Upright Keywords
stability, structure, protection, authority, control, practicality, focus, discipline
Reversed Keywords
tyrant, domineering, rigid, stubborn, lack of discipline, recklessness
The Emperor Tarot Card Description
In the Emperor tarot card, a stoic ruler figure can be seen on his throne, which is adorned with the heads of four rams, representing hisastrological sign - Aries. In one hand, he carries a scepter,representing his reign and his right to rule, and in the other an orb, a symbolof the kingdom that he watches over. The long beard of the emperor representshis vast experience; over time he has learned much about what it takes to rule,to establish power, authority and complete order for the benefit of his people.
Behind him, the barren mountains shows his determination, his ambition forgreater heights and his leadership capability. Contrast this with hiscomplement, the Empress, whose flowing fields are filled with nurturingkindness. The Emperor instead rules with grit, strength and force.
It’s all about control when itcomes to the Emperor, for this card means authority, regulation,organization and a fatherliness. The Emperor represents a strategicthinker who sets out plans that he must see through. He is a symbol of themasculine principle - the paternal figure in life that gives structure, createsrules and systems, and imparts knowledge. Where the Empress's desire for theirkingdom is to create happiness, the emperor desires to foster honor anddiscipline. He guides with a firm hand, following the calling of the crownabove all else. Though he is a ruler, he understands that to reign is also toserve - thus he acts rationally and according to what is for the greater goodof the kingdom.
He is a symbol of the masculine principle - thepaternal figure in life that gives structure, creates rules and systems, andimparts knowledge.
To see him in a readingpresents a chance to grow in terms of the goals that you have set for yourself.It presents a successful future as long as you pursue your goals similar to thefashion that the Emperor does, methodically, and strategically.
When you see him in a reading, apossible interpretation is that you could be put in charge of somethingimportant. It could be a position at work or in any kind of organization orinstitution that desperately needs order and a clear decisive mind. You may becalled to act in the place of the Emperor, using his wisdom to bring clarity tothe project.
Upright Love Meaning
traditional relationship, use logic in love, unexpressed emotions
Upright Career Meaning
creating processes, structure, discipline, routine, mentor
Upright Finances Meaning
being disciplined about money
Although the Emperor is a veryserious man, without any real sense of romance, its appearance in a love tarotreading can still be beneficial. The Emperor tarot love meaning asks us tobring common sense, structure, discipline and logic to relationships andromance. Relationships around this tarot card may be rather traditional, andperhaps stifling if not handled too carefully.
As a person, the Emperorrepresents someone older and well-established, that may also have a hard timeexpressing their feelings. Sometimes, this card however, can also symbolize aperson driven by ego, who is domineering and bullying, and unable to empathizewith others.
Your career may be flourishingdue to your hard work, concentration and organized approach. The Emperor callson you to be disciplined, efficient and persistent when it comes to gettingwhat you want out of your job, or job search. If your office, or your workprocess is a bit chaotic or frustrating right now, it may be helpful for you tostep up and introduce new methodologies or structures that can help you andyour teammates collaborate more efficiently. This card can also point to havinga more senior colleague or boss that can provide you with support and advice inyour career.
When it comes to your finances,the Emperor signals the need to be controlled, disciplined and responsible withyour money. Make sure that you have a clear understanding of where your moneyis going; put together a budget, make sure you stick to it, and check in everymonth or so. So long as you can keep it up, you’ll likely be in a goodfinancial position.
The Emperor reversed is asign of abused authoritative power. In your social life, it can manifestin the overreach of power from a father figure or a possessive partner. Incareer readings, it could be coming from a superior. It presents a man who wantsto take control of your actions and makes you feel powerless. It could also be that you are playing the part of a weak ruler, hatching a planto avoid the tasks that come with having responsibility. Perhapsyou aspire for a career that is more flexible than one that is governed bystrict rules.
Lack of self-control andinability to handle situations can be represented by the Emperor on a personallevel. When he is reversed, the structures, rules and systems that hecreates are no longer working. His desire to inspire higher principles in hiskingdom have turned to ruthlessness, tyranny and rigidity. He seeks todominate, forgetting his call from the crown to do what is best for his people,fearing only for his loss of control and thus creating suffering.
Reversed Love Meaning
power struggle, competitiveness, overbearing partner
Reversed Career Meaning
low concentration or focus, bureaucracy, bad boss
Reversed Finances Meaning
not disciplined about money, out of control finances
The reversed Emperor tarot lovemeaning can signal some kind of power struggle or a fight for dominance when itcomes to love and relationships. Instead of coming together with your differentideas, there may be competitiveness and a desire to just be right.
This card can also signal anoverbearing partner, whether it's you or your other half. Be careful that youdon't give up too much of your personal power, or repress who you are in orderto be in this relationship. Alternatively, this card can also signal difficultyemotionally connecting in your relationship or potential relationships.
Without focus or discipline, yourwork may start to falter. If you’ve been lacking these qualities in theworkplace, you may notice that it is taking a toll on your projects. Sometimes,this card can also suggest rigidity and bureaucracy in your work environment.This may stifle your sense of creativity and motivation, since the processesneeded to do anything have been tedious and frustrating. At worst, the reversedEmperor can point towards a senior employee or boss that rules the workplacelike a tyrant. Should this be your situation, it may be better to start lookingfor employment elsewhere.
You may feel like your financesare out of your control right now. The reversed Emperor can suggest one’sinability to properly deal with one’s financial situation. Sometimes, it canalso suggest lack of discipline when it comes to spending. If the former isyour case, you may want to find a professional that can help you. If the latterapplies instead, you’ll really need to take a closer look at what you’reearning versus what you’re spending, and learn to cut things out.
BooksArtworkBlanketPremium boxPresentatieThis project is made by Jan Otte for his final project at Ap hogeschool.
You can find more of his work at his personal website.