India is a vast country with many states having different languages, traditions and festivals. In each state Hindu New Year is celebrated on different days in their own traditional ways. Most of the New Year celebrations take place around vernal equinox or Sun’s transit in Aries, the first sign in zodiac. According to Hindu calendar, the New Year falls on the first day of the month Chaitra. It is celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra and Karnataka, Vishu in Kerala, Baisakhi in Panjab, Bihu in Asam, and the list may go on. Mainly, New Year signifies change of seasons, reaping of harvest and preparations for the new cycle in agriculture. New Year day is also considered as an auspicious day for the new beginnings. Different stories and significance are associated with the New Year day. One of them is Lord Brahma created the universe on this day.
As per sidereal astrology, this year the Sun enters the sign of Aries on April 14, 2012. On this day retrograde Mars also turns direct. As a result, we are going to experience abundant cosmic energy on this day to begin our new ventures. Astrological solar New Year begins on this day.
In tarot, the Emperor is associated with the astrological sign Aries. Aries is a cardinal, masculine and fire sign ruled by Mars. Suit of wands in tarot symbolizes the element fire, so all the three fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are assigned to the suit of wands. Minor arcane tarot two of wands, three of wands and four of wands are associated with the three decans of Aries. Court card Queen of wands corresponds to the astrological sign Aries. Sanskrit word for Aries is Mesha meaning ram. Some synonyms of the word Mesha are Aja, Adya, Vishwa and Kriya. Aja means unborn or unmanifest potential. Adya implies the primal spark or the primordial cause of the manifest universe. Vishwa refers to the universe and Kriya implies action. Astrological sign Aries symbolizes infinite possibilities of creative energy. Some of the attributes of fiery sign Aries are inspiration, aspiration, ambition, strong desire to create and dreamlike consciousness.
P D Ouspensky in his book ‘The Symbolism of the Tarot’ describes the Emperor as the law of four or latent energy of nature. He describes the Emperor as sitting on a throne of stone decorated with four heads of ram on each side. The visualization continues as: “I am The Great Law,” the Emperor said. “I am the name of God. The four letters of his name are in me and I am in all. I am in the four principles. I am in the four elements. I am in the four seasons. I am in the four cardinal points. I am in the four signs of the Tarot. I am the beginning; I am action; I am completion; I am the result. For him who knows how to see me there are no mysteries on earth. Full description is here.
Here the Emperor is described as tetragrammaton or the name of God. The Emperor is the logos or the fundamental principle which is the basis of most of the religions and philosophy. Isavasya Upanishad, the concluding part of the Shukla Yajurveda Samhita also describes the attributes of the Supreme Being or Ishwara in similar manner.
The Upanishads are essence of the Vedas. One meaning of the word Upanishad is to sit next to each other. In ancient times, the disciples used to sit at the feet of their Guru and the teachings were imparted in confidentiality. The secrets hidden in the Vedas were communicated through speech by great seers to their disciples. Initially these secret teachings were not written down; they were passed on orally from Guru to his Shishyas.
The first mantra of the Ishavasya Upanishad is: “Isavasyam idam sarvam yat kim ca jagatyam jagat, tena tyaktena bhunjithah ma gridhah kasyasvid dhanam”
First part of the mantra says that the entire universe, manifest or unmanifest, living or non-living, is abode of Ishwara, the Supreme Being. He inhabits and envelops the entire universe; he is omnipresent and omniscient. The second part asks us to enjoy His creation without being possessive or creating attachment. Also, we are advised not to hanker for or try to seize the affluence that belongs to the Supreme Being. The most important message of this mantra is to live life and enjoy it with the awareness that Godliness pervades everywhere and is inherent to all the objects. We are not here to suffer or be miserable. The key to live a happy life is also given here. We are advised to renounce greed, attachments and possessive tendencies to live well. In the story of cosmology, if we associate the Empress with Prakriti, the infinite consciousness, we can associate the Emperor with Purusha or Ishwara, the Supreme Being pervading the infinite consciousness. Satwa, Rajas and Tamas are three attributes of Prakriti. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are three aspects of Ishwara. Through these aspects he creates, sustains and disintegrates the universe.
In day-to-day life, how can we harness the abundant energy and spiritual potential available to us while the Sun transits the astrological sign Aries? Queen of wands can guide us about how to utilize this energy to manifest meaningful, significant and pleasing life conditions. Most important characteristics of the queen of wands are dedication and loyalty. She is interested in meaningful relationships and endeavors. If you are attracted to a cause, full commitment is essential to see it through. Another important personality trait is not to scatter energy on many superficial projects, but to choose only those that are important to you. Trust your instincts and intuition to find out what is right for you. Queen of wands is associated with solar plexus. Solar plexus is a very important chakra dealing with power and control issues. Healthy and active solar plexus chakra makes us confident, independent and true to ourselves. It is the seat of wisdom and power. Healthy solar plexus makes you cheerful, healthy, relaxed and spontaneous. It gives self respect and respect for others. It also gives the ability to connect with the God-self within us and heal our past. During the transit of the Sun in Aries, you can work on your solar plexus chakra.
During this transit of the Sun in Aries, you can also meditate on the cards two of wands, three of wands and four of wands from a deck of your choice. Become aware of the divine energy that is within and without you. Listen to your inner voice and find out what are your deepest desires. Make a list of all the choices and possibilities available at the moment. Two of Wands refers to reviewing all aspects of a situation and becoming aware of all possible options available. Three of Wands encourages us to look around and find out what has been achieved so far. Evaluate and analyze your success and failures. Candid evaluation inspires us to make plans for further growth and expansion. This card nudges us to step up and take the project to the next level; this card is about ambition, vision and leadership. Four of Wands implies participation for a greater cause. It indicates favorable time period to associate with like minded people to create something beautiful. Connection with God and other people empowers you to achieve your goals. Such participation gives a sense of belonging, stability and security. Also do not forget to experience the nature around. Enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers, singing birds, cool breeze, quiet starry nights and refreshing mornings. Participation with nature brings joy and happiness.
Tarot Images the Emperor, Queen of Wands, Two of Wands, Three of Wands, Four of Wands from the Sacred Circle Tarot by Anna Franklin and Paul mason published by Llewellyn
