addition to his red robe and his armor, therefore, he wears another garment, blue, like her robe.
His sceptre is a Tau-cross (see explanation of Tau in Chapter III ), surmounted by a sun wheel. It denotes the mastery and direction of Fire by the use of an instrument designed to measure Water. He is the same combination of Fire and Water that is implied by the fact that the Emperor symbolizes both Chesed and Aries. The sceptre also implies that the Extension of Light in creative activity is according to laws of mathematics. To practical occultists it should, moreover, convey a very definite hint of the means to be employed in directing the Universal Fire. Verbum sap
The Hierophant, "revealer of sacred mysteries," is V au of the creative world - the link between the Emperor and the Empress. He is also the reflection and the antithesis of the High Priestess, who is the archetypal V au.
As 1 plus 4, his number combines those of the Magician and the Emperor. The two kneeling ministers, therefore, have the lilies and roses of the Magician embroidered on their robes; and the Hierophant's position of authority, indicated by his throne, tiara, and sceptre, reflects the idea of rulership suggested by the Emperor.
The number 5 is also 2 plus 3. The name of the Hierophant is the masculine equivalent of "High Priestess"; he sits in a building, between two pillars; and one of his vestments is blue. His correspondence to the Empress is shown. by his white undergarment, by the three bars of his sceptre, and by the white pallium which he wears over his red robe. This last is a circle surmounting a vertical line, double the diameter of the circle. The line, therefore, is equal to the two lines forming the cross in the symbol of Venus, of which the pallium is really a variant. The sign which the Hierophant makes with his right hand signifies, "Two concealed and Three revealed," or the manifestation of the hidden duad (the High Priestess), through the activity of the triad (the Empress). Again, the extension of 5 is 15; and this reduces to 6, the extension of3, which, in turn, is the extension of 2. Finally, the number 5 corresponds to the number 2 in the "quaternary numeration" based on the correspondence of numbers to the letters of IHVH, as explained in an earlier chapter.
As a symbol for Geburah, Strength or Severity, the Hierophant is the Radical Intelligence which "emanates from the depths of the Primordial Wisdom." That Wisdom is Chokmah (the High Priestess), and the Hierophant represents its creative manifestation. By this is he connected with the Great Arcanum of the Pentagram as it is explained in the writings of Eliphas Levi.
His correspondence to Vau in the alphabet makes him a symbol of the Triumphant and Eternal Intelligence which is the Path joining Chokmah (2: the High Priestess) to Chesed (4: the Emperor). He also corresponds to the zodiacal sign Taurus, the first of the Earth triplicity. Taurus is the nocturnal house of Venus (the Empress), and the exaltation of the Moon (the High Priestess).
Consult the data given in preceding chapters for other meanings of this triad of trumps, and devote a little time each day to tracing out the connections. Keep a note-book for each major trump, with main headings like those I have used in explaining the Hebrew alphabet, and other headings for the ideas suggested by the title, number, and symbols of the card.
By following this plan you will quickly accumulate much information, classified in such a way that you can refer to it easily. Remember that, apart from its general doctrine, the Tarot has a special message for you, because it speaks by evoking thought. Record what it tells you in the manner just explained, and you will understand why adepts, for generations, have counted this book of symbols among their most cherished possessions.Can't find what you're looking for? Have an idea or a question? Let us know in the Discussion Forum
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