A relationship between Emperor & Hierophant, politics or survival?

As we know there is a progression in Tarot, one card speaks of another, each a segment of a sequence that offers insights into the growth and development of consciousness.

We find pairings, relationships between two cards, a dialogue between two archetypes that create a chemistry, crossing all limitations of time and show us how the historical can be interpreted into the contemporary. Human nature it seems is fundamentally the same in each epoch, the physical, manifest aspect is guided and honed by the spiritual.

The relationship between the Emperor and the Hierophant  is one of these relationships.

Emperor, master of the material world. He is stability and security. When we connect to the Emperor, we easily see his essence. Order, power and domination, the benevolent despot. He is the personnification of force.

When he arrives in a spread, I feel the need for structure and order, focus and discipline, all of which can be bring freedom. As someone who lacked structure for many years and lived as a fatalist, I have come to realise that to manifest anything worthwhile requires a focus and is fed by being disciplined. This is so liberating as the heart felt purpose gains wings to fly.

His are the laws of the universe in action. When we walk in accordance with these laws all is peaceful and harmonious but if we do not listen, if we disobey.....then we unleash the power of the law in order to find it's balance once more.

I sometimes see the Emperor as Ishkendar the great or Ghengis Khan or the rulers of the Arabic tribes, builders of cities, architects of empires; Yet often bloodthirsty and ruthless in attaining their goals. Weakness is not a word associated with the Emperor and with the energy of this card we can sweep away all that no longer serves us.

The Hierophant, the bridge, the ideal, the third party that connects the seeker to the God source. Without the elements of the Hierophant, the Emperor  would not survive in his place of glory.

Our Hierophant is a teacher and guide, he indicates to us the purpose of life. His divine inspiration is there to be communicated to those around him. Ever receptive to the upper realm, he conveys petitions between the realms.

When Hierophant turns up we are reminded of the need to be rooted in our community, to listen to the wise voice and to develop and own our spiritual power. We are encouraged to have faith and to embrace unity.

However, he has to be mindful of not falling into dogmatic thinking, he is better serving the ideal and expanding a vision.

It was vital that the conquerors had their spiritual advisors, without them there is a distinct possibility that the Human race would have often sailed close to extinction. That voice of spiritual reason brought us back from the brink. I think of Pope Gregory and how he told the Emperor stories in order to enlighten him and steer him from destructive chaos. History has many tales to tell of barbary and killing that established dynasties and territories, in many parts of the world this still goes on........

On a recent trip to Rudesheim, I visited the church of Hildegard Von Bingen. She was a remarkable woman who led a remarkable life.

I was fascinated to learn of the relationship between herself and Frederick 1 Barbarossa. (Above). Hearing the story reminded me of the relationship between the Emperor and Hierophant.

Barbarossa was a bloodthirsty ruler, tyrannical and fierce. He was a crusader and campaigned against Rome and her Popes.

However he did not count on the courage of Hildegard. She connected with him in order to maintain a healthy dialogue with him, speaking out in favour of her church. She was direct and often critical of Barbarossa, something that was unheard of. Many who opposed this Emperor were slain. But he listened to her, perhaps in awe of her unwavering strength plus she was very well connected to other powerful people of the day.

He made allowances for her and treated her fairly. He offered her church protection, very unusual for the supporters of the Pope.

I think we can learn something very important here. The physical world, the domain of the ego will remain in a position of limitation and possible self destruction in its pursuit of power and identity, it is vital that we discover that wellspring of spiritual power and intelligence, this will provide the balance that offers life to our endeavours. It will save us from spiritual death and give light and meaning to our purpose.
When we shine our light, we give permission for others to shine their light. We live.