Power is a concept that strikes us in very particular ways, for very particular reasons. For some, it is a vigorously sought after and highly prized commodity. For others, it is a word that is synonymous with brutality and abuse. It can be experienced as a rapacious captor, or beneficent liberator. It is a factor that introduces either anxiety, or exhilaration.
How we think about and view power is dependent upon how much of it we feel we have – or lack, – and who or what we feel is exercising it over us at any given time. Indeed, our relationship with power is solely determined by where we see ourselves positioned in the ever-fluctuating, grandiose portrait of power.
It can be credibly argued that the Tarot is pretty much just one big sequence of symbols and images about power in its various states and stages. But, as mentioned in the previous post power plays, certain cards can be more explicit than others concerning this subject.
Two Sides of a Coin
Amongst the most straightforward examples of this principle in the Tarot are the Hierophant , and the Devil. In many versions of the Tarot, (both modern and antique), there are similar indications of dominance being performed in each. In the Rider-Waite-Smith, and the Tarot of Marseille portrayals, the cards feature a central figure looming large over two smaller characters in the scene. In both cards this prime figure is holding an implement of authority. The Hierophant wields a staff with a three tiered cross atop it, and the Devil grips a massive torch in a most un-illuminating fashion. In addition, with their opposite hands they are each signaling a gesture of dominion.
There are other elements in the imagery that are more subtlety alluded to, but are just as significant. If we make the effort to detect and consider these elements, then mayhaps we can manage to grab some of that sweet, sweeet, power for ourselves.
Thy Will Be Done
A display of strength can be as obvious and jolting as a military parade performed by a brigade of tiger-sharks sporting purple-neon uniforms. However, – that glorious image aside, – the profound and lasting forms of dominance tend to be of a more artful and discreet nature. The kind of power being demonstrated by the Hierophant perfers the formations of ideologies, as opposed to the formations displayed in military drills.
The demeanor of the Hierophant betrays his knowledge that ideas and beliefs congealed into doctrine are more effective and perennial than a legion of marching tiger-sharks. That does not imply that the fifth card of the Major Arcana is not keenly aware of, and holds a healthy respect for martial force. It is just that the clergy, and politicians, recognize that persistent dogma, and an unshakable faith in divine right, are the true animating force behind the largest, and most formidable of armies.
As we observe the Hierophant exerting his will, the most notable aspect in the scene, is the absence of any undue stress or threat. There is absolute faith that the edict he is issuing will be executed with the precision and zeal of a special operations unit.
This style of power could be designated as merely influence, when compared side by side to raw force. However, what it lacks in savagery, it makes up for with efficiency. The problem with overt corporal force is that it requires a whole lotta kinetic energy. For it to remain relevant it demands constant oversight and incessant reminders of its presence. Whereas, in the case of the Hierophant, it represents a force that is omnidirectional, omnipresent, and most importantly, omnipotent.
The Devil Strongly Suggested I Do It
If the Hierophant is a firm nudge and stern reminder concerning one’s conduct, the Devil is a blaring bullhorn two inches from your ear berating you for incorrectly assuming you have the “right” to exist.
Yup, the rather unpleasant dude perched atop a box of umbrage in the Fifteenth Arcana of the Tarot leaves not an iota of doubt who is calling the shots in this card. This is an exhibition of blatant domination, vulgar defilement, and cruel subjugation. Here is the dark picture that many associate with the idea and practice of power. Those forces that cause us to act against our own self-interest. The hard and apathetic objects that keep us incarcerated against our will. The things that obscure our vision and separate us from the reality we wish to experience.
All that gruesome shit being said, and despite some impressive mean muggin’, his horny highness may have overestimated his stature in this card. Upon careful scrutiny of the scene depicted in the fifteenth card of the Tarot, we find that the ostensive captives have a bit more sway over their situations than first glance would reveal.
