The Emperor - A Blues Man of The Mind

Drawing this card today I immediately thought of how I learned of an man yesterday, who reflects the positive qualities of the Emperor card. I'm certain he would never consider himself an Emperor, but he embodies what I would expect to find in this mythic figure. His name is Dr. Cornell West. He is not an Emperor, but a very fine human being, who has the courage to fight for social justice. Here is a description of what he is, and some of his quotes that might give you an idea of what I am talking about.

He is a lover of music. " I am a jazz man in a world of ideas. "
" I am a blues man of the mind. "

He is a scholar. " Deep education requires a habitual vision of greatness. "

He is an activist. " Justice is what love looks like in public "

He is a servant. " You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. "  "You can't save the people if you don't serve the people. "

Seven of Wands - The Struggle of the Underdog

Unlike here in the Seven of Wands, where we see a competitive and evenly matched fight, the struggle of the underdog is all too often not a fair fight.

Our world seems to be in a battle that has historically resulted in socioeconomic problems affecting marginalized individuals within our society. As well, environmental and climate change are all serious issues that usually involve the underdog, fighting government and corporate power. Unfortunately this battle revolves around financial gain and exploitation.

My grandfather who was a humble and very wise man always said, 'The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. ' I do believe this to be generally true, but this does not mean that we can afford to cease to have hope and no longer fight the good fight for the principles of social justice.

 The worst thing we can do, is to sit on our laurels because we have become apathetic, cynical or fearful in demoralizing defeat. We must have the conviction of our beliefs, have courage and learn our value as human beings, knowing that we all deserve and have a right to fight for justice and dignity. We must advocate for, and have faith in ourselves and in others.

The saying, ' It's a dog eat dog world ' may certainly appear very true in our competitive society.  There will always be envy and competition and it is something we must accept.
 I am not saying competition is a negative thing, only when it is destructive and infringes or exploits the rights of another. We need to support, and encourage each other in loving kindness, in order to make for a kinder,  more hopeful world, in service of peace and freedom.

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers,
But to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain,
But for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield,
But to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved,
But hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward,
feeling your mercy in my success alone,
But let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure.

                                                                               -  Rabindranath Tagore

 

Justice - Clarity of Vision

Here we meet Athene, the Goddess of Justice, and the eleventh card in the Major Arcana, and associated with the sign of Libra. Relating to decisions being made fairly with fair outcomes, that set a confused life into a successful order. Divine or social justice where truth  triumphs, and success is achieved through negotiation in legal matters. Her double edged sword signifies impartiality and Athene's white owl, sitting on her shoulder reflects her clarity of vision.

We are reminded of the consequences of our actions spiritually. The often seen purple cloth in some cards is symbolic of compassion, and the pillars indicate confines and limits of the physical world. Meditation and attention to something in particular is needed in order to find a solution.

Meditation, contemplation and attention to something in particular is needed in order to find solutions. Consider if there is deceptive behaviour, justice will prevail regardless and responsibility for your actions must be taken.