by StillSmallVoiceTarot | Nov 26, 2025 | We need to talk about
Today would’ve been my grandfather’s birthday
He would be well into his second century by now if he were still with us in this life.
A Sagittarian through and through, he was sharp-witted, fiercely curious, and had a wicked sense of humour. He loved languages, art and music. He liked to write poetry (often humorous), published two war novels, and left behind a memoir that would answer at least some of the questions we had left unasked during his life. He was a devoted husband and a father of three children, the eldest of whom is my father.
After serving in the Army during WWII, he returned to England to run a cattle farm and was incredibly fit and strong. Tall and well-built, he had an immense presence which was reassuring, commanding and authoritative.
To his grandchildren, he could be intimidating, scary sometimes, but mostly he was great fun. And he was kind and generous.
I loved him and still miss him. And tend to think of him when I am out walking in nature because it reminds me of long walks on the farm, always with some purpose like checking on a gate, pulling up the ragwort, or assessing the rabbit situation. Looking back, I’m sure the main aim of these long expeditions across the fields was to get us out from under my Granny’s feet.
He was the Achetypal Emperor
It’s no surprise I now associate his stable, guiding energy so strongly with The Emperor – the card from the Major Arcana most commonly associated with father figures in particular and authority figures in general. I see in this card his strength, authority and benevolence.
The description above makes that part of my childhood sound idyllic, but it wasn’t always. My grandparents were strict, highly disciplined, resilient and self-reliant people. They had no time for tears or tantrums and didn’t believe in giving much praise or any form of molly-coddling. And in post-war Britain, they couldn’t abide any form of waste, especially with food – to this day, in my family, each generation has gruesome tales to tell of historic battles played out over the dinner table.
They were from another time.
Like all archetypes, the Emperor has many faces and his Shadow can be expressed through rigidity, judgment, control and coercion. The Emperor card, and what it represents, often holds some discomfort for many, especially women.
As a depiction of authority, it’s a reminder that although much has moved on in the last couple of generations, we still live in a patriarchal system. Women are still striving to achieve equality in a world built by men for men. Still required to compete with men at their own game, display our ‘strength’ to get ahead, and then criticised for being ‘too much’, ‘difficult’, ‘nasty’, and, of course, ‘unfeminine’.
The Emperor cautions us that ‘might’ is not always right, and true leadership looks less like dominance and control and more like service, protection and commitment. Inspiration, not intimidation.
Sagittarius I – Magic & Alchemy
The first Decan of Sagittarius comes under the influence of Mercury and is associated in tarot with the 8 of Wands.
This card suggests fast-moving, purposeful, ‘no time like the present’ energy. My grandfather embodied that energy too: when he saw a thing that needed doing or fixing, he would just get on and do it, and then see how it turned out. This was true whether he was fixing a fence or carving the Sunday roast.
Mercury connects this Decan to the Magician, a card that channels thought into action. This character is the super-manifestor of the Tarot. I think my grandfather had that too – he was someone who didn’t just think about things or make plans in the abstract. He took action, trusting his instincts and moving forward with conviction.
Sagittarius is represented in the Tarot Major Arcana by Temperance, a card that highlights patience, moderation, forgiveness, and tolerance. I now recognise that in his later years, there was a ‘tempering’ of his more prominent Emperor traits. He grew gentler. Slower to judge. Still intimidating, but more patient and open.
I think this ‘tempering’ also relates to the ‘luxury’ afforded to grandparents with their own children’s offspring. They can afford to be softer, kinder and more tolerant. There’s not so much skin in the game when you are separated by a generation.
Reflections on The Emperor
Blending The Emperor with The Magician and Temperance feels like a powerful trinity. As you reflect on these archetypes, and especially The Emperor, I invite you to consider:
- Who are the Emperor figures in your life? Who has shaped your understanding of structure, protection, authority, or responsibility – for better or for worse?
- How does your relationship with those figures deepen or complicate your understanding of the Emperor as a Tarot archetype?
- And conversely, how might working with the Emperor in Tarot offer you new insights into those people, their choices, their limitations, and into your own relationship with leadership, success and power?
The Still Small Voice Tarot Deck
In the Still Small Voice Tarot, the Emperor is not depicted as a stoic father or grandfather figure. He’s not based on my grandfather – or my father, for that matter.
I wanted The Emperor in my deck to be confronting, not comforting. To force us to recognise over-reaching, corrupting power when we see it in others, and ourselves – and to question what drives it. Does it exist to serve, or to dominate? To build and support, or to control and coerce?
