The Emperor tarot card, a prominent figure in the Major Arcana, is often linked with the Aries zodiac sign, symbolizing leadership and authority. But there’s more to uncover: which Minor Arcana suit corresponds to Aries? Let’s find out.
Before we delve deeper, let’s clear up a common misconception: there’s no single tarot card that definitively represents each zodiac sign. Yet, the intriguing symbolic connections between astrology and tarot enrich both practices.
With this in mind, we’ll explore the symbolic ties between The Emperor and Aries, along with revealing a surprise Minor Arcana card associated with this fiery sign. Let’s get started!
The ram: a symbol in common
As for the Libra sign there is a clear connection to Justice (the Libra symbol is a scale, which also appears in the Justice card), between The Emperor card and Aries lies a symbolic connection: the ram.
In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, The Emperor sits upon a majestic stone throne adorned with four imposing rams’ heads. These heads serve as a direct representation of The Emperor’s astrological sign, Aries, symbolizing his unyielding determination and steadfast dedication to his duties.
It’s worth noting that Aries, represented by the Ram, is unmistakably associated with the iconic symbol of the ram’s horns.
This symbolism finds its roots in Greek mythology, particularly in the tale of the Golden Fleece. The winged ram aids Phrixus and his sister Helle in escaping peril, and later, Phrixus sacrifices the ram, leading to the legendary tale of the Golden Fleece. Zeus immortalizes the ram by placing it among the stars, forever commemorating its bravery and aligning it with the Aries sign.
Aries traits in common with The Emperor card
Self-determination, leadership, power, and loyalty are qualities that both Aries and The Emperor card represent.
The Emperor symbolizes Aries’ passion for life. It embodies self-mastery and self-direction, traits closely associated with Aries. As natural-born leaders, Aries individuals have a propensity for taking charge. While their bold nature often yields results, their self-centered attitude can sometimes pose challenges in relationships. The Emperor, in fact, stands alone in its symbolism.
The Emperor serves as a reminder of Aries’ innate drive to fight for what they believe in. Just like Aries, it highlights that anything worthwhile deserves the effort of fighting to attain it.
Fire sign and red robe
Another evident yet hidden connection between Aries and The Emperor lies in the red robe.
What does red represent to you? Which element? Fire, of course. And which sign is Aries? Yes, fire.
Here’s the answer:
The Emperor’s red robe, coupled with the vibrant sunrise in the background of the card, reinforces the theme of Fire. Additionally, Aries is ruled by Mars, the red planet. The color red evokes initiative and action, qualities intrinsic to Aries, sometimes taken to extremes.
As a natural leader, Aries, a determined Fire sign, occasionally exhibits a tendency to act impulsively, without much forethought. While they excel at initiating new endeavors, their short attention span can lead to unfinished projects. However, the upside is that they dive into action while others are still pondering, “Should I do it or not?”
In this regard, The Emperor mirrors Aries. Just as Aries acts and takes initiative, The Emperor must decide and establish order. He is depicted garbed in a majestic red robe, symbolizing his potent energy, passion, and zest for life.
To explore The Emperor tarot card further, including its meanings in readings and interpretations related to love, as well as its key symbols and fun facts, type into the preview below. You’ll discover the full article dedicated to this card (on Born Under Saturn you can find an article for each Major Arcana. Juicy, no?).
The river as a symbol of emotional depth
Despite Aries being known for its emphasis on action rather than emotion, much like the active, pragmatic Emperor card, both symbols carry significant emotional depth. This is evident in the small river flowing, hidden, at the Emperor’s feet. After all, where does impulsivity originate if not from a great emotional boiling beneath the surface?
The river symbolizes the undercurrents of emotion that fuel the outward strength and determination of both Aries and the Emperor. While their exterior may seem unwavering and focused on achievement and progress, there is a profound emotional reservoir that drives their actions. This hidden stream represents the source of their impulsivity and passion, revealing that their dynamic energy is deeply rooted in emotional intensity.
The Globus Cruciger: emblem of leadership and responsibility
In many tarot decks – such as in the Visconti-Sforza version – the Emperor holds the globus cruciger, a sphere topped with a cross. Although in the Middle Ages it was primarily associated with the recognition of God’s sovereignty over all, the globe was also seen as a symbol of the cosmos. Those who held it were acknowledged as having dominion over the cosmos. This was a symbol of absolute power, fitting for the Emperor.
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, undeniably feels this power both as a primordial instinct (it is the first!) and as a responsibility. Aries bears the cosmos alone, for before it there is nothingness and after it, the unknown.
The globus cruciger in the hands of the Emperor represents the weight of the world and the immense responsibility that comes with leadership and dominion. Similarly, Aries embodies this pioneering spirit, stepping boldly into the void with the force and courage of a true leader. They navigate the cosmos, carving out paths where none existed before, driven by an intrinsic sense of purpose and duty.
How The Emperor’s keywords fit perfectly with Aries
As many tarot enthusiasts know, each card has associated “keywords” – concise phrases or single words that capture its essence. These keywords offer a quick reference point for understanding the card’s meaning and guiding interpretations.
The tradition of associating keywords with tarot cards originated in the 18th century with the Etteilla Tarot. Etteilla, a renowned French occultist, played a significant role in popularizing tarot within esoteric circles, as discussed in our article on the History of Tarot.
Now, let’s explore how specific keywords from The Emperor card – both upright and reversed – resonate with the characteristics of Aries.
Leadership (upright keyword)
Aries is renowned for its leadership qualities, often taking charge and leading others with confidence and assertiveness. The Emperor embodies this aspect, symbolizing authority and command.
Fast Process (upright keyword)
Aries is known for its dynamic and energetic nature, often preferring swift action over deliberation. Similarly, The Emperor encourages decisive and quick decision-making, reflecting Aries’ penchant for rapid progress.
Lack of Structure (reversed keyword)
Aries can sometimes exhibit impulsive behavior, acting on instinct rather than careful planning. This lack of structure is mirrored in The Emperor card when reversed, suggesting the need for discipline and organization to temper impulsivity.
Rebelliousness (reversed keyword)
Aries is characterized by its independent and rebellious spirit, often challenging authority and traditional norms. The Emperor, when reversed, may signify a rebellion against established structures and rules, echoing Aries’ tendency to forge its path.
Aries’ association with the Minor Arcana: the King of Wands
Aries is not only associated with a Major Arcana card but also with a specific suit in the Minor Arcana. The four suits symbolically represent the four elements, with the suit of Wands corresponding to fire. Aleister Crowley’s 1944 “The Book of Thoth” aligns the suit of Wands with the action of the will and the element of fire, a perspective shared by many other tarot scholars.
That being said, let’s uncover which specific card is associated with Aries, and it’s surprisingly straightforward. If in the Major Arcana Aries is linked to The Emperor, in the Minor Arcana, it is associated with the King of Wands. We could consider the King of Wands as a softer reflection of the Emperor.
The King of Wands epitomizes foresight and determination, fearlessly pursuing his objectives much like an Aries individual. As the pinnacle of maturity within the Wands suit, he has channeled his fiery spirit for noble causes. Exercising authority with a captivating presence and dramatic flair, he harnesses his passion for the greater good. Indeed, he possesses a magnetic aura capable of entrancing any audience, embodying both leadership and authority.
As an additional detail, do you notice something intriguing when you look at the card? Yep, he also has a red vest.
With this curiosity also addressed, we’ve reached the conclusion of this article dedicated to Aries’ connection to tarot. For more quick and insightful tarot and astrology content, follow us on Born Under Saturn’s Instagram page. We’ll see you there!
