I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Ruling with Humility

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Emperor; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Lily:
          The Emperor holds in one hand an ankh (a symbol of life) and in the other an orb (a symbol of dominion). Some of the world leaders we have today (and one presidential candidate I can think of) seem to feel they must have complete power and control over everything and everyone to have the 'good life.' Yet I am intrigued by Gabi's Emperor, who seems a humble sort of man as he holds his symbols in front of him. He isn't a narcissistic and arrogant ruler, but a person who cares about the people he watches over. Perhaps the hourglass beside him is a clue; he may realize he is just one grain of sand in all the grains that pour through time. He wants to make a mark in the world, but not a slash and burn type. The Lily from the Lenormand deck reflects his wisdom and love of peace. He has rules and boundaries in place, but they are not rigid. There will be times when he needs to ease them, and times he needs to strengthen them. His goal is to protect, sustain and serve, not for his own edification but for the benefit of his people. The legacy he hopes to leave will be a time of peace and stability with an overriding emphasis on humanitarianism.
Only he who has no use for the empire is fit to be entrusted with it. Zhuangzi

6 comments:

  1. Love the quote! I wonder why all the symbols of his authority are on fire as if they are too hot to hold on to.

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    1. Gabi relates the "bone fire" to bonfire, and says it "asks one to renew oneself through self-examination, transformation and learning."

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  2. That Emperor looks sorrowful. Seen to much and would like to pass that mantle of power on.

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    1. Reminds me of the way presidents age so dramatically while in office.

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    2. Same with our PMs and the point at which they show signs of lack of self care ( late nights and unhealthy habits) often coincides with poor policy making.

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    3. I would not want the weight of a country on my shoulders! I can just imagine what I'd do with the stress...

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