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THE EMPEROR-Key 4, is the 15th Path of Heh that runs between the 6th Sephiroth- Tiphareth (Beauty-the Solar Logos) to the 2nd Sephiroth Chokmah (Wisdom-Lesser Creator who rules over manifestation) and is known as the Constituting Intelligence (Paul Foster Case).

Because of our Divine Inheritance from the Demiurge (Lesser Creator) and the Great Mother (Binah-Female aspect of the Demiurge) we are all the ternary "Sparks" of consciousness. Modern psychology has called these "Sparks" of Consciousness, the Unconscious, the Subconscious, and the awake Consciousness which about every elementary school child has heard of. However, hearing of a thing is not knowing the thing. There is only one consciousness/ One Mind whose different aspects have been identified as Un-Sub-Awake-Consciousness.

The RWS-Key 4-The Emperor is displayed as the "Ancient of Days", the traditional Supernal Father, who is older than time itself. The Traditional display of the Ankh Cross in the Emperor's right hand and the Orb of Dominion in his left hand. The Ankh is traditionally the "Union of Goddess & God", inseparable and all creating. The Orb is considered the solar sign of the 6th Sephiroth-Tiphareth (Beauty) or "Son of God". The ram headed throne symbolizes the 1st house of Aries.

Thus, in this Card, we have the term Constituting Intelligence meaning that THE EMPEROR assists in the building up of Light of Tiphareth from the utter darkness of Limitless Light of the Supernal Triangle. This Path of Heh could also be considered as the "start of Time" in infinity. The Emperor-Key 4 also represents the 4th Sephirotic Being known as Chesed- The Architect.

People born under the sun sign of Aries, which falls between March 21st and April 19th, are often associated with certain characteristics. Keep in mind that these traits are generalizations, and individual experiences may vary. Here are some typical characteristics of individuals born under the sign of Aries:

1. Assertiveness: Aries individuals are known for their boldness and assertive nature. They are not afraid to take charge and lead others.

2. Independence: Independence is a key trait of Aries. They value their freedom and autonomy, often preferring to make their own decisions.

3. Energetic: Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of energy and action. As a result, individuals born under this sign tend to be energetic, dynamic, and enthusiastic.

4. Courageous: Aries individuals are known for their bravery and willingness to take risks. They often face challenges head-on without fear.

5. Impulsivity: The impulsive nature of Aries can sometimes lead to spontaneous actions. While this trait can be adventurous, it's essential to balance it with consideration.

6. Competitiveness: Aries individuals have a competitive streak. They enjoy challenges and are driven to succeed, sometimes turning everyday activities into competitions.

7. Short Temper: Aries individuals may have a quick temper, but their anger tends to be short-lived. They express their emotions openly and move on quickly.

8. Optimism: Positivity is a common trait among Aries individuals. They tend to approach life with optimism and enthusiasm.

Remember, these are general traits, and individuals may exhibit a mix of characteristics from their sun sign, moon sign, rising sign, and other astrological factors. It's always essential to consider the full birth chart for a more accurate picture.

Authority.

Stability.

Control.

The Tarot also realizes that the emperor is responsible for human life as he defines the Laws of Physics, The Animal Totem Tarot -Key 4-The Emperor, illustrates a silver back Gorilla of firm authority, an image of a positive yet strong and rooted force. Here boundaries are set and held by a force of will. Therefore, this card implies that what you need right now, is to set boundaries, whether in your personal and/or professional life. There is a need here, to take your power back, but do it with integrity.

When the Silverback Gorilla appears as a totem, power animal, or spirit guide, and/or a Tarot card it brings profound wisdom on leadership, family bonds, strength, and resilience. The gorilla embodies both the strength of a protector and the calm of a wise leader, showing us that true power lies in self-control, compassion, and a deep connection to community. Here’s a breakdown of the key characteristics of the Silverback Gorilla in each role:

As a Totem Animal

The Silverback Gorilla totem represents strength in unity, loyalty, and protective leadership. Those who identify with this totem often feel a deep responsibility toward their loved ones and community. They may also exhibit:

• Inner Strength and Resilience: The gorilla totem embodies calm yet fierce protection. It reminds you to stand firm in your values while also showing kindness and generosity.
• Respect for Hierarchies: Gorillas are social animals who respect structured hierarchies, teaching the importance of respecting others’ roles while knowing one’s place in life.
• Empathy and Compassion: Known for their gentle and nurturing sides, gorillas encourage empathy toward others and the willingness to support and protect.

As a Power Animal

Calling on the Silverback Gorilla as a power animal can provide stability and courage, especially in times when leadership or protection is needed. This power animal emphasizes balance, teaching you to embody strength without aggression and compassion without weakness.