Because power for power’s sake is not leadership.
As a single woman in her fifties now (with kid and a cat and my own business), I’m beyond asking for permission or hearing ‘explanations’ from the old guard or anyone who wants to uphold it. We are all, men and women, products of the patriarchy, and it’s time for us all to wake up to how much needs to change in our society, in leadership and personal relations, inside and outside the home.
I am my own Emperor now – and I love that energy.
In the spirit of ending on a lighter note on this bright Sagittarian day, and what would be my grandfather’s 109th Birthday, I remember, with love and gratitude, a man who was both fearsome and kind-hearted. A flawed human, like the rest of us, but whose strength and power were most often expressed through care and good humour.
You can find out more about The Still Small Voice Tarot Deck here and sign-up for Kickstarter news below.
by StillSmallVoiceTarot | Jan 27, 2025 | Tarot readings
by StillSmallVoiceTarot | Oct 27, 2024 | Tarot readings
by StillSmallVoiceTarot | Apr 10, 2024 | Decan Walk 2024/25
Decan: 20°-29° Aries
Dates 2024: 10 April – 19 April
Ruling planet/luminary: Venus – Roman Goddess of Love & Beauty
Zodiac sign : Aries ~ Cardinal Fire
Tarot card: 4 of Wands
Golden Dawn Title: Lord of Perfected Work
Associated Major Arcana:
The Empress (Venus) & The Emperor IV (Aries)
At last some feminine energy brings balance, beauty and pleasure
It’s time to take a break from all that unadulterated yang activity brought by the first two faces of Aries and allow Venus to welcome us into her Decan of Aries before handing us over to the Taurus – a sign she is most compatible with.
It’s almost as if she has invited everyone in to take a well deserved rest from the super-creative, initiative work and relax for a while to enjoy a few earthly pleasures and celebrate what they have accomplished. I’m getting a vision of her, fragrant and luminous, floating around her party in a voluminous silk maxi-dress, the gracious hostess, making sure all guests are being taken care of and putting everyone at ease. She encourages connection, enjoyment and fun.
Let’s take a look at some keywords for Venus and Aries to see what they tell us about the 4 of Wands.
Venus ~ attributes
- Earth
- Yin energy
- Tenderness
- Abundance
- Growth
- Love
- Friendship
- Attraction
- Sensuousness
- Sensuality
- Warmth
- Creativity
- Art
- Beauty
- Harmony
- Earthly pleasures
- Joy
- Luxury
- Ruler of Taurus & Virgo
Aries ~ attributes
- The first
- Initiator
- Fiery/flammable
- Leader/Emperor energy
- Creative
- Spontaneous
- Heroic
- Passionate
- Inspiring
- Vibrant
- Charismatic
- Forceful
- Unstoppable
- Domineering
- Quick-tempered
- Reactive
- Hasty
Love & passion. Partnership, stability & abundance
Venus is the ruler of two zodiac signs: Taurus and Libra. And it is the energies of these signs that she brings to this last Decan of Aries. There is a focus of energy on love, romance and partnerships and sustainable material abundance.
The 4 of Wands, of course, depicts some kind of celebration. A Spring festival maybe, or a wedding party? For all her gracious charm, Venus in Aries will be urging people to show passion and initiative, and take action in their relationships. With the Emperor IV and 4 of Wands, The Empress/Venus also encourages consolidation and stabilisation of partnerships in any sphere of life in order to create lasting abundance and wealth.
Thinking forward to future Decans, the next time Venus shows up is in the 2 of Cups (love, partnership and creativity), and the 9 of Pentacles (wealth, abundance and independence). There is a fascinating pattern there… for a nerd like me.
Prompts for 4 of Wands ~ Venus in Aries
If/when you experience a period of growth, when new endeavours or relationships are starting to stabilise…
Ask yourself:
- Who or what needs celebrating in your life right now?
- What are you grateful for today?
- What blessings are flowing your way? And how can you keep that flow of lovingkindness moving?
- What have you achieved that you are proud of?
- What relationships are you grateful for?
- Who do you like spending time with?
- How do you show those people that you appreciate them?
- How do you celebrate them and yourself?
- Who needs nurturing?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on Aries III
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Aries II, to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
OK so this has brought the 4 of Wands to life for me a bit. Now when I pull this card, I will also be looking out for The Empress and The Emperor as well as other Minor Arcana under the influence of Venus: the 2 of Cups (Venus in Cancer) and 9 of Pentacles (Venus in Virgo) in readings. The study of Aries III has deepened the connections for me here.
To take it further, I shall also be looking out for Venus when she appears in the more challenging Minor Arcana cards: 7 of Cups (Venus in Scorpio) and 5 of Swords (Venus in Aquarius).
On a personal note
I have never been married, I am a single Mum (to a bright and wilful teenager who just happens to have been born with her Sun in Aries III) and a happily single woman with a Libra Sun – so, you know, relationships are key for me.
When I read for myself I often see the 4 of Wands, especially if it turns up with the 9 of Pentacles, as an opportunity to acknowledge where I am and how I got here and to celebrate my motherhood, all the precious moments and milestones, and all the important relationships I hold, especially with the wonderful women in my life.
I also take it as a moment to celebrate my independence and freedom – which is an absolutely sacred thing to me. I’m Sag rising… go figure.
My biggest takeaway ~ Aires III
I feel like I want to consolidate, to look back over the previous two faces of Aries and make sure that I have done what I have set out to do. One of those was to shine a light on myself… and I’m going to need all of Venus’ wit, charm and self-love to achieve that.
…
Notes on the Decan Walk 2024/25
For more information on Decans, Astrology and Tarot and how they all synchronise please read this Substack article by Rebeka Kulcsar-Kurdi and T. Susan Chang’s 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
Here’s to another trip around the Sun!
by StillSmallVoiceTarot | Mar 31, 2024 | Decan Walk 2024/25
Decan: 10°-19° Aries
Dates 2024: 31 March-9 April
Ruling planet/luminary: Sol
Zodiac sign : Aries ~ Cardinal Fire
Tarot card: 3 of Wands
Golden Dawn Title: Lord of Established Strength
Associated Major Arcana:
The Sun XIX (The Sun) & The Emperor IV (Aries)
Confidence & strength
If Aries I, and the 2 of Wands, represents the planting of a seed (the seed of a new idea, plan, relationship, phase), and this seems appropriately phallic for Mars in Aries, then Aries II, the 3 of Wands, might well represent the energy and mindset required to produce and sustain growth. Maintain momentum.
That Sun energy is the energy that you have to put into something new to make sure it progresses, the next steps that you must take on your path – to nurture it, give it warmth, light and your direct focus. ‘Where your attention goes, energy flows…’ and all that.
I also see the 3 of Wands as less of a ‘show of strength’ (Mars) and more a ‘show of confidence’ (Sun). Confidence in the future. Confidence in self. Confidence in your leadership and vision.
Again, like the 2 of Wands, the Lord of Dominion, this is all super-yang stuff. With the Sun and Aries, could there be a danger that it could tip over into ego driven behaviour? Dominion, strength, Emperor – these are words that could conjure up an image of a tyrant in your mind. Sun XIX is a force of nature, of course, but I’d like to think that he has the potential to be a little more ‘chill’ or relaxed than that. Not everything is a battle or something to be ‘won’.
Let’s take a look at some keywords for the Sun and Aries to see what they tell us about the 3 of Wands.
The Sun ~ attributes
- Fire
- Yang
- Energy
- Growth
- Confidence
- Success
- Enthusiasm
- Positivity
- Openness
- Trust
- Warmth
- Life
- Light
- Radiance
- Centre
- Ruler of Leo
- Ego
- Strength
- Force of nature
Aries ~ attributes
- The first
- Initiator
- Fiery/flammable
- Leader/Emperor energy
- Creative
- Spontaneous
- Heroic
- Passionate
- Inspiring
- Vibrant
- Charismatic
- Forceful
- Unstoppable
- Domineering
- Quick-tempered
- Reactive
- Hasty
Energy & order
In the Rider Waite Smith the visual differences between 2 and 3 of Wands, representing the first two Decans of Aries, appear subtle. In both we see someone looking out to the horizon, contemplating, assessing, planning (or dreaming?). In the latter we see someone who has actually stepped out and onto their path watching their ships leave harbour – or are those ships coming in?
With all that might be riding on a situation the posture of this individual might suggest calm assurance. Confidence in the outcome. There is nothing frantic about the energy of this card – there is intent and order. This person has their ducks, or in this case their ships, in a row.
I see someone standing on their own two feet. And standing in the sunlight, prepared and happy to be seen.
Who would play the 3 of Wands?
Feeling a little stuck with the subtle difference between 2 and 3, I asked myself who I would cast as 3 of Wands in a movie. I went in search of Aries II examples in real life and found Ewan McGregor, born on March 31, 1971, in Perth, Scotland.
Actually, I could totally see him play an Emperor’s right-hand-man, in his prime 3 of Wands mode. Sexy, confident, warm. Opportunistic. Optimistic. Charismatic. A radiant hero with a 1000 watt smile.
Or Russell Crowe, born 7 April 1964, in Wellington New Zealand. He could definitely play a slightly older, harder Emperor (this may be the Gladiator effect). One that had to keep his ego in check.
Robin Wright, born on April 8, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, would be equally well cast as a confident, ambitious, driven 3 of Wands Character who might start out with all the good intentions, but along the way get seduced by power and success. Wait. What? House of Cards?
Prompts for 3 of Wands ~ The Sun in Aries
You have stepped onto a certain path, taken a course of action, what next? Where do you go from here?
Ask yourself:
- How can you sustain the energy to see things through to completion or to the next stage?
- How committed are you to seeing something beyond the ‘ideas stage’
- How can you drive a project, situation without being domineering?
- Should you be driving? Who is in this with you?
- Are you feeling confident? Self-assured?
- What situation, relationship, project requires you to shine your light on it right now?
- Who needs your leadership? Your support and confidence?
- What are you creating?
- Are you ready to go public with it? Stand in the full sunlight?
- What opportunities are you making for yourself? How do you run with them?
- What have you put out there – what ships are leaving your harbour?
- How are you promoting yourself?
- What risks are you taking to ensure success – personally and professionally?
Observations and synchronicities ~ on 3-of-Wandsing-it
I’m making a space here to return to over the coming days of Aries II, to add any thoughts, ideas and synchronicities as they arise…
Oh my goodness. I started strong on 21 March with all the Aries I energy driving me to start a new project – the Decan Walk – only to find I stalled a few days in. I’m a Libra Sun and I found the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra on 25 March challenging to say the least.
I know. Excuses. But some crappy sh*t came up to do with money which kinda ‘pulled me down a peg or two’ and made me question what the f*ck I thought I was doing with my life blogging about Decans and Tarot when I should be grafting every eyes-open minute for actual cash money.
I pulled a card to get a little insight and that was 4 of Swords. I needed to take a bit of a rest to ‘recharge and rebalance my energy’ (by which I mean I had to go back to bed a bit). But after the rest and retreat, it’s time to get out there and into the open.
I had to pull it together, give it some focus, to get this post written. Keep this show on the road. 3-of-Wands-it. An energy that I am applying to more than just the Decan Walk right now.
My biggest takeaway ~ Aires II is Leo-flavoured
Reading around and about the subject has prompted me to take a closer look into the Zodiacal combination in each astrological Decan.
The Sun is the ruler of Leo and so the second Decan of Aries (the Sun in Aries) has a Leo flavour to it. Aries II, the 3 of Wands, can be described as Leo of Aries. And we know that Leo loves to be seen and loves to shine and be out there, front of house, centre stage to receive recognition and adoration.
For me, this definitely sheds new light on the story told in the 3 of Wands. And that new light would be that it’s time for a person to step out into the into the light show themselves and share what they’re doing, even in the early stages, even if it’s not finished. Openly share, so that they can get some recognition and feedback.
It feels like a prelude to the 6 of Wands, who we’ll meet in August. The 6 of Wands, or Leo II, is Jupiter in Leo… or Sagittarius of Leo. Finding freedom and expansion in the limelight or feeling free to expand in the limelight… I’m getting ahead of myself. But it’s exciting isn’t it?!
I’m such a nerd.
Aries II speaks to me personally about ‘coming out’ with creative ideas, passions, stuff that I’m working on.
A rather scary idea for me would be to actually come out into the open… let’s say on my Instagram account with an actual photograph and introduction of myself.
Watch that space!
Notes on the Decan Walk 2024/25
For more information on Decans, Astrology and Tarot and how they all synchronise please read this Substack article by Rebeka Kulcsar-Kurdi and T. Susan Chang’s 36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.
And, if you care to join me for this continuing solar return, you’ll find me on Facebook and Instagram hanging out on the corner of #decanwalk2024 and #decanastrology And I will be following @astroco_op and @tsusanchang
Here’s to another trip around the Sun!
