Prompt: “Pull the Emperor card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

Tarot of the Hidden Realm – The imagery in this card makes me think of Odin and his two ravens.  I’m not -sure- if that’s intended (although I bet it is), but that’s where my mind goes. His expression and the depth of of darkness he sits in speaks of a man with a great weight of responsibility on  his shoulders. This translates, for me, into an energy, personality or person with a great deal to tend to, deal with, and a lot of responsibilities that take deep thought, solid reasoning, and the whisper of informants to help him stay upon the pulse of what’s going on around him.

Tarot Nuages – Here we have a king, stooped and aged, that sits on a throne among the clouds high above all that he rules over. Untouchable, the figure sees everyone and everything.  The size of this figure and its lofty perch bring to mind the Christian God and his omnipresence.  So very far above the world and looking down, can anyone really understand what he thinks or where he comes from?  Probably not.  They follow him blindly and trust he has their best interests at heart.

Garbage Pail Kids Tarot – On a throne of mice with a leopard’s pelt as his robe, this emperor’s head explodes in a mushroom cloud as he pushes the button.  This card, to me, asks the question of where are you overwhelmed in your responsibilities… and how is this overwhelm affecting your judgements and actions?  How could you make better choices if you take a moment to stabilize rather than simply reacting?

Le Tarot de Marseille par Pole Ka – Dude looks like he’s looking over at the guy next to him thinking “this motherfucker’s an idiot”.  Highly decorated for honor, valor, and more, this general rules with a tight fist and demands excellence from all those around him.  It speaks of demands for perfectionism… and demands that you do more than just follow… but think.  As his gaze clearly says… Don’t be an idiot.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, TAROT NUAGES, GARBAGE PAIL KIDS TAROT, AND LE TAROT DE MARSEILLE PAR POLE KA