In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Aries is The Emperor, who rules over the Element of Fire and illustrates qualities of leadership, strength, energy and assertive power. This card is symbolic of a combination of dynamic physical energy and the concept of authority. The Emperor's numerological correspondent is four, symbolic of the builder and the organizer. Four is made up of straight lines and is a sacred number. This principle may be seen in the straight lines of the cross and the square. In a divine sense, it represents law and order, the material realms, reason and logic. It is interesting to note that Jesus Christ was not the only spiritual leader to die on a cross. Krishna of India, Thamus of Syria, Flesus of the Druids, Mithra of Persia and Quexalcotl of Mexico all also perished on crosses. The equal-armed cross, with its crossbeams crossing the umbilical center, traditionally represented man. It was only after the crucifixion of Christ that the crossbeam was raised to the heart center.

The Emperor is a member of the First Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana, representative of worldly power and achievement...at the expense of individuality and creativity. This is a card of conservative and old world traditions where individualism and revolutionary ideas will not be tolerated. Nonetheless, the Emperor is symbolic of a definite committment to building something worthwhile for society as a whole. It is the ultimate paternal card, indicative of the male archetype and, as such, signifies efficient codes of behavior, focus on purpose and establishment of territory...in short, the fully-realized and directed use of the Aries impulse.

The rams' heads depicted on this card are representative of the Zodiac Sign of Aries. The lamb bearing a flag found at the feet of The Emperor is symbolic of government, while the arms and head of the regal figure form an upright triangle...the crossed legs forming the number four indicative of the Master Builder. The scepter and cross are symbols of successful energy, power and authority...the items of established government. The overall orange hue of this card denotes a mix of Fire and Earth, representing realistic ideas put into practice. The Phoenix on the shield is symbolic of the transformation of the world through practical action.

In a Tarot reading, The Emperor denotes authority, paternity, leadership, government, war-making power, self-mastery and reason. Reversed, it indicates a loss of self-control, a weak character with bondage to parents, emotional immaturity and heralds possible injury or theft.

In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Fourth Path...the Path of the Provider of Order, also known as the Way of the Liberator. This path connects Wisdom with Beauty and is the path of civilization. It symbolizes release from bondage and the formation of an ideally structured life which leads to the balance of the heart. This path builds order based upon a courageous conquering of fear and the opening of new frontiers. It is the path of leaders, reformers, soldiers and warriors of Light. The Hebrew letter is Heh (also known as Hey), which means Window. As the eyes are windows to the soul, this path open the windows to the heart and soul...a window through which the horizons of infinite possibilities may be glimpsed. In short, the road to a personal "Promised Land." Heh is often used as a symbol of God, signifying the God within...the higher self that seasons all thoughts and ambitions with heart.

The associated Rune is Tiwaz...Rune of the Warrior. It is representative of Tiw (also referred to as Tyr), Norse God of battle, justice, law, regulation and success through sacrifice. This is also the God after whom Tuesday is named and, in some cultures, was considered to be the Protector of Mariners as well as the Protector of Warriors in both a physical and spiritual sense. He also patron of the disabled and those individuals who are left-handed. Tiw allowed Fenrir the Wolf to bite off his right hand in order to protect his warriors from the forces of chaos. Tiw was courageous and fearless, as well as being an accomplished diplomat. These qualities are symbolized by Tiwaz...a Rune which also reinforces determination and male sexuality. It is symbolic of new challenges and initiations into new understandings. This Rune suggests that if there should be a need for courage, then victory is already assured if the heart remains true. However, it will be necessary to make use of all the personal skill and wisdom acquired thus far. Faith must also be protected as it will invariably be challenged. Nonetheless, truth, honesty and justice will always prevail in the end. The Runic Number of Tiwaz is 17. Its color is bright red, its element is air and its polarity is male.

Tiw is a certain sign...it keeps trust well,
With Aethlings, ever on course,
Over the night-fogs,
It never fails.

