By Michelle Crandell.
The Fool heeds the Empress’ advice. She nurtured and guided him so he trusts her last suggestion. “Before leaving, you must meet my husband, the Emperor.” So he does.
He finds the Emperor at a public square, issuing commands and settling disputes. The Fool is very impressed. The Emperor issues commands; people willingly obey. He settles disputes; people agree his decisions are fair.
His Empire is well managed, productive. “How do you manage all this?” the Fool asks.
The Emperor replies, “My people follow me because I am logical and practical. I see long term consequences of plans implemented now. I stand by my decisions. I have a code of ethics, an unshakeable sense of law and order. I am confident in my ability to govern others.”
Hoping for the Emperor’s respect, the Fool tries to share his encounters with the Magician, the High Priestess and with the Empress, his wife. The Emperor cuts him off, saying, “All well and good to be imaginative, creative, instinctual and resilient. In order to lead… to rule, you must be brave, self-assured, moral and dominant.” The Emperor faced the Fool, holding him by the shoulders. “Pledge your fealty to me and I will teach you leadership.” The Fool so pledges.
A man of his word, the Emperor teaches the Fool to boldly initiate projects and complete them, gathering materials and harnessing resources as needed. Then, one day, the Emperor tells the Fool, “Young one, I have taught you enough. Go, find your way in the world.” As the Fool makes ready to go, the Emperor says to him, “I am proud of you, son.”
Michelle Crandell provides individual readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. For more information, email michelle.crandell@gmail.com or call 501-655-6242.
