How do I lead?
“Leadership is not just some empty formulas but establishing deep connection at soul levels through service, integrity, passion, perseverance and equanimity.”
Friends -
How do I lead? The Emperor, the universal archetype of personal power and leadership, asks us this question.
As our planet continues to warm exponentially, this question is even more critical. Do you lead in a way that supports sustainable actions and decisions? Or, are you leading in a manner that furthers the planet's destruction and human lives and spirit? See more on The Emperor below.
In the last four Elyn's Diary postings, we began our journey first with The Fool (What is my heart telling me?) heart; then The Magus, (How do I tell my truth?); The Priestess, (How do I trust my intuition?); and, The Empress, (How do I nurture?)
Over the next few months, we'll continue to look at all the Major Arcana cards and some of the questions they invite us to explore. The 22 cards in the Major Arcana represent universal principles collectively experienced, regardless of our culture or family upbringing. These 22 teachings address how, as human beings, we grow, evolve, and deepen.
I’ve been honored over the years to do readings for so many – is it time to do yours?
For your heart, mind & spirit -
Elyn
About my readings
The Three Spread – Three questions, three cards, three spreads. This online reading includes a follow-up email with additional comments about your reading. 50 minutes - $125 book here.
*NEW!* The Celtic Cross – Now that we're emerging back into the world, it's time for the always insightful - and magical - Celtic Cross reading. Includes a follow-up email with additional comments. 80 minutes - $170/ book here.
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The Emperor - Major Arcana Four
How do I lead? The Emperor, the universal archetype of personal power and leadership, asks us this question.
As our planet continues to warm exponentially, this question is even more critical. Do you lead in a way that supports sustainable actions and decisions? Or, are you leading in a manner that furthers the planet's destruction and human lives and spirit?
Angeles Arrien refers to The Emperor as the right use of power. What role does power play in your life? Are you asserting your dominance in a way that leaves others feeling powerless? Or, are you giving away your power to please someone else? Power can be equally and constructively distributed – you don't need to take it from others, nor do you need to give yours away.
The Tarot can help you develop ways to lead from a place of personal power and enable others to do the same.
Are you being asked to take on a position of leadership or authority over a project or others? The Emperor tells you to accept this responsibility and carry out your task with energy and confidence while also taking care that the power doesn't go to your head (an all too familiar story, as history shows)! Do you lead by example through love and service to the people in your care so that they follow you willingly and joyfully, knowing that you have their best interests at heart? Or, do you resort to a bullying dictatorship where people obey your tyrannical demands through fear?
Whereas The Empress is the creation and the chaos that allows for creation, The Emperor structures and organizes this creation to produce something that lasts beyond the initial creative action.
Because of their titles, we can view The Empress and The Emperor through the lens of gender and because masculine power and virility are so brilliantly portrayed in this card. But the Emperor doesn't have to represent a man any more than the Empress has to represent a woman.
As you step further into "right use of power," ask yourself – Am I doing this for the good of myself, others, and the planet?