The associated stone is Turquoise (derived from a French word meaning "Stone of Turkey"), known to be the male stone of power and, in Central America, was only allowed to be worn by warriors. Turquoise was once believed to be the earthly manifestation of the Sky and Father Gods. Thus, it reinforces the positive attributes of this card. It has been said that this stone changes color to warn of impending danger and/or to indicate infidelity in both thought and action. Turquoise is a healer of the spirit, providing for a soothing energy and bringing peace of mind. It has also been known to act as a guide through the unknown...offering protection while promoting personal independence in action. It acts to induce wisdom and understanding, as well as enhancing trust, kindess and the recognition of beauty. Turquoise is believed to promote spontaneity in romantic affairs and stimulate the initiation of romantic love. In ancient times, this stone was used to heal eye problems (particularly cataracts) and was once used to strengthen work animals. Possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the fashioning of jewelry, Turquoise has been mined since at least 6000 B.C. and is sacred to many Native American tribes who carved the stone into the shapes of animals and birds to place in tombs...its purpose to attract beneficial spirits who would guard the dead. It was also used by medicine men in the art of healing and by warriors who would affix Turquoise to the end of their bows to insure accuracy. This stone is said to attract money, friendship, success, luck and love, as well as relaxing the mind and easing mental tension.

In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the left front of the neck, arteries and oxygenated blood. Other associated items include geraniums, nettles and sheep, while the associated magical symbols are the sceptre, orb and flag. The colors of this card are scarlet, red and flame. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Sun of the Morning, Chief Among the Mighty, The Ruler and Law of Reason. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with Zeus, Jupiter, Tiw, Merlin, the Minotaur and Camelot's Round Table. The credo of The Emperor is "Leadership."

"I am logical...I am a visionary ruler. I am master of what I survey. I am a builder who builds upon what I see. I am responsible and I am a good steward. I am organized...I am powerful...I make rules and I am vital. I am masculine."

In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Mars (the ruling planet of Aries) is The Tower, representing Fire as the symbolic destruction of existing conditions. However, as Fire consumes and destroys, it also purifies. Mars is the War Planet, echoing the element of destruction...not only of environments but also of human life. The ruler is symbolic of Shiva, who destroys her followers so they might gain Nothingness and thus, perfection. The Tower is indicative of the demolition of all that is stagnant in the life of an individual which is therefore holding that individual back. This card suggests that while a person might cling to the status quo, he or she will surely be blown away in the name of personal growth and progress. The Tower's numerological value is sixteen...the key to personal awakening.

The Tower is a member of the Last Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana. It basically symolizes the complete annihilation of an existing way of life, system of belief or sense of security. This card demands trust and an understanding that what is lost during any period of trial and testing will surely be replaced by something much greater and more glorious. It is indicative of an awakening through the utter destruction of all that an individual has built so that he or she is forced to look beyond the surface. This card also encourages trust in a higher power...the higher power to be found within. Thus, individuals are obliged to heal themselves of the diseases known as stagnation and ignorance.

The symbol of The Tower itself denotes the inner being and is also associated with physical structures, while fire denotes destruction of The Tower...of outmoded beliefs and of ignorance. Other forms of symbolism often depicted in the design of this card include a dragon (the purging of the inner self by fire), a dove (love, peace and female power), a lion (male power) and a snake (rebirth and transformation).

In a Tarot reading, this card denotes that selfish abmition is about to come to naught. It also signifies conflict, change, unforeseen catastrophe and the upsetting of old notions, as well as a chance of bankruptcy and the overthrow of existing ways of life. However, on a more positive note, it symbolizes that such disruption will bring enlightenment in its wake. Reversed, it indicates much the same, but to a lesser degree. Perhaps the gain of freedom of body or mind, but at a great cost. In this reversed position, it may also be indicative of false accusations, unjust imprisonment or oppression.