• Steady Leadership: The gorilla brings forth leadership qualities that are less about dominance and more about the care and welfare of others. It encourages you to lead by example and act in ways that inspire respect.
• Strong Boundaries: Gorillas establish and protect their space and group; this power animal teaches the importance of boundaries, both physical and emotional, and the need to stand strong in protecting them.
• Patience and Observation: The gorilla as a power animal advises taking time to observe and understand before acting. It encourages patience and contemplation, showing that slow, deliberate action often yields the best results.

As a Spirit Guide

When the Silverback Gorilla appears as a spirit guide, it suggests that you may need guidance on understanding your role within family or community, or in developing patience and wisdom.

• Finding Balance in Strength and Gentleness: This spirit guide often comes to those who need to understand that true power doesn’t require force but instead flows from calm, assured confidence.
• Focus on Family and Community: Gorillas are known for their deep family bonds and group orientation. As a guide, they remind you of the importance of prioritizing relationships and showing love through service.
• Healing and Self-Knowledge: The gorilla spirit guide encourages introspection and healing, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom and work through unresolved issues or fears.

Silverback Gorilla as a Symbol in Spiritual Practice and represents as a Tarot Card.

The gorilla’s strong connection to the earth reminds those who work with it to stay grounded and attuned to their physical and emotional environment. In meditation or ritual, envisioning the gorilla can help you:

• Foster compassion and understanding within your relationships
• Stand up for yourself and others without aggression
• Nurture patience, allowing solutions and insights to reveal themselves naturally

By connecting with the Silverback Gorilla, you invite its wisdom into your life, reminding you of the power in calm presence and the strength in steadfast care.

In Western Hermetic Qabalistic philosophy, The Emperor is a lesser influence than Empress. Even Carl Jung saw the mother more important to the psychological formation of the child than the father. However, a woman may argue that Jung could only speak and see from the reason of the Animus, the Amina's counter-sexual component. Jung's own difficult experiences with his own father certainly may influence his psychology; However, this doesn't subtract from the utilities of his theories.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards promote a primary consideration of the mother-Empress and Son (emerging self-consciousness from the water) while the son becomes the father-Emperor who stands as the guardian of the process of measured creation. Unless the metaphysical imagery and process are applied to mundane experiences, they are as useless as a "house of cards".

Consequently, one must try to experience The Emperor as the father in their life experiences, for he is the inner sovereignty and nature self-possession. The Empress created Him and gave him the authority to measure and/or set boundaries and structure for the Forms of Life she gives birth to. You are one of those forms birthed by the mother.

In Tarot, the mother-Binah gives the father-as Chesed the authority of measurement. You may know this authority as the rational and/or the measuring mind. The Great Mother is the creatrix of Consciousness in its three forms as Unconsciousness, Subconsciousness and Awake consciousness. You often hear her as intuition.

As previously stated, THE EMPEROR, is the Path of Heh and its function is determined by Binah-the 3rd Sephirotic Being who is pure fruition. The Path of Hehis a formative path of rational and classifying activities.

The RWS Emperor's bright red color as robes or background is that of Mother Binah- in the aspect of the 5th Sephiroth as Geburah -as Aries and the 4th Sephiroth- Chesed as in the World of Pure Spirit known as Aziluth.

The 4th Sephiroth, Chesed (also called Gedulah, meaning "Mercy" or "Loving-Kindness"), on the Tree of Life is associated with the astrological sign of Jupiter rather than a specific zodiac sign. In Qabalistic symbolism, each Sephirah has a planetary correspondence rather than a direct alignment with one of the twelve zodiac signs.

Chesed and Jupiter

Chesed corresponds to Jupiter because it embodies the expansive, benevolent, and merciful qualities that Jupiter represents in astrology. This Sephirah is connected to principles of generosity, abundance, compassion, and rulership—attributes that align well with Jupiter's influence.

In the context of the Tree of Life, Chesed represents the archetype of the benevolent ruler, the loving and wise guide who seeks to spread mercy and create order through kindness. Jupiter’s qualities in traditional astrology—growth, expansion, justice, and wisdom—are seen as an outpouring of divine energy that sustains and nurtures creation. This is very much in alignment with the role Chesed plays in the Qabalistic framework, as it is the first Sephirah on the Pillar of Mercy.

The Zodiacal Influence on Chesed

While Chesed doesn’t directly connect to a single zodiac sign, the signs ruled by Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces) share traits associated with Chesed. Sagittarius aligns with the expansive, adventurous, and optimistic qualities of Chesed, while Pisces resonates with compassion, understanding, and deep emotional insight. This adds layers to Chesed’s influence, enhancing its embodiment of wisdom, kindness, and spiritual generosity.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah and High Magick, Chesed’s association with Jupiter makes it a focal point for meditations and rituals related to personal growth, wisdom, compassion, and invoking a sense of divine order and justice.