In many versions of the card, the prisoners often have their hands unfettered. In the RWS depiction, the chains round the neck’s of the hostages are pretty damn roomy. It actually appears that those tethers could slip off quite easily if not for those pesky protrusions popping out the tops of their head’s.
The burning question being posed by this card may be, who is really in charge? Mr. Abandon All Hope, or what could be mistaken as a couple of confused party goers who are having trouble figuring out where the exits are located? The greatest problem faced by the captives in the scene is a clear lack of will, and the abdication of the responsibility for their own freedom.
The Power To Grow… Discontent
Most folks reflexively bristle at the thought of not being in control of their own destinies. We as humans have a deep-seated desire to (at the very least,) feel that we are in command of our live’s.
From the time we are thrust into puberty, we begin to examine and test the integrity of the boundaries established by our parents, as well as the vast majority of adults. (Except for the ones that haven’t sold out, and ya know; get it.) As our growing pains continue to stretch every fiber of our physical, mental, and emotional being, we find ourselves pushing at the perimeters set by society at large. We ask questions such as: if the traditions, and religions, and governments, are so important, and so sacred, and so good, then why is everything sooo fucked up?
Our continued impetuousness eventually leads us to seek answers outside of the standards we were smart enough to figure out just aren’t relevant any longer. We are able to then enjoy our new found enlightenment, and can indulge in all the forbidden fruits we can stuff into our various orifice’s. We experiment with, and revel in our self-determination and self-satisfaction. Until, to the dismay of many of us, we find we have traded one set of restrictions for a more insidious form of bondage.
A bondage of addiction. An artificial dependency that can include – but is by no means limited to, – controlled (and controlling), substances and vices. However, a more prevalent and just as debilitating addiction, is the addiction to an ever-diminishing perception of the world. We become hopelessly attached to what we have chosen to make of life, and what that life has made of us. While we were preoccupied with rebelling against the apparatus of power, we failed to notice that we were being consumed by, integrated into, or promoted within that self-same apparatus.
Power Up
Whatever the style of power we view ourselves, either being the victims of, or exercising over others, it behooves us to remain acutely aware that the currents of power are constantly in flux. We may be happily holding the high and mighty office of the Hierophant, or even the dastardly station of the Devil, one moment only to be in the unenviable situation of the acolytes or imps the next. It is not where we are positioned necessarily, but how we conduct ourselves in those positions that determines our relationship with power.
Power is not the goal, it is the resource we invest to achieve our goals. If our goal is to persecute and destroy, then the quality of this power will inevitably become an abomination. Conversely, if we exert our vigor to free ourselves and others from the oppression and brutality of ignorance, then that same potential becomes a source of warmth and illumination.
The Tarot is the projection of both possibilities that exist in each of us. It can be credibly pointed out though, that the Tarot ultimately leads (like time and truth,), in one direction. If followed faithfully through each of its stages, we find ourselves not just atop a an artificial and temporary pedestal, but on top of the world. This is the world of self-Knowledge, universal Love, and Freedom.
When we experience these gifts, we feel no compulsion to force our will upon anyone, or anything.
This state can only be truly experienced when we have first been before both, the Hierophant, and the Devil. And only when we have felt and wielded the power possessed by each of these principles, can we then exercise our own unique brand of power with judicious grace.
Key Questions:
✴ Who or what are the people or things currently exercising power over you and your life?
✴ Is the power that is being exerted in your life, welcomed and beneficial, or detrimental and destructive?
✴ What areas of your life do you desire to have more power?
Tarot Exercise:
✴ Take the Hierophant and Devil (or their equivalents) cards from your favorite deck and set them side by side. Take note of what aspects of power you can identify as currently being present in your life, and how is it being expressed.
✴ What traits from each card can you detect in yourself, and how do those make you feel.
✴ What traits from each card do you wish had, and why.
Would you like to work with me and the Tarot live and direct? Learn about the PyRaMid Tarot Process here.
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Thank You.
Peace Love Unity and having Big Fun
Hotep Y’all
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