If The Empress is the higher representation of the feminine within tarot, then it stands to reason that The Emperor should be a very high representation of the masculine. Where she represents the mysteries of the vagina, then he logically represents the mysteries of the phallus. His color is that of flame, to represent the solar and generative flame of the male creative impulse and can be seen again in the Ace of Wands and the suit’s court cards. This is the energy bestowed upon the feminine so that she can create life. Given male-female relations, he also represents the type of male worthy of taking part in creation. While war, strife, ambition and the conquering spirit are in his nature, he also demonstrates the quality of authority. This is a completely earned authority, and the name Emperor should not confuse him with lesser mortal Emperors like Caesar or Nero. His empire spans the entire world, if not all of creation, and he rules it correctly.
As a Phallic card, it should be noted the form of his legs, being crossed at a very specific angle, and surmounted by a globe with another cross on top. This is another exhortation of the tarot to learn orgasm control, this time not for Kundalini’s sake, but to guarantee the female partner has the opportunity to orgasm. The Emperor rules in the bedroom. While the author does not want to exclude LGBTQA+ readers with this description, the tarot time and time again refers to regular heterosexual practices in it’s symbols, and the alchemy discussed in this and the previous card can only be achieved through male/female sexual relations. While Kundalini can be achieved through sexual practices of any orientation, this first dive into sexual alchemy requires a straight couple.
Some of the symbols of this card, have to do with the character of the Emperor rather than his divine qualities. The lamb holding the flag represents the state of his empire after it subjugation and can be slightly better understood if one considers his masculine body as part of his empire. The rams at the back disclose his sexual nature, and his shield shows both his regal status, and his connection to his Empress. When placed side-by-side they face one another, and they are each other’s central interest, and so should warn the reader that is looking to either of the pair for guidance, that they only have eyes for each other.
This card could be seen as representative of what later came to be known as Western Tantra. While control of orgasm is practiced, rather than non-orgasm, the male partner eventually ejaculates, but only after his partner is sated. This is in opposition to traditional Tantra, which would withhold male orgasm indefinitely. Despite some author’s theories that any orgasm in either partner can poison the relationship, this technique has multiple uses, including the timing of impregnation in order to create a magical child. See Crowley’s Moonchild for a fictionalized account of this process. This technique is also required for the more detailed sexual alchemy practices described later in the deck as the chemistry of female emissions changes after she is brought to orgasm.
