Pericles, Greek Political Leader and stoic, as The Emperor in the Stoic Tarot

Pericles, a Greek political leader, public speaker, general, and stoic, had a significant impact on Athens throughout his lifetime, in which his military career lead up to his death. During the Greco-Persian and Peloponnesian wars, Athenian democracy and empire developed under his guidance, making Athens the political and cultural centre of Greece.

It doesn't matter if you're an entrepreneur, artist, coach, or a parent. We're all constantly trying to persuade others to follow and believe our ideas, our vision, and to carry out a task we've assigned to them. Force is ineffective. No one is inspired to achieve greatness if they are made to feel insignificant. That is why the great Stoic leaders were so successful. They set an example for others to follow. By using reasoning, persuasion, collaboration and empathy.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles

Pericles reminds us to defend freedom, work for future generations, to be patient before making decisions, to use wealth and not boast about it, to do your duty and give life to others, to accept risk and act boldly, not to compare yourself to others, and to be the best citizen you can be.

The Emperor Tarot card indicates the greatest level of leadership, such as a head of state or the most exemplary and strong individual in the realm. This archetypal figure is in charge of a society's or community's issues, which are directly proportionate to his happiness and well-being.

The Emperor wishes to instil respect and discipline among his subjects. He leads with a hard hand. Though he is the ruler, he recognises that to reign is also to serve, therefore he acts wisely and in the best interests of the people.

In creation of the Stoic Tarot, the ancient wisdom of the great stoics was reinvented in cathartic and captivating artwork.

During one's journey to fulfillment and happiness, stoicism can immediately resonate. The world we live in can be intimidating, dark and a scary place. Especially when you are faced with failure in a society where failure is seen as a weakness. Stoicism is a philosophy for leadership. It teaches us that, before we try to control events, we have to control ourselves first. Our attempts to exert influence on the world are subject to chance, disappointment, and failure–but control of the self is the only kind that can succeed 100% of the time.

Created by Bobby Taslimi and designed by Nikoleta Pantechou, Stoic Tarot is a deck built around Greco-Roman philosophy and art. Whenever you feel the need to explore your inner thoughts and feelings, and have those explained by philosophy, this is the right tarot deck for you.