In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Sixteenth Path...the Path of Cleansing, also known at the Way of Truth. This path connects Victory with Splendor and cleanses with fire...the most powerful form of purification known to mankind. It is one of three paths (the other two being the Fourth Path and the Eighth Path) which joins the right and left Pillars of Mercy and Severity...the first path across the Astral Triangle. It purges all false philosophies in preparation for a paradigm shift. It is far from easy to set ablaze something believed to be needed...and even more difficult to make a personal severance from someone or something that is loved. However, in order to connect the two opposing Pillars on a practical level, it is necessary to cut out all extremes on both sides...something which may well require the personal elimination of anyone or anything that is clung to too tightly. The Hebrew letter is Peh (also known as Pey), which means Mouth or, by association, Speech. This is generally considered to be a reference to the Tower of Babel...the confusing element of words. Individuals tend to become lost in words, using them most efficiently to further personal advantage, but words can lead to confusion, delusion and chaos...and the belief that stagnation is right and proper. The mouth possesses the power to speak kind words, but can also kill and destroy. The Greeks called this letter Pi, a symbol recognized for its importance in geometry and architecture.

The associated Rune is Hagalaz...Rune of Disruption. Hagalaz means "hail" and refers to damaging natural forces, disruption and interference. It is associated with sudden changes in direction and significant challenges. Thus, this Rune presents personal challenges to face upheaval with determination and courage...and to understand that even road blocks and catastrophes are merely stepping stones on the path to an ultimate goal. Hagalaz may also be indicative of suffering, hardship, illness or injury. It suggests that challenges may be occurring that should not be feared but faced. Indeed, the greater the challenge, then the more may be gained by overcoming the obstacle. The Runic Number of Hagalaz is 9. Its color is light blue, its element is water (in the form of ice) and its polarity is female.

Hail is the whitest of grain
Whirled from heaven's height,
The wind hurls it in showers
Into water then it turns.

The associated stone is Leopardskin Jasper, which possesses similar properties as Red Jasper (the stone associated with The Devil Tarot card). Both The Tower and The Devil are concerned with bondage at some level. The Tower is representative of liberation from the hold of The Devil and thus, in leopard skin form, is nurturing and serves as a protection from negativity. It balances physically, emotionally and intellectually, stabilizing etheric energies. Thus, Leopardskin Jasper has a cleansing effect. Known to be the "supreme nurturer," Jasper in general acts as a reminder that humankind is not only the physical plane purely for personal reasons, but also serves to bring joy and substance to others and assist in release from the bonds of constraint. This is a stone which accepts intense responsibility in the realm of protection from negativity. It also aids in the grounding and stabilizing energies of the earth. Jasper was once used to restore the sense of smell and has been reported to produce a soothing effect upon the nerves. This stone is said to provide what an individual needs, which is not necessarily what an individual desires.

In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the solar plexus, navel and small intenstines. It is also representative of the performance of circumcision. Other associated items include the fennel, nettles, horse chestnut and the gnat, while the associated magical symbols are the sword and, not surprisingly, the tower and fire. The colors of this card are scarlet and all hues of red. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty, Conquering Child and Priest of the Divine Fire. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with Dragons, the Tower of Babel, the story of Marduk and Tiamat, and the journey of Christian Rosenkreutz. It is also associated with the Deities Urd and Heimdall. The credo of The Tower is "Overthrow Of Selfish Ambition."

"I begin again...I purge my life, my self and my belongings. I destroy problems and eliminate ills and evils. I make myself ready for new beginnings. I survive catastrophes...I survive disasters. I learn from my past and from my misfortunes."

As a Fire Sign, Aries is also associated with the Tarot's Suit of Wands
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Much of the tarot information found on this page is taken from
"The Royal Road," a manual authored by Lady Shyra and used with
permission provided such credit is given

All featured tarot card designs are from "The Book of Thoth" deck
designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris