VII – The Conqueror Tarot
“the expanding force of daringness, will and departure”
symbol: conquest, objective, focus
zodiac: Cancer
astrology: Mars or Aries in connection to the Sun
ritual: initiation and connected surveys, departure
archetype: Shiva, Osiris, Ikarus, Phaeton
path of Chet: Binah – Geburah
The card of „The Conqueror“ represents the young and agile form of a nascent emperor who expands from his center. He has a goal ahead, a focused sight on his target, and an idea how to get there. There is always more to accomplish, to conquer or to gain – his will is pure flame. This archetype is a strong leader with potential followers but has almost no ability to connect to the world or others on the same level. He is the rising sun, the symbolic golden dawn, or the awakening idea within. His innovative purpose is symbolized through the planets emerging from the rays around his head.
The conqueror is in the center of the pillars (Jachin and Boaz) and guarded by the baldachin of the mother (Binah). This emphasizes his function as the renovator and bringer of the holy grail. His golden armor works like a husk and allows no deviant ideas to touch him. This means almost perfect focus but also rigidity in mind. The shell protects him from being disturbed or even recognized by his followers. While he is a strong-minded archetype, his appearance can be very inert. He is carried and moved by his carriage. Therefore he does not have to act directly (symbol of the cancer). During a confrontation he would never leave his chariot. The conqueror on this card is absorbed in thought and sitting in a meditating position, assembling his potential power. Purposeful as he is, he navigates his chariot without regard for his surroundings, leading to potential destruction of everything and everyone in the carriage’s way. Like the serpent of time (Ouroboros), the chariot is a symbol for repeating cycles, but also imminent decisions. Everything old or outdated must move aside or it will be overrun in the vortex of the wheels.
The archetype is usually self-confident and assured that his new concepts will prevail. The chariot symbolizes directed will and departure – often a quest.
Because of this strong intention, he cannot have respect or sympathy for the weak, hypothetical or flexible. So, the person embodying this archetype can be the hero, initiate, warrior or simply an egocentric maniac. The card can also be a warning of overestimation of one’s own capabilities or imminent recklessness.
