In today’s post, we move on to The Emperor in our Biblical Tarot series. The Emperor is represented by King Solomon, a perfect archetype for a divinely ordained ruler. We examine the King Solomon Emperor archetype from every angle in this post, including (of course!) his metaphysical meaning. Finally, you get to know King Solomon via the King Solomon Temple of Inner Peace Tarot Spread. For basic Emperor Tarot meanings, please visit THIS POST.
Jump to the King Solomon Temple of Inner Peace Tarot Spread
King Solomon: Life and Legacy
King Solomon, the son of King David, is a central figure in the Tanakh (referred to as ‘The Old Testament’ by Christians), reigning over Israel in the 10th century BCE. His governance is often placed around 970-931 BCE. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, Solomon’s most notable construction is the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites.
The Three OT Books of Solomon and the Path of the Christian Mystic
Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon and embodies the stage of purgation on the mystic path. Proverbs teaches moral wisdom and practical advice, urging readers to depart from evil and embrace a righteous life. The proverbs highlight the importance of wisdom, discipline, and understanding, leading individuals to cleanse their souls from ignorance and sin.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes, also associated with Solomon, corresponds to the mystic stage of illumination. In this book, Solomon contemplates the meaning of life and the human condition. It reflects on the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the pursuit of knowledge, ultimately seeking spiritual enlightenment and understanding of the divine order. This stage is about gaining insight and seeing beyond the material world to grasp deeper existential truths.
Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs, symbolises divine union. This lyrical and poetic text expresses the profound love between two lovers, often interpreted as an allegory for the love between God and the soul or the divine union of human and divine within. It represents the pinnacle experience of the mystic journey, where the soul is united with the divine presence in a state of spiritual rapture and complete harmony.
Solomonic Magic and the Occult
In the realm of the occult, Solomon’s legacy took on a different dimension. Ancient manuscripts and grimoires, such as the ‘Key of Solomon’ and ‘Lesser Key of Solomon’ (also known as the Lemegeton), became influential texts in Western esotericism and magic. These works, claiming to be authored by Solomon, cover various rituals, spells, and invocations for summoning spirits and gaining knowledge and power.
Occultists throughout history have been fascinated by these texts, believing in the potency of Solomonic magic for acquiring wisdom and controlling supernatural forces. This tradition has contributed significantly to the development of ceremonial magic in various occult traditions.
Resources for Solomonic Magic
For those interested in exploring Solomonic magic and its traditions, here are some useful resources (Amazon UK affiliate links):
- The Key of Solomon: An essential grimoire of ceremonial magic attributed to Solomon.
- The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton): Another key text detailing various forms of spiritual invocation and magic.
- Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa: While not solely about Solomon, it provides foundational knowledge in Western occult traditions.
While the historical accuracy and authorship of these texts are subjects of debate, their influence on occult practices remains significant to this day.
Metaphysical Significance of King Solomon
King Solomon represents the development of wisdom, understanding, and inner peace in human consciousness. From a metaphysical perspective, Solomon embodies the spiritual qualities of discernment, judgment, and intuition, which lead to the establishment of a harmonious inner kingdom.
Solomon’s wisdom signifies the enlightened state of mind that discerns divine truth, allowing one to live in alignment with higher principles. Building the First Temple symbolises the construction of a sacred space within one’s own being, facilitating a deeper connection to the divine.
Solomon’s legacy encourages us to seek and embrace wisdom, cultivate inner peace, and create a sanctified inner life. For a more detailed exploration of Solomon’s metaphysical meaning, you can read the full entry on TruthUnity.
Seven Reasons Why King Solomon is a Perfect Representation of the Tarot Emperor Archetype
1. Wisdom and Authority
King Solomon is famed for his wisdom, solving disputes like a true judicial figure. The Tarot Emperor mirrors this authoritative wisdom.
2. Builder of the Temple
The Emperor symbolises societal structure. Solomon’s construction of the First Temple represents establishing spiritual and societal order.
3. Prosperity and Wealth
Solomon’s reign brought immense wealth through trade and wise governance. This parallels the Emperor’s material acumen and stability.
4. Divine Right to Rule
The Emperor is the ultimate authority, often divinely appointed. Solomon’s rule, ordained by God, echoes this divine favor.