Albeit, that the male and female forces are seen as more interwoven in the lower levels as we go down the Tree of Life, the assumption that Chokmah and Binah are the only "Pure" states of Male and Female force is in error; As Chokmah (Wisdom), meaning the primary quality of maleness, is a Hebrew- female noun equivalent to the Greek Goddess of Wisdom-Sophia.

Taking the point of view that whatever gives birth is exercising a primary female quality at the moment of birth then all that is inherent in the male is inherent in the female and vice versa. We can see this by understanding that the Creation of Chokmah gave birth to maleness, and therefore, defining femaleness, simultaneously, for 0=2.

The students of Carl Jung know that he stated the "male harbors the perfect female image in his unconscious, as the female harbors the perfect male image in her " unconscious", these being the "counter sexual component" necessary for the transformation of force and form. Jung also called the "counter-sexual components", the Anima (female) in males and the Animus (Male) male in females. The Anima means spirit in Latin and the Animus is Latin for soul. Thus, we can see that THE EMPRESS is Anima and THE EMPEROR is Animus, making the perfectly developed male type on the Paths THE EMPEROR and the perfectly developed female type, THE EMPRESS. These are the pure intelligent forces that we meet and converse with on the Paths of the Universal Collective Unconscious.

If we think of the One Mind as a Human Brain, albeit a simplistic comparison as it is a copy of the Soul, then One has become two, female and male in One Intelligent organism (The Tree of Life) on The Path of Heh. Here is then the math of Western Mysteries as 0=2.

Since the Sun/Son of Tiphareth is in the sign of the Sun, which is the sign of this Path, indicates that THE EMPEROR exercises some control over the Solar forces of the Higher Self. Hence, in a personal interaction or conversation, the emperor can be verbal, rational, conversational----and can often seem cold.

The Sixth Sephirah, Tiphareth (meaning "Beauty"), on the Tree of Life is associated with the Sun rather than a specific zodiac sign. Tiphareth is known as the center of balance and harmony on the Tree, representing the divine qualities of beauty, equilibrium, healing, and sacrifice.

Tiphareth and the Sun

Tiphareth’s connection to the Sun aligns it with qualities of radiance, centrality, and spiritual illumination. The Sun represents the heart and soul of the astrological system, just as Tiphareth is the heart of the Tree of Life. It signifies the ideal of divine beauty and perfection, mirroring the Sun’s role as a life-giving force.

Zodiacal Influence on Tiphareth

While Tiphareth doesn’t correspond directly to a specific zodiac sign, the Sun rules Leo, which provides a layer of connection. Leo embodies qualities of warmth, courage, creativity, and leadership, all of which resonate with the Sun’s influence on Tiphareth. Leo’s association with self-expression and loyalty aligns with Tiphareth’s essence of personal transformation, sacrifice, and spiritual growth.

In the practice of Qabalah and ritual work within the Western Hermetic tradition, Tiphareth’s association with the Sun makes it central for meditations and workings aimed at seeking inner harmony, spiritual enlightenment, and alignment with the divine self.

Although he may administer punishment, he is very protective of his own. He becomes the provider of strength, support, and Fatherly love. However, in the mundane world, this support and strength may not be shown. This isn't because the emperor isn't in the Animus identity, but because men are not in union with the inner Anima, as their society forms the male identity for them, rather than the original Soul forming it. A man-made man isn't what the Anima created as her Animus-Male counter-sexual partner is her most beloved.

In Western Qabalistic philosophy, The Creatrix (Empress) gives the authority to measure, color, and weigh to the Creator. She Understands the paradigm of formation while he must be the architect of measurement and thereby set into order the creations of Self as the "law giver".

In the Western Qabalah, the 4th Sephiroth of the Emperor is called Chesed-Mercy. This is because as boundary setter, (law giver) and although he often forgives those who step beyond the boundaries if they are supplicant enough, he punishes. However, the Mother-Empress does not forgive, nor does she "blame" as she oversees the developing spiritual child, where knowledge becomes "life paths" and she is often the "adjuster" that keeps us on the Spiritual Pathways of Self. Even failure is knowledge gained, hence, no punishment from the Mother.

When THE EMPEROR card is thrown during a reading it emphasizes the principle of:

• Personal Power and Leadership.
•  Building a pure base of Knowledge while remaining open minded, pointing towards success, authority, stability and ambition in gain or achievement.
• Self-realization of Life Force and Personal Power.
• Taking authority over themselves rather than blaming others for their actions.
• Moderation and control.
• Discipline.
• Temperance. 
• Harmony between the spiritual and material aspects. 
• Patience.
• Frugality. 
• Positive influence.
• Good omen.

If reversed the querent is up against:

• A dominant boss, or authority figure (s) who sets rules, boundaries, definitions, and analysis. 
• A self-centered personality.
• Cruelty.
• Oppressive male.
• Unstable efforts and actions. 
• Intemperance.
• Disharmony.

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