5. Patriarchal Figure
The Emperor is a patriarch, governing with firmness. Solomon, as a king and patriarch, provided guidance and discipline.
6. Military and Political Strength
The Emperor represents military strength. Solomon, maintaining a secure kingdom through strategic alliances, reflects this control and stability.
7. Advocate of Law and Order
Solomon established laws and maintained order. The Emperor stands for law, order, and state power, much like Solomon’s reign.
Conclusion
King Solomon is a quintessential representation of the Tarot Emperor archetype, exemplifying wisdom, authority, prosperity, and the construction of significant spiritual and societal structures. His legacy upholds the Emperor’s essence of responsible leadership, order, and divine wisdom.
King Solomon Temple of Inner Peace Tarot Spread
In this spread, each card represents an aspect of King Solomon’s legacy and its application to inner peace and wisdom.
1. Wisdom and Authority
- Meaning: This card represents the wisdom and authority of King Solomon. It signifies the knowledge you need to embody to resolve conflicts and make wise decisions in your life.
2. Builder of the Temple
- Meaning: This card symbolises the construction of your inner temple. It represents your efforts in building a stable and harmonious inner life.
3. Prosperity and Wealth
- Meaning: This card indicates your material and spiritual prosperity. It reflects how you can achieve stability and abundance through wise governance and prudent management.
4. Divine Right to Rule
- Meaning: This card stands for the divine favour that grants you sovereignty and authority over all aspects of your life.
5. Strength and Stability
- Meaning: This card represents the strength needed to maintain stability in your life. It signifies your ability to create strategic alliances and defend your boundaries.
6. Justice and Order
- Meaning: This card symbolises the importance of law and order in your journey towards inner peace. It reflects your role in establishing and upholding habits that support a harmonious environment.
How to Use This Spread
- Draw each card from your Tarot deck and place them according to the Star of David layout above.
- Reflect on how each card’s meaning applies to your current life situation and how it can guide you towards inner peace and wisdom.
- Journal your interpretations and insights, connecting them to King Solomon’s legacy and how it can inspire your personal growth.
Additional Notes
- For a deeper understanding of each card and its significance in your life, you might want to refer back to King Solomon’s life and teachings from the text above.
- Performing this spread regularly can help you stay aligned with the wisdom and principles that King Solomon embodies.
King Solomon Temple of Inner Peace Sample Reading
1. Wisdom and Authority – 4 of Cups
The 4 of Cups in this position suggests a period of contemplation and potential dissatisfaction with current circumstances. It invites introspection to find deeper wisdom and authority from within, rather than seeking external validation. This card signals a need to look inward and embrace inner discontent as a catalyst for true wisdom.
2. Builder of the Temple – 8 of Wands
The 8 of Wands represents swift progress and dynamic action in building your inner temple. It signifies that your efforts to create a stable and harmonious inner life are gathering momentum. This card encourages you to harness this energy and channel it constructively to advance your spiritual and personal development.
3. Prosperity and Wealth – 5 of Wands
The 5 of Wands indicates that your journey towards prosperity and wealth may involve competition and conflict. This card suggests that challenges and struggles can lead to growth and improvement if approached with the right mindset. Embrace these conflicts as opportunities to refine your skills and achieve lasting stability.
4. Divine Right to Rule – 8 of Cups
The 8 of Cups signifies a quest for deeper meaning and spiritual fulfillment. In the context of the divine right to rule, it suggests a departure from superficial pursuits to seek higher truths and divine guidance. This card calls you to leave behind what no longer serves you and embrace your spiritual path with sovereignty and authority.
5. Strength and Stability – 10 of Wands
The 10 of Wands highlights the burdens and responsibilities you carry in maintaining strength and stability. This card acknowledges the weight of your commitments and the effort they require. It encourages you to find ways to manage these responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed, ensuring that you remain strong and resilient.
6. Justice and Order – 10 of Swords
The 10 of Swords represents the necessity to confront and end destructive patterns in the pursuit of justice and order. It signifies painful but necessary conclusions that bring clarity and resolution. This card emphasises the importance of facing difficult truths to establish a harmonious and just inner and outer environment